The Osteen 'Trial' and Biblical Ignorance: <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
The Fruits of a Gospel Lacking Message - Part 2
By: Mark A. Becker 08/24/08
 
 
HOUSTON – The wife of megachurch pastor Joel Osteen thanked and praised God after a civil jury unanimously ruled Thursday (August 14, 2008) she did not assault a flight attendant during an alleged angry tirade over a spill on her first-class seat. [1]
 
 
Introduction
 
We all make mistakes, and for the most part, I would like to believe that I confess my errors (and there have and will be many - most Mark inspired). However, those who have been anxiously awaiting a retraction from my most recent article are not going to get one.
 
'Victoria Osteen Goes to Court: The Fruit of a Gospel Lacking Message?' [2]  was an extremely short statement concerning the possible correlation to the teachings of Mr. Osteen and the charges levied against his wife.
 
I want the reader to know that I stand steadfastly by every word that I wrote.
 
 
The 'Prosperity Gospel'
 
The issue is not whether prosperity is a sin - in and of itself - and within God's will – it most certainly is not. But 'prospering' from the 'flock,' with empty promises of 'prosperity,' very well could be.
 
'Manna' was God's life sustaining gift to the children of Israel during their own self imposed 40 year march in the desert; ultimately resulting in the settlement of the 'promised land.' This 'manna,' to me, represents every good and perfect gift from our precious Father; and the least of these is money, fame and power:
 
From the gift of a spouse - to the gift of a friend,
From the gift of a job - then to rest again.
From the walls to our side - to the roof overhead,
From the sight of the eyes - to the offspring of men.
From the tops of our heads - to the soles of our feet,
From the lungs in our chests - to the air that we breathe.
From the heart that pumps blood - to our minds that give choice,
From the ears that hear sound - to God's still-silent voice.
 
This is prosperity.
 
 
The 'Trial'
 
Let us start off with the question that all Christians should be asking:
 
"Why, in light of this 'trial' that was upon them, did the Osteen's pay a $3,000.00 fine to the Federal Aviation Administration following this 'alleged' physical conflict?"
 
This question was answered during the trial:
 
"The Osteens testified the only reason they paid a $3,000.00 fine the Federal Aviation Administration levied against Victoria Osteen for interfering with a crew member was to put the incident behind them." [3]
 
OK. Before we delve into the Biblical aspects of this 'trial,' let us start with the obvious: There was an 'incident!' The Osteen's words, and the fact they were taken to 'trial,' makes that clear.
 
It really is hard for me to believe that the Osteen's prayed fervently about the situation they found themselves in.
 
What does Scripture have to say about 'trials?'
 
 
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. - 1 Peter 4:12-16 (NIV)
 
 
It appears the Osteen's were 'ashamed' of their situation or they would not have paid the fine to 'put the incident behind them.'
 
 
Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecution and trials you are enduring.
 
All this is evidence that God's judgement is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. - 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 (NIV)
 
 
Paying a fine, by definition, is avoiding 'persecution' / prosecution.
 
 
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:2-4 (NIV)
 
 
You cannot have joy in 'trials' you attempt to avoid. The end result is stunted spiritual growth and the cultivation of testimony can never be realized. In essence - 'faith' never existed.
 
 
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
 
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:9-12 (NIV)
 
 
Why would any Christian, who is wrongfully accused of a crime, pay a fine to 'put the incident behind them?' According to the above verses, a man or woman of God would not, because he 'perseveres under trial.'
 
Why were the Osteen's attempting to 'put the incident behind them?'
 
Because they do not know the Word of God. If they did, and were in the Lord's will, they would have relished the opportunity to clear their names; with God ultimately getting the glory for their vindication. As it was, they relied on a man. Not the Son of Man -- a lawyer. If they had relied on the Son of Man they would have taken a path that aligns with the Word of God. The path they took – does not.
 
In the sports world, you cannot play a game fairly, if you do not know the rules. And as 'representatives' of God, they have no excuse for their failure to know them; let alone not follow them.
 
 
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them – bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into dispute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
 
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgement; if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard) – if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgement, while continuing their punishment. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. - 2 Peter 2:1-10a (NIV)
 
 
Personally - I would have ventured to battle 'tooth and nail' in an attempt to protect my reputation. And in the process, attempt with every fiber of my being, to joyfully go through the Refiner's Fire with the guidance and reliance of the Holy Spirit.
 
Mistake? Lack of judgement? Caught in the moment? Maybe. Maybe not.
 
 
The 'Feel Good Gospel'
 
 
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." - John 14:27a (NIV)
 
 
It is Jesus' peace we are privileged to have. Not our own, manufactured, take a poll, listen to a 'positive' sermon, feel good about myself peace. I've tried it; more than likely you've tried it; we've all tried it - if not now - at one time or another -- and by now, we should all know – There is 'No Peace Without JESUS!!!!!'
 
 
Lest We Forget
 
There is a reason that Joel Osteen is referred to by many as the 'Smiling Preacher.' That reason lies in what he really is - a 'Motivational Speaker.' He himself confirms this, time and again, with his own words.
 
"Pastor" Joel was interviewed December 23, 2007 by Fox News Sunday anchor Chris Wallace. Here is a portion of the transcript from that episode: [4]
 
WALLACE: Now, as with most successful people, you have critics who say that what you offer is gospel "lite," the prosperity gospel. They say you're more a motivational speaker than you are a pastor. How do you answer that?
 
OSTEEN: Well, a couple things. When I became a pastor eight years ago when my father died, I didn't change - this is who I've always been. I've always been - you know, my personality is motivating and encouraging. And so I'm just being who God made me to be.
 
About it being "lite", I mean, every week we deal with people that are going through divorces and that are facing life-threatening illnesses, and I'm giving them hope. And to me, I don't think there's anything "lite" about that.
 
I think sometimes the critics want me to beat people down, and that's not in me. I want to lift people up.
 
WALLACE: But your critics, again, say you don't talk much about sin. And a lot of great preachers - Billy Graham used to talk about sin.
 
OSTEEN: Sure.
 
WALLACE: You don't go deeply in your sermons into scripture. Again, why not?
 
OSTEEN: Yeah. Well, I think - I do talk about sin at the end of every one of our services back at home and at the end of the broadcast, but just, you know, as a pastor, I'm not trying to get everybody to - and that's not my main calling, like Billy Graham's.
 
He was an evangelist. He went out and tried to win everybody to Christ. And I am ultimately trying to do that, but I'm trying to teach people how to live their everyday lives, and so I do focus on it, probably not as much as some people would like.
 
Now, if you read those words and you experienced no spiritual 'cringe,' I suggest you read it again and filter his words through the Words of Jesus Himself. Remember the 'Great Commission?'
 
 
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
 
"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." - Mark 16:15 (NIV)
 
 
The fact that the Gospel is loudly silent every Sunday at Lakewood Church should be distressing to every Christian.
 
Where are the tools to equip the believer to walk in victory through the knowledge of spiritual failure? Where are the testimonies that lead to sharing with others, the biblical reasons for the faith one has? Where is the denial to self and the sacrifice for others? Where is the acknowledgment of a need for a Savior? Where is the Gospel?
 
I fervently agree with CWN contributor Marsha West in a recent article when she said:
 
"You should also know that the ridicule some people heap on those of us who speak out against apostasy only buoys our resolve to continue exposing error. If committed Christians cannot summon the courage to stand for the truth, who will?" [5]
 
We who stand for Truth, take no pleasure in the Scriptural lack of integrity many of today's 'prosperity' and 'social gospel' pastors teach. As a matter of fact, if I may be so bold as to speak on behalf of my discerning brothers and sisters; we abhor it. There is no satisfaction in it - but it has to be done.
 
I personally have been attacked as a 'heretic hunter' and 'doing the work of the devil;' but I will not quit - the stakes are too high.
 
Yes. What Joel Osteen 'teaches' is 'apostasy.' Let his own words be his judge.
 
 
Challenge
 
Reader, please listen to this entertaining YouTube video [6] and the accompanied CNN transcript from Larry King Live (June 20, 2005) [7]. Here is just a sampling of Mr. Osteen's "scriptural" replies to Mr. King's inquires from the CNN transcript:
 
KING: Is it hard to lead a Christian life?OSTEEN: I don't think it's that hard. To me it's fun. We have joy and happiness. Our family -- I don't feel like that at all. I'm not trying to follow a set of rules and stuff. I'm just living my life.KING: But you have rules, don't you?OSTEEN: We do have rules. But the main rule to me is to honor God with your life. To life (sic) a life of integrity. Not be selfish. You know, help others. But that's really the essence of the Christian faith.KING: That we live in deeds?OSTEEN: I don't know. What do you mean by that?KING: Because we've had ministers on who said, your record don't count. You either believe in Christ or you don't. If you believe in Christ, you are, you are going to heaven. And if you don't no matter what you've done in your life, you ain't.OSTEEN: Yeah, I don't know. There's probably a balance between. I believe you have to know Christ. But I think that if you know Christ, if you're a believer in God, you're going to have some good works. I think it's a cop-out to say I'm a Christian but I don't ever do anything ...KING: What if you're Jewish or Muslim, you don't accept Christ at all?OSTEEN: You know, I'm very careful about saying who would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know ...KING: If you believe you have to believe in Christ? They're wrong, aren't they?
OSTEEN: Well, I don't know if I believe they're wrong. I believe here's what the Bible teaches and from the Christian faith this is what I believe. But I just think that only God with (sic) judge a person's heart. I spent a lot of time in India with my father. I don't know all about their religion. But I know they love God. And I don't know. I've seen their sincerity. So I don't know. I know for me, and what the Bible teaches, I want to have a relationship with Jesus.
 
Conclusion
 
 
If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
 
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
 
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. - 1 Timothy 6:3-11 (NIV)
 
 
This is my opinion - based upon the Word of God. As always - let the reader decide.
 
 
JJB

 
 
Footnotes
 
[1] http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,404061,00.html
[2] http://www.christianworldviewnetwork.com/article.php/3852/Brannon-Howse/Mark-Becker
[3] http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/426903.aspx
[4] http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,318054,00.html
[5] http://www.christianworldviewnetwork.com/article.php/3871/Brannon-Howse/Marsha-West
[6] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ne9szf_Oo
[7] http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0506/20/lkl.01.html