The following is the confession that Joel Osteen of Lakewood church in TX gives at the opening of every or most church services. I have been listening to the radio show Issue’s Etc. critique Osteen these last couple months. I found this “confession” on Lakewood’s homepage. Joel says the confession while the congregation repeats the parts back to him. The words in parentheses refer to the congregation.
CONFESSION: This is my Bible. (This is my Bible.) I am what it says I am. (I am what it says I am.) I have what it says I have. (I have what it says I have.) I can do what it says I can do. (I can do what it says I can do.) Today I will be taught the Word of God. (Today I will be taught the Word of God.) I boldly confess. (I boldly confess.) My mind is alert. (My mind is alert.) My heart is receptive. (My heart is receptive.) I will never be the same. (I will never be the same.) I am about to receive (I am about to receive) the incorruptible, (the incorruptible,) indestructible (indestructible) ever-living (ever-living) seed (seed) of the Word of God. (of the Word of God.) I will never be the same. (I will never be the same.) Never, never, never. (Never, never, never.) I’ll never be the same. (I’ll never be the same.) In Jesus’ name. (In Jesus’ name.) God bless you and you may be seated.
This type of “confession” is seemingly foreign to Christianity. It reminds me more of positive self-talk. The center of this confession is “I” or the person confessing. What’s even worse is that, from the sermons I have heard, there is no exegesis of Scripture. What is said to be taught from the “Word of God” is really not. The message usually is, however, centered on the individual person as the confession points. There is no gospel preached. No recognition of sin, repentance, etc. It’s mostly a positive-talk speech about how we should just try to get along and do and think good things. The sermons are normally imbedded with warnings of how we ought not to speak any of our negative thoughts least they create a negative situation. This sounds like the neo-paganism that J. Ligon Duncan spoke about at the Ligioner Conference this year. I wasn’t able to attend, but I was told by some friends who did attend. I should try and track that material down.
It’s very sad when the work of Christ is broken down to some sort of positive and negative individual thought process where we can speak good and bad into existence. Whatever happened to the cross?
Mark
tagged as Joel Osteen, today i will be taught the word of god in Church Issues,Culture,theology
About the author
Mark is a Christian, husband and father. He is a businessman attending seminary in the off hours working on his M.Div. preparing for vocational ministry.
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This “confession” looks like something from an AA meeting; all about God–but not really.
My family loves this guy. I found out who he was and determined the apple doesn’t fall far from the Tree. Jr. doesn’t hold any significant Bible training but he is Pastoring his dad’s church now. It is the same old dreaded Word Faith crap of Kenneth Copeland, E. W. Kenyon, and Kenneth Hagin just repackaged again. These guys think they are also deity like Jesus is. I aint lyin to ya.
I had two people in two days ask me if I watched Joel Osteen. One was someone from church and the other a coworker. They spoke of how after watching him they felt motivated and felt better about themselves. I remember seeing him a few years ago on TBN. I haven’t had cable in about five years so I went on the church’s website. I would be lying if I told you I didn’t come to tears when I finally found Lakewood’s statement of faith. It just encouraged me to pray more for the church in America and the Laodicean state she is in. Also, knowing that God is Sovereign gives me great comfort in times like these.
the few sermons I’ve seen by him I can see your point, but that confession alone is awesome…my youth group does that precise confession right before we start talking and gettin into scripture…the confession isn’t wrong, it’s the way Jesus and God aren’t mentioned but rather good and bad…like you said…–>
I have never been to a Joel Olsteen meeting, nor do I know the man in person, yet I have heard interviews on tv which I base my bias.
I will never attend a church which follows after Joel Olsteens seeker sensitive model.
I served in the Assemblies of God for many years and then the lord removed me. After many more years and the no confidence vote of the-then-pastor, I returned to see if I might want to resume my fellowship in the AoG church where I spent almost 14 years. Upon entering into services the first Sunday back, the new Pastor started services reciting the above confession. I looked around me as the congregation followed along like first grade students following their teacher. ( I did not take part but watched). I thought to myself that it was an odd thing to do and say so I over looked it as a fluke. The next Sunday I returned and the same confession started the services. I looked to my neighbor; and long time friend with a confused expression and she returned my glance. After the service ended I brought up the issue of the “confession” and before I could finish my question she said ” don’t let the fact that they are copying Joel Olsteen stop you from returning.” I told my long time acquaintance that I felt Joel Olsteen was way off base and any church who followed his example was not where I wanted to stay. I did not return.
I do not understand this whole seeker sensitive wave which the church has latched onto. I have always felt that if you preach the Word, people will come. That is why I love Calvary Chapel fellowships. It is the Word which draws men.
T
D
this confession is awesome.
its shocking the extent some of you are critisizing it. of course it is focused on the individual- whether we repeat it out loud like this or not, this is an awesome statement we should be vowing to ourselves every time we open our bibles. our bibles are supposed to transform us everytime we read them! how is this method so far off base?
ive writen much more but decided to omit it…but i want to remind each other about love and grace that we do not deserve and jesus has every right to question our motives, but doesnt. lets make sure we give each other this same respect.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for talking about the Joel Osteen confession, I used to really enjoy hearing this. I have read your article and I see this confession for what it is.
I have discarded all my bookmarks with this confession on it. You are right, it does not come from the Bible and I would rather read God’s word that man’s anytime.
Kathy,
Thanks for stopping by. There are good and not so good parts to this “confession.” There is even a hint of name-it, claim-it theology.
Mark
Pastor Joel Osteen have done for me what no other Pastor or Reverend have done for me. He has given me hope and delivered me from the bondage of hopelessness and despair. I don’t care if he claims a specific religious doctrine or teaching. One thing that I know for sure is today, I have a better relationship with my God as a result of listening to Pastor Osteen’s positive messages.
THANK YOU PASTOR OSTEEN AND MAY YOU CONTINUE TO PROSPER IN YOUR TV MISNISTRY!
IT IS AMAZING TO ME HOW WE AS CHRISTIANS ALLOW TRADITIONS, PERSONAL FEELINGS, ENVY AND THE LIKE TO OVERCOME OR CLOUD FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD THE TRUE POINT BEHIND THE WORKS AND TEACHINGS OF GOD.
I HAVE LISTENED TO PASTOR OSTEEN AND I FIND THAT ALL THE SERMONS IN WHICH HE HAS THUS THIS FAR PREACHED ON HAS BEEN BASED ON THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS CHRIST. IT IS APPAULING TO ME THAT FELLOW CHRISTIANS WOULD ALLOW THE DEVIL TO CAUSE SUCH A RUCKOUS THAT WE HAVE FORGOTTEN THE POINT BEHIND EVERY PASTOR/EVANGELIST/PRIEST/OR OTHER STANDING BEFORE A CONGREGATION AND ENCOURAGING HIS/HER MEMBERS TO WALK BOLDLY THROUGH LIFE KNOWING THAT THE ARMOUR OF CHRIST IS BEFORE THEM, ABOVE THEM, BEHIND THEM.
SO WHAT IF HE DOES IT A LITTLE DIFFERENT EACH CHURCH DOES IT A LITTLE DIFFERENT. IN FACT THE WHOLE BASIS BEHIND RELIGION IS SO THAT EACH AND EVERY HUMAN BEING CAN FIND HIS/HER PLACE WHERE THEY ARE COMFORTABLE WORSHIPING. THINK ABOUT IT IF EVERY CHURCH DID IT EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, HOW MANY PERSONS DO YOU THINK WOULD STILL ATTEND CHURCH? NOT MANY BECAUSE I MAY NOT LIKE PERSONS SCREAMING OUT THE NAME OF JESUS WHILE I’M WORSHIPING AND SEE IT AS DISRESPECTFUL TO THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, BUT THERE ARE MANY WHO WOULD DISAGREE CLAIMING THAT WE SHOULD”MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE UNTO
THE LORD” . SO YOU SEE I FIND IT UNFAIR TO PASTOR OSTEEN AND HIS CONGREGATION/LISTENERS TO PLACE HIM IN A BOX WHERE WE DAME HIM AS NONE CHRISTIAN SIMPLY BECAUSE HE HAS DECIDED TO TEACH RATHER THAN PREACH. LETS NOT FORGET THAT JESUS TO WAS A TEACHER NOT A PREACHER!
PLEASE LETS PUT THESE PETTY DIFFERENCES ASIDE AND FOCUS ON THE ULTIMATE GOAL WHICH IS TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF THE ONE TRUE LIVING GOD!
“FOLLOW THE TEACHINGS NOT THE MAN”
SINCERELY,
S.A.K.
Shania,
I don’t believe it is Joel Osteen’s approach that people have disagreements with. It’s the theology contained in his approach. Osteen seems to preach a positive thinking type of Christianity rather than one of repent of yours sins and turn to Christ for the forgiveness of those sins. I’m not sure how you are separating teaching and preaching, but if what is taught or preached from the pulpit is not based on Scripture then it will be met with disagreement.
Do you have any examples of Osteen teaching from a particular passage of Scripture?
Thanks for stopping by.
Friends,
When I get to Heaven, maybe Jesus will tell me who is right. Is it the Baptists, Catholics, Lutherans, non- denominationals, Joel, and the list goes on?
Joel preaches about God’s love. He tries to let people know of their worth to Jesus and he tries to help people have hope in their lives. He encourages people to find a Bible based chuch in their community to attend and become part of their family, and learn about Jesus. He is good at inspiring those of us that could use a little inspiration and he always points people to God. Jesus uses so many kinds of people to lead all of his different kinds of sheep. Joel is leading millions to Jesus. I am a teacher and I can tell you that the majority of children in public school do not go to church, they do not know Jesus, and they ARE living in an upheaveled world at home. If I took them to my traditional Lutheran church and threw them in Sunday school, they would probably be lost and confused. There has to be someone who can relate to people at all stages in their walk with God and Joel is a leader in encouraging people who are spiritually inexperienced as well as those farther along in their journey. Do we really need criticize someone who is trying to spread the “Good news?” We are all on the same team!
IT’ NOT A CONFESSION.lol it is what every non denominational church starts our services with this statement. we are ready to receive instruction. Our church has started every service with this since I can remember. These are not his words.
I just read the comments on Joel Olsteen. The amazing thing is how we all differ in our opinions on what is sound Gospel preaching and what is not. I have heard several sermons by Olsteen and see where a lot of people feel “inspired” by what “he” says and how “he” draws others to God. The issue is not that he is a bad person, i dont know the man, but rather the intent of the message. As you read other comments about Olsteen please pay attention to the pattern of how those who are “inspired” or have been given hope, all leads to what Olsteen has done. That is contrary to the Gospel. For Christ stated that He is the one who draws men, not other men. We are to lift Him up, not ourselves. Second to be inspired by another is also dangerous, for the Word of God is to be our inspiration; for 2 Timothy states that, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” Jesus also told Satan in Matthew 4 that ” Man will not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.” NOt man. John 1 teaches that the Word is Christ. So to sum this all up, if you are not “inspired” by the true and sound teachings of the Gospel ( which is the Good News of Jesus Christ; His life, death and bodily resurrection). Then I pray that you go to the Scripture and see it for yourself. Once again, I have nothing against Olsteen or any other preacher who wants to teach and preach the Word of God, but not teaching the Truth
(GOSPEL), is just wrong. That’s for anyone standing behind that pulpit.
I attended Joel Olsteen’s Night of Hope last night in Raleigh, NC. Before we even entered the RBC Center, I sensed that something great was already happening in the Spirit. I’ve never watched any of his TV programs or heard him preach until last night. Joel didn’t point to Himself at all. His message to people is to love God, love others, read your Bible and believe and apply what it says to your life. Why do you think God wrote the Bible? It was to point us to Jesus. And why would God want us to be pointed to Jesus if not to save us, redeem us, purify us, bless us, and make us whole, so that we can share His great salvation with somebody else. God says we can’t just be hearers of the Word, but doers of the Word. Joel teaches people to be hearers and doers of the Word. Joel’s message help me put my focus on the truth of God’s Word for my life to help me take hold of what God has promised me and get my mind off my troubles and on God.
It’s amazing, somehow everyone is suppose to fit into this nice cookie cutter mold where everything can be explained and fits our paradigm…like God can be fully figured out…how naive. I’ve yet to hear Joel preach something that is really against scripture. We judge the guy cause he has some money, and yet his Dad owns all the wealth of the world. He serve’s who…oh yeah, the creator of the Universe…the King of King’s and Lord of Lord’s. It’s interesting that those that don’t have think those that do need to give it all away. He does more than most for the poor, etc…and for the most part more than his critics. God has been using Joel in my life to speak the truth, ” As a man thinks in his heart so he is!”. I’m reading Your Best Life Now…ok, so there isn’t all these little [2] and [3] footnotes , but what he writes is scriptural. Maybe he doesn’t reference all the scriptures that are contained in each chapter because he is wanting us to LOOK IT UP OURSELVES. You know, maybe if the critics spent more time loving the lost and less time thinking they know God and can speak for him, this world would be a much different place.
Mark,
The purpose of this old post was to show that Osteen confesses one thing about the Bible, but then puts it away and doesn’t follow his confession. Of course, I don’t normally watch Osteen and it’s been a while since I’ve watched him at all. What I have watched is reflected above in that he seems to not preach the Bible. And I don’t care if he is wealthy or not.
I have a review to Your Best Life Now linked here at: Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen reviewed. A summary critique of the book is offered from CRI at: Your Best Life Now: Seven Steps to Living at Your Full Potential. Or if you care to listen to an audio review Pastor Jeff Riddle gave on here: Review: Joel Osteen, Your Best Life Now. It may be good to read these reviews as you read the book.
But your comment:
Your own comment did not come across as very loving, especially, since you are judging where people are spiritually with your “different place” quip. You have no idea how anyone here loves the lost, but I can tell you that if people are concerned that Osteen preaches a false gospel that they are more concerned for the lost than any amount of money charitably given can account for.
this is just my thought…. what ever happened to starting off with prayer?
Please what is going on in the buildings that are to house the Church today?
The Church Jesus set up was His Bride. The born again believers who have been born again by the Spirit of God Almighty.( Just as Jesus tells us in the Gospel of John chapter 3. These seeker friendly churches are not of God. They just count heads and not souls growing in Christ. I have seen enough dung in the buildings that I hope house the Born again church. Pastors, denomination that what the biggest and the best. I want to find a really Spirit filled Pastor, one who is not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Who doesn’t count heads of who comes to the service. Men who are sold out to God because they have been through the fires and floods that accompany those who are truly following Jesus Christ and pick up their cross every day and follow Jesus. I have been born again now for almost 30 years. I’m not perfect, but I know He who is,that is the author and finisher of my faith, Jesus. It seems to me that Grace and mercy by most ministers today has been replaced with being seeker friendly and not to talk about sin, Satan, and hell. They say we need to get them in here. What dung. Preach the Gospel under the power of the Holy Spirit and He will add to your numbers.Let Jesus build His Church ( the body of Christ).
We all can feel it in our bones ,.we are all headed for some thing horrible coming on the whole world, what will these false prophets and fake shepherds do?
What they preach and believe is false doctrine, doctrines of devils. Worst what will happen to the followers they have? The souls who have been seeking another Jesus, not the one of the Bible. God help these false shepherds and their flocks.
Beware of Joel Olsteen, and all the other faith and prosperity preachers, they are leading you astray.
If you need to be fed by TV Ministers I would ask you to watch
Jimmy Swaggert, Get Terry Law books, David Wilkerson news letters, these men have been turned over, they are crucified with Christ, just like I have been and continually am. They have gone through deep valley’s alone with only Jesus. They have come out different men. men of God.
Pastors all have their own ways and methods. Yes Joel is a inspirational speaker. you want to break down the bible and its meaning watch Joseph Prince. both are awsome pastors. You must not have not watched to closely because Joel does quote scripture. Religion is a very complicated and personal subject. Some people would not have been saved if it wasn’t for joel. i am a pastor and i know that some people that need to be saved, respond to different kinds of pastors, who’s to say one is better than the other unless they are phoney and trying to suck money out of the people. What i cant stand is churches that claim to worship Jesus Christ but don’t teach about love one another and non-judgment, that’s what Jesus was all about. The only one that has the power of judgement is God.That includes downing pastors because you don’t care for their technique. pick on someone else and leave the pastors to do there God given job.
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