Yesterday, the New York Times reported that Joel Osteen had signed what may be one of the richest non-fiction book deals in history. This deal with Simon & Schuster secures Osteen as one of the brightest stars in the book publishing heavens. Osteen is now up there with Popes and Presidents.
As a teacher, I always take great pain to insure that the students that God has placed in my care will not fall for the latest 'Christian fad'. Oftentimes, well meaning Christian brothers and sisters see numerical success as proof that God is at work in the latest crazes whether it be the Prayer of Jabez, Y2K, the WWJD bracelets and the 40 Days of Purpose. But I always challenge people to push beyond the surface and look deeper. Scripture tells us to test the spirits (1 John 4:1) and it also warns us that many people will be mislead by false teachers in the last days (Matt 24:24).
Therefore, before you jump on the Osteen bandwagon take some time to kick the tires and see if this is a vehicle that you should be riding on. Here are some suggested questions that you can start with. They are designed to provide an objective way of testing Osteen’s message and success.
Question 1: Does this type of success serve as absolute proof that God is blessing this man's ministry? (Remember that 1 Kings 18:22 tells us that at one time there was only ONE prophet of the Lord remaining on Earth while Baal had 450. If success is absolute proof then Baal was god.)
Question 2: Does this type of success serve as absolute proof that Osteen's method of 'Calling Down Blessings' actually works?
Question 3: What other explanations are there for this type of unprecedented success?
Question 4: If Osteen's message contradicts scripture, then what is the correct explanation for this success?
Question 5: Does Osteen's message contradict scripture? Why or Why Not? Provide well thought out examples that quote scripture ‘in context’?
I’d love to hear from you regarding your answers to these questions.
Comments