I think one of the worst disservices many Christians do themselves is to seek out spiritual leadership that tells them what they want to hear, rather than reading the whole Word and seeking leadership that reflects it. This is what keeps the Pimps of the Prosperity Gospel in stitches. They tell people who want monetary riches that they will be rich and they all are happy, but they are also ignoring the truth. A truth that Christians should desire to have no more than their basic necessities met. As Paul tried to explain to people in the past that wished to pimp the gospel of Jesus Christ for earthly riches.
1 Timothy 6:5-10 (New King James Version)
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So why does Joel Osteen say (emphasis added):
J. OSTEEN: I believe that God wants to bless us. I mean, it costs a lot of money to send our kids to college these days, and you know, and for us to drive a nice car. Our message that God wants you to have plenty to pay your bills.
Folks, those are the words of a man who is attempting to sell godliness as a means for material wealth. Joel supposes “that godliness is a means of gain”. This is an effort to bastardize the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the name of material wealth. And so Sunday after Sunday people go into a place called a house of God to figure an angle on material gain, when Jesus told us the riches are in heaven.
John 14:1-6 (New King James Version)
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There is no record of Thomas or the other disciples ever receiving a mansion on earth. And they did a heck of a lot more to establish and spread this faith than Joel Osteen.
Recently CNN ran a show titled “What is a Christian? Where do you Fit?”. Anderson Cooper was the front man. You can get the transcript here. (The quote from Joel Osteen above comes from that transcript.)
While CNN called the show “What is a Christian?”, they never bothered to explain the basics of Christian theology. Instead the show focused on finding as many various Christian political and financial factions as possible and putting their points of contention on display. When they talked about the crucifixion, it was in the context of a pastor who felt that way about the midterm election results and his anticipations for a “resurrection” 
.
I might not have liked some of the midterm results, but give me a break! To compare an election outcome to the death of our Lord for the sins of the world is a disrespect to Jesus himself. Should we turn those election results into a movie and call it The Passion of the Republicans?
Anyone seriously wondering what the core beliefs of a Christian are did not get any of it on this CNN show. Just the same, since they did a segment on the pimps, I feel a desire to talk about that portion of the show.
In addition to Joel, they also discussed Creflo Dollar. Keep that first Bible verse above in mind as you read the following from Pimp Daddy Dollar.
PASTOR CREFLO DOLLAR: The Word of God is the gateway to the world of wealth.
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DOLLAR: Everything that pertains to life and godliness is in your bible.You’ve got money in your lap. You’ve got a house in your bible.
Claiming godliness for gain!
Can someone please tell those fooled by Creflo’s claim that “Jesus was rich” on earth, that Jesus himself qualified his earthly financial status.
Luke 9:58 (New King James Version)
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I’m not a big Rick Warren fan, but even he sees through the mess being tossed out by those pimps and the segment mentioned that he calls it “name it and claim it materialism”.
Ultra Liberal heretic James Forbes, who endorses the lie that God is OK with people giving into their lustful temptations of living gay, was also featured in the segment speaking against the pimps. Even the most broken clocks get the time right on this one.
The prosperity pimps and their followers love to dwell on Old Testament Bible verses in King David’s Psalms, that speak of material wealth. Instead of dwelling on the words of Jesus and instructions from Paul regarding money, they set their foundation on scripture which speaks of a separate place and time in the faith. They ignore the reforms brought by Christ regarding desires for earthly wealth, but they claim they want to be just like Jesus.
Watch the segment using the link below.
CNN on Prosperity Gospel Pimps - WMV Video (Size: 3.00 MB)
(If linking, please link to this post, not the media file. For the sake of bandwidth there will be no other formats made.)
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And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
December 28th, 2006 at 5:47 pm
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December 29th, 2006 at 12:11 pm
I agree with the substance of your article, but it pains me to see a “Christian” use such harshness and sarcasm when speaking of other Christians.
Please see Ephesians 4: 14-16.
Bobby
December 29th, 2006 at 12:44 pm
ibbobbyc - The verse you mentioned:
Ephesians 4:14-16 (New King James Version)
I find your cited verse is not appropriately applicable for the issue at hand. Those I speak of are false teachers and you should cite verses related to such.
Try II Peter 2. Not to mention the verses I’ve cited. None of them are nice words and neither was Jesus towards those who twisted the Gospel when he was on earth in flesh. They are teaching false doctrine and I deal with them in a harsh manner just like Jesus and his disciples.
December 30th, 2006 at 9:48 am
I’m a fan of your site and read it often, I’m just turned off by the sarcasm when you speak of other Christians. I find the verse applicable. Paul is directing us to “speak the truth in love”. No sarcasm is needed nor called for.
December 30th, 2006 at 11:01 am
Do you feel Christ was wrong when he called some false teachers a “vipers”?
I see the use of the word “pimp” today as similar in meaning.
I’m sure I could adjust my tone when speaking of some matters of the faith, however these guys are totally abusing the faith.
Instead of talking about them here, we all should be posting a notice of true teaching on the doors of their “churches”. Much like Martin Luther had to do.
December 30th, 2006 at 11:46 am
I believe Christ’s use of the word vipers was a reference to Satan, who was at work in these teachers. This is not different than how Satan is depicted in Genesis.
The posting of notices idea is a good one. Keep up the good commentary.
December 30th, 2006 at 2:39 pm
You do know that Creflo Dollar has openly denied the divinity of Christ? And teaches that he and others are “gods”? Regarding his abuse of the term “god”, he misconstrues an old use of the term. That’s fairly well explained here.
Considering this, do you feel he really is a brother in Christ? I do not. Which is why I direct the most scorn towards him. I feel he is a willing viper allowing himself to be used for evil so long as it profits him.
December 31st, 2006 at 9:46 am
I’m not familiar with Creflo, but if he denies Christ then no, he is not my brother in Christ. Osteen however is much different. I live in Houston, and I’m somewhat familiar with his ministry. Lakewood church is a Bible based church, and they have brought many people to our Lord through their ministry. I have never attended a service but I’ve talked to others who have. We have discussed his message in our small groups. I would like to sit down with him and discuss his message, as I too believe his teaching is not based on scripture, as in Mt. 19:21-24, Luke 16:13 and 1Tim 6:17.
December 31st, 2006 at 10:10 am
I did not see the CNN program and just watched it through your link. I think Mr. Osteen’s message is not unlike the message preached during the great revival period in the early 1900’s. During that time leaders appealed to ones emotions, when teaching of the benefits of accepting Christ, instead of ones mind, by teaching them scripture. This led to the false teachings of the Mormons, Christian Science, and other cults. One thing I am sure of. The Bible tells us that teachers of scripture will be held to a higher standard, and if Mr Osteen is not careful, there will be a price to pay.