Joel Osteen: "The new face of Christianity" ?!

^ That was the headline I saw in a newspaper article the other day. It got me to think how outrageous this statement is. Yes, Joel Osteen is the pastor of the biggest church in America, with 43000+ followers in Houston, Texas. Yes, his sermons are broadcasted to 100 nations, and over 3 million copies of his books have been sold. But to say that he is the new face of Christianity? Really now? Jesus Christ is the only face that represents Christianity,IMO!!!

Indeed, Osteen is the most popular preacher in America, but I am a bit skeptical of some of his teachings. He has never attended bible college with no training or background, and does not refer to the Scripture in his sermons.

Alarm bell number one: no teachings from the bible?!

Ya you can paraphrase the word of God, but what's more powerful than the truth itself? Why not actually study His word?

Alarm bell number two: focuses on the goodness of God, rather than his wrath. focuses on the good rather than sin.

Now, it is our sins that seperated us from God anyways. Accepting only the goodness of God ignores the fact that God hates sin, and the concept of repentance and faith in the One that has conquered sin. Focusing only on the goodness kinda justifies that God is so good, he loves us so much that it doesn't matter if we continue sinning.
WRONG.

Alarm bell number three: The Prosperity Gospel

If focuses on prosperity. His preaching says that God wants us to give Him money, and He'll bless us with more money. If prosperity and wealth brings us happiness, then why would we need to long for eternity?

Here's what Rick Warren has to say:

This idea that God wants everybody to be wealthy?", Rick Warren snorts. "There is a word for that: baloney. It's creating a false idol. You don't measure your self-worth by your net worth. I can show you millions of faithful followers of Christ who live in poverty. Why isn't everyone in the church a millionaire?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is shocking to me that so many people listen and accept his sermons as the truth. Sure, some of it is right, but I think many people like his sermons because it makes you feel good. It's all good and positive.

"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." 2 Tim 4:3

That what God will give you on earth is happiness and wealth. A sermon about a God that sits up there, all good, that this God is not capable of wrath, and that there is no need to fear Him.

Let me close off with a word of warning:

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Matt 7:15

 "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." Matt 24:11

Guard your heart and mind against false prophets, for Satan will try any means to bring you to his side.