This post is not meant as an attack on Joel Osteen, and if it comes across as this, my apologies in advance, and yes I have attended services at Lakewood Church.
Some time ago, my wife and I were tuned in to Texas Monthly Talks on KUHT (the local PBS station) as editor Evan Smith interviewed Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen who at the time was promoting his best-selling book (click here to download the interview).
Osteen looked uncomfortable at times especially when Smith’s questions were of a controversial nature. Osteen has a propensity to waver in the face of tough questions which have even tougher answers, tougher to those who are unable to appraise them.
Inevitably, Smith asked for Osteen’s take on so-called “gay marriage” (around on 7:40 on the mp3). If you can believe it, this is what transpired:
Smith: Let’s talk about gay marriage, for instance, because obviously the church played a very large role in driving the discussion over gar marriage. A lot of people of faith are opposed to it for moral reasons, and I wonder if your church or if you personally have talked on this subject or feel that the church ought to have a place in talking about, say that issue or abortion, another issue that has tended to divide people along religious lines.
Osteen: Yeah… You know it’s interesting Evan, I’m new at this, been doing it for 5 years. My dad was never political and we’ve just never been political. It’s just not in me, I’m just for everybody.
I know there’s right and there’s wrong and there’s people that are called to that and I know that church and certain leaders are called to take a stand on that, but you know what? I just have not…
Smith: You just soon not do that…
Osteen: No, I’m just for people
What God’s decree that marriage is between one man and woman as well as Jesus’ affirmation of said decree have to do with politics I do not know and I assure you neither does Osteen.
Of utmost interest was the fact that even though it’s not in him to ‘be political’ his response to Smith’s inquiry was incredibly political.
I do not know what Joel’s stance on homosexuality is, but according to this article, his brother-in-law’s (Rev. Gary Simons) church, High Point Church in Dallas, is taking heat from the homosexual community for refusing to hold funeral services for a deceased gay man. On the grounds that the funeral as the family wants to do it allegedly promotes the homosexual lifestyle,
“It became clear to the church staff that the family was requesting an openly homosexual service at High Point Church – which is not our policy to allow,” said the church’s statement.
“Allowing an openly homosexual service in our facility would condone homosexuality as a lifestyle,” read the statement. “We could not allow the homosexual lifestyle to be celebrated, flaunted or glorified in our church facility. We could not put inappropriate images on our screens or subject our members and possibly even our children to an openly homosexual service. We cannot condone what the Word of God condemns.”
The last sentence is very interesting, in light of Osteen’s comments above, where he practically equates homosexuality (in the context of so-called “gay marriage”) and its acceptance/rejection as a political exercise.
I wonder if Reverend Simons has discussed with Joel Osteen, his famous brother-in-law, the serious lapse in judgment which he displays on local as well as national television (no, I am not referring to his sermons).
__________________
Isaiah 53:5: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."(KJV)
"God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves." Dwight L. Moody
This post is not meant as an attack on Joel Osteen, and if it comes across as this, my apologies in advance, and yes I have attended services at Lakewood Church.
Some time ago, my wife and I were tuned in to Texas Monthly Talks on KUHT (the local PBS station) as editor Evan Smith interviewed Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen who at the time was promoting his best-selling book (click here to download the interview).
Osteen looked uncomfortable at times especially when Smith’s questions were of a controversial nature. Osteen has a propensity to waver in the face of tough questions which have even tougher answers, tougher to those who are unable to appraise them.
Inevitably, Smith asked for Osteen’s take on so-called “gay marriage” (around on 7:40 on the mp3). If you can believe it, this is what transpired:
Smith: Let’s talk about gay marriage, for instance, because obviously the church played a very large role in driving the discussion over gar marriage. A lot of people of faith are opposed to it for moral reasons, and I wonder if your church or if you personally have talked on this subject or feel that the church ought to have a place in talking about, say that issue or abortion, another issue that has tended to divide people along religious lines.
Osteen: Yeah… You know it’s interesting Evan, I’m new at this, been doing it for 5 years. My dad was never political and we’ve just never been political. It’s just not in me, I’m just for everybody.
I know there’s right and there’s wrong and there’s people that are called to that and I know that church and certain leaders are called to take a stand on that, but you know what? I just have not…
Smith: You just soon not do that…
Osteen: No, I’m just for people
What God’s decree that marriage is between one man and woman as well as Jesus’ affirmation of said decree have to do with politics I do not know and I assure you neither does Osteen.
Of utmost interest was the fact that even though it’s not in him to ‘be political’ his response to Smith’s inquiry was incredibly political.
I do not know what Joel’s stance on homosexuality is, but according to this article, his brother-in-law’s (Rev. Gary Simons) church, High Point Church in Dallas, is taking heat from the homosexual community for refusing to hold funeral services for a deceased gay man. On the grounds that the funeral as the family wants to do it allegedly promotes the homosexual lifestyle,
“It became clear to the church staff that the family was requesting an openly homosexual service at High Point Church – which is not our policy to allow,” said the church’s statement.
“Allowing an openly homosexual service in our facility would condone homosexuality as a lifestyle,” read the statement. “We could not allow the homosexual lifestyle to be celebrated, flaunted or glorified in our church facility. We could not put inappropriate images on our screens or subject our members and possibly even our children to an openly homosexual service. We cannot condone what the Word of God condemns.”
The last sentence is very interesting, in light of Osteen’s comments above, where he practically equates homosexuality (in the context of so-called “gay marriage”) and its acceptance/rejection as a political exercise.
I wonder if Reverend Simons has discussed with Joel Osteen, his famous brother-in-law, the serious lapse in judgment which he displays on local as well as national television (no, I am not referring to his sermons).
This post is not meant as an attack on Joel Osteen, and if it comes across as this, my apologies in advance, and yes I have attended services at Lakewood Church.
Some time ago, my wife and I were tuned in to Texas Monthly Talks on KUHT (the local PBS station) as editor Evan Smith interviewed Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen who at the time was promoting his best-selling book (click here to download the interview).
Osteen looked uncomfortable at times especially when Smith’s questions were of a controversial nature. Osteen has a propensity to waver in the face of tough questions which have even tougher answers, tougher to those who are unable to appraise them.
Inevitably, Smith asked for Osteen’s take on so-called “gay marriage” (around on 7:40 on the mp3). If you can believe it, this is what transpired:
Smith: Let’s talk about gay marriage, for instance, because obviously the church played a very large role in driving the discussion over gar marriage. A lot of people of faith are opposed to it for moral reasons, and I wonder if your church or if you personally have talked on this subject or feel that the church ought to have a place in talking about, say that issue or abortion, another issue that has tended to divide people along religious lines.
Osteen: Yeah… You know it’s interesting Evan, I’m new at this, been doing it for 5 years. My dad was never political and we’ve just never been political. It’s just not in me, I’m just for everybody.
I know there’s right and there’s wrong and there’s people that are called to that and I know that church and certain leaders are called to take a stand on that, but you know what? I just have not…
Smith: You just soon not do that…
Osteen: No, I’m just for people
What God’s decree that marriage is between one man and woman as well as Jesus’ affirmation of said decree have to do with politics I do not know and I assure you neither does Osteen.
Of utmost interest was the fact that even though it’s not in him to ‘be political’ his response to Smith’s inquiry was incredibly political.
I do not know what Joel’s stance on homosexuality is, but according to this article, his brother-in-law’s (Rev. Gary Simons) church, High Point Church in Dallas, is taking heat from the homosexual community for refusing to hold funeral services for a deceased gay man. On the grounds that the funeral as the family wants to do it allegedly promotes the homosexual lifestyle,
“It became clear to the church staff that the family was requesting an openly homosexual service at High Point Church – which is not our policy to allow,” said the church’s statement.
“Allowing an openly homosexual service in our facility would condone homosexuality as a lifestyle,” read the statement. “We could not allow the homosexual lifestyle to be celebrated, flaunted or glorified in our church facility. We could not put inappropriate images on our screens or subject our members and possibly even our children to an openly homosexual service. We cannot condone what the Word of God condemns.”
The last sentence is very interesting, in light of Osteen’s comments above, where he practically equates homosexuality (in the context of so-called “gay marriage”) and its acceptance/rejection as a political exercise.
I wonder if Reverend Simons has discussed with Joel Osteen, his famous brother-in-law, the serious lapse in judgment which he displays on local as well as national television (no, I am not referring to his sermons).
A man of his exposure could become a lightning rod for the political forces in our culture, and completely distract him from his primary purpose. The media and the gay activist are highly developed in launching their battles. I doubt the Joel would allow the homosexual funeral anymore than his brother in law.
I don't know if Joel is an honorable man or not, but I do know that the media would have used his comments for their purposes. So, lighten up on the guy, he preaches a positive message that carries the potential for folks to find faith in Christ. No big scandals to date.
BTW how many Christians pray for men like JO, instead of just waited like vultures for them to fall?
__________________ For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God. (Romans 14:11- NASB)
A man of his exposure could become a lightning rod for the political forces in our culture, and completely distract him from his primary purpose. The media and the gay activist are highly developed in launching their battles. I doubt the Joel would allow the homosexual funeral anymore than his brother in law.
I don't know if Joel is an honorable man or not, but I do know that the media would have used his comments for their purposes. So, lighten up on the guy, he preaches a positive message that carries the potential for folks to find faith in Christ. No big scandals to date.
BTW how many Christians pray for men like JO, instead of just waited like vultures for them to fall?
Brother,
I am certainly not waiting like a vulture to see Osteen fall! All I did was post what the man said during an interview and to bring to the forefront that he doesn't take a stand against any type of sin.
I knew men who were steeped in homosexuality that would attend his services after a night of unspeakable acts and walk away without any sense of conviction. I have read your beliefs that after the crucification of Jesus that all men were saved, which was the teaching Universalism.
I don't share your beliefs, because I knew what God had delivered me out of and what he has shown me through my own life experiences. I don't for one minute believe it was the will of God for anyone to be enslaved with homosexuality or any other sin that would rob people of being free on this earth through the blood of Jesus.
Joel Osteen isn't bringing a message of salvation and deliverance to those that are lost, but another gospel that leaves them in a state of deception without any hope of eternity with God.
__________________
Isaiah 53:5: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."(KJV)
"God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves." Dwight L. Moody
I am certainly not waiting like a vulture to see Osteen fall! All I did was post what the man said during an interview and to bring to the forefront that he doesn't take a stand against any type of sin.
I knew men who were steeped in homosexuality that would attend his services after a night of unspeakable acts and walk away without any sense of conviction. I have read your beliefs that after the crucification of Jesus that all men were saved, which was the teaching Universalism.
I don't share your beliefs, because I knew what God had delivered me out of and what he has shown me through my own life experiences. I don't for one minute believe it was the will of God for anyone to be enslaved with homosexuality or any other sin that robs people of being free on this earth through the blood of Jesus.
Joel Osteen isn't bringing a message of salvation and deliverance to those that are lost, but another gospel that leaves them in their joyless existence that will lead them to an eternity without God.
Your testimony is a great story of the grace of God, and just as God called you from sin, He will call them as well. Each in his own time, some come with a little nudge, some have to be saved; "howbeit by fire".
It is possible that the men you speak of are not seeking for God and therefore not finding Him at this time, it does not mean that they will not turn to God. Sometimes folks cup have to get full of the wicked life before they turn to God. I would not lay that responsibility on JO necessarily, his message does call many people to God. Too often we expect the preacher to be God, instead he is called (according to Paul) to bring the ministry of reconciliation. And that ministry is simply, that Jesus' sacrifice has paid for their sins, they have been reconciled to God, so why continue in sin.
BTW, just because I believe the scriptures teach that all men will eventually surrender to God, doesn't sin will not be dealt with. All the works of the devil will be completely destroyed, and homosexuality is a work of the devil.
__________________ For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God. (Romans 14:11- NASB)
One thing I did appreciate about Joel is when he was saying that we as Christians are beaten down so much that he preaches messages of hope. I'm sorry to say but there aren't as many hope messages in our religion as there should be. I have heard way too many sermons about how we should be doing this and that or that we shouldn't be doing this or that. It is sad to leave church depressed. I bet his congregation never leaves depressed from his message. They probably feel uplifted and encouraged.
You are so right MrsMcD. When I used to attend, I used to leave thinking I would never see God because I couldn't manage, as hard as I tried, to be perfect. I used to think that it would be best if God just struck me dead during alter call because that was the only chance I would have. I saw very little real hope offered in sermons and the running line was "if you feel good about your relationship with God, then you are cold and backsliding." No, not real hopeful.
__________________
God is good!
May my life be a daily example of the redeeming power and the love of God
This post is not meant as an attack on Joel Osteen, and if it comes across as this, my apologies in advance, and yes I have attended services at Lakewood Church.
Some time ago, my wife and I were tuned in to Texas Monthly Talks on KUHT (the local PBS station) as editor Evan Smith interviewed Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen who at the time was promoting his best-selling book (click here to download the interview).
Osteen looked uncomfortable at times especially when Smith’s questions were of a controversial nature. Osteen has a propensity to waver in the face of tough questions which have even tougher answers, tougher to those who are unable to appraise them.
Inevitably, Smith asked for Osteen’s take on so-called “gay marriage” (around on 7:40 on the mp3). If you can believe it, this is what transpired:
Smith: Let’s talk about gay marriage, for instance, because obviously the church played a very large role in driving the discussion over gar marriage. A lot of people of faith are opposed to it for moral reasons, and I wonder if your church or if you personally have talked on this subject or feel that the church ought to have a place in talking about, say that issue or abortion, another issue that has tended to divide people along religious lines.
Osteen: Yeah… You know it’s interesting Evan, I’m new at this, been doing it for 5 years. My dad was never political and we’ve just never been political. It’s just not in me, I’m just for everybody.
I know there’s right and there’s wrong and there’s people that are called to that and I know that church and certain leaders are called to take a stand on that, but you know what? I just have not…
Smith: You just soon not do that…
Osteen: No, I’m just for people
What God’s decree that marriage is between one man and woman as well as Jesus’ affirmation of said decree have to do with politics I do not know and I assure you neither does Osteen.
Of utmost interest was the fact that even though it’s not in him to ‘be political’ his response to Smith’s inquiry was incredibly political.
I do not know what Joel’s stance on homosexuality is, but according to this article, his brother-in-law’s (Rev. Gary Simons) church, High Point Church in Dallas, is taking heat from the homosexual community for refusing to hold funeral services for a deceased gay man. On the grounds that the funeral as the family wants to do it allegedly promotes the homosexual lifestyle,
“It became clear to the church staff that the family was requesting an openly homosexual service at High Point Church – which is not our policy to allow,” said the church’s statement.
“Allowing an openly homosexual service in our facility would condone homosexuality as a lifestyle,” read the statement. “We could not allow the homosexual lifestyle to be celebrated, flaunted or glorified in our church facility. We could not put inappropriate images on our screens or subject our members and possibly even our children to an openly homosexual service. We cannot condone what the Word of God condemns.”
The last sentence is very interesting, in light of Osteen’s comments above, where he practically equates homosexuality (in the context of so-called “gay marriage”) and its acceptance/rejection as a political exercise.
I wonder if Reverend Simons has discussed with Joel Osteen, his famous brother-in-law, the serious lapse in judgment which he displays on local as well as national television (no, I am not referring to his sermons).
Did you watch the interview with JO? JO said that the media did not have all their information correct about his brother-in-law and the gay funeral. Evidently, the gay people wanted to come into his brother-in-law's church and take over the funeral. His brother-in-law wouldn't allow that. However, Joel said that his bil has had gay funerals. The media didn't portray what really transpired at his bil's church.
A man of his exposure could become a lightning rod for the political forces in our culture, and completely distract him from his primary purpose. The media and the gay activist are highly developed in launching their battles. I doubt the Joel would allow the homosexual funeral anymore than his brother in law.
I don't know if Joel is an honorable man or not, but I do know that the media would have used his comments for their purposes. So, lighten up on the guy, he preaches a positive message that carries the potential for folks to find faith in Christ. No big scandals to date.
BTW how many Christians pray for men like JO, instead of just waited like vultures for them to fall?
I dont know why. JO failing is a black eye on christianity and that is bad for all of us.
LOL! he doesnt even meet the Baptists standard of what the Gospel is!
__________________ If I do something stupid blame the Lortab!
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