A Questionable Easter Service

One pastor who receives a lot of flak is Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Many Christians I know dismiss him as a false teacher for not talking more about sin and repentance. On the other hand, I have friends edified by his motivational messages. Previously, I defended Joel despite not agreeing with everything he says to the media. In recent years, I’ve heard of him doing things considered questionable.

Last year, a New York Daily News article claimed Joel Osteen and his wife Victoria attended a Lady Gaga concert. During a pre-concert reception, the Osteens posed on the carpet for a photograph with SiriusXM, Pandora, and Lady Gaga logos in the background. I was disturbed when first seeing this. So I sent emails to Joel Osteen Ministries requesting more information but didn’t receive a response. I had hoped Joel would release a statement explaining his intentions and what really happened. He might have simply attended the reception since he has a channel on SiriusXM but didn’t go to the concert. 

Either way, what if Joel prayed with someone at that event to receive Jesus? I’ve met fellow evangelists who were led by the Lord to walk into gay bars to minister to people there. In his autobiography “Just As I Am”, Billy Graham wrote about appearing on TV shows like “Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In” as a way of reaching the lost. Billy compared it to Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners. Christians are to be in the world but not of it. We must avoid having a monastery mentality but “go into all the world and preach the gospel.” (Mark 16:15)

Some of my Facebook friends have been up in arms about Joel Osteen having a virtual Easter service today featuring appearances by singer Mariah Carey and actor/director Tyler Perry. Rapper Kanye West had also planned on being part of this event with his Sunday Service Choir but canceled due to social distancing concerns. Last November, Kanye (who recently became an outspoken Christian) made an appearance at Lakewood Church along with his choir. I have no problem with that. God is using Kanye to reach people who might not go to church otherwise.

I can understand why some Christians question the appearances of Mariah Carey and Tyler Perry. During her career, Mariah has displayed an increasingly sexualized image. Nevertheless, Mariah reached out to Joel about joining today’s service. She will perform her song “Hero” as a salute to medical professionals and first responders working during the coronavirus pandemic. That is admirable but I hope she encourages viewers to focus on the ultimate Hero…our risen Savior.

Mariah is an Episcopalian and has credited God with helping her career plus occasionally recorded gospel songs. Her ex-husband Nick Cannon revealed to the Christian Post she was “deep into the Bible” and made him wait until they were married before having sex. As of this writing, I’m not aware of Mariah making any public declaration of knowing Jesus Christ. Performers thanking God for their success don’t give them free passes through the Pearly Gates. They might hear Jesus say to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Matthew 7:23)

Tyler Perry has spoken at Lakewood Church before. While I commend him for his generosity and promoting Christian values in his productions, his personal life concerns me. For over a decade, Tyler has been in an unmarried relationship with a woman with whom they had a son out of wedlock. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 warns that fornicators will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Some Christians have criticized Tyler for acting as the “mad black woman” Madea (though he has since retired the character). While I’m against transvestism, there’s a difference between men acting as women and living as women. Once I attended a service where during a skit, a young man pretended to be the church secretary. He wore a wig, dress, high heels, and pantyhose. It was a one-time performance I didn’t find offensive.

I don’t plan on watching Joel Osteen’s Easter service but will be praying God uses that to reach more people with the gospel. Keep in mind that Joel offers a prayer for salvation at the end of every telecast. If God can use a donkey, He can use anybody for His purposes.

“I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”  

- 1 Corinthians 9:22

Pigskin Prophet?

Shortly after the Kansas City Chiefs won the AFC Championship Game two weeks ago, Facebook friends posted a meme about the late Bob Jones who died in 2014. This prophet had (according to Shawn Bolz) predicted revival would come when the Chiefs win the Super Bowl. At first, I was skeptical of this prophecy. I recalled a similar one that surfaced four years earlier regarding the Carolina Panthers. They lost Super Bowl 50 to the Denver Broncos.

Critics may look at all this and dismiss Bob Jones as a false prophet. However, I know of other prophecies given by him that were accurate. During the late 1980s, Bob prophesied: “The black panthers are coming to the lumberyard of Charlotte.” This was years before the Carolina Panthers entered the NFL as an expansion team. Their home stadium was ultimately built on land that used to be a lumberyard. 1 Corinthians 13:9 says, “For we know in part and we prophesy in part.” It’s possible for someone to receive a word from the Lord but then have that misinterpreted.

Bob Jones and others have prophesied stadiums built for football would be used for the end time harvest. We’re already seeing this happen. In 2018, I attended a gathering at the Minnesota Vikings’ US Bank Stadium where numerous people made commitments to Christ. Last year at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida (where the Pro Bowl was played last Sunday), The Send attracted close to 60,000 believers to receive an anointing to fulfill the Great Commission. Of course, we cannot forget most of Billy Graham’s crusades took place in sporting venues.

Usually, I root for NFC teams but will be pulling for the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV. Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt gave glory to the Lord after his team became AFC Champions. Hunt was quoted as saying, “We want our employees to develop spiritually…My identity is my faith in Christ.” The Chiefs became the first NFL team to provide chapel services for fans prior to noon home games.

Even if the Chiefs lose today, a great end time harvest will happen. God’s promises are not confined to the outcome of a football game but He can still use that as a sign.

“Do not despise prophecies.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:20

The Gospel Against Cars

Over the years I’ve heard some strange ideas promoted in the name of Christianity. Yesterday I saw what would have to be one of the most ludicrous. A Facebook friend who considers herself “an advocate for the homeless” made several posts preaching against cars. 

Yes, you read that right…cars! Here was one of her posts… 

Teach to RESIST AGAINST WICKEDNESS...CARS ARE WICKEDNESS. COME OUT OF BABYLON. W A L K.

Rather than ridicule this woman’s misguided theology, I tried reasoning with her. First, I wrote: “Satan built demonic kingdoms before cars existed” (such as Sodom and Gomorrah). 

Her response? “CARS EXCULATED [sic] things.. Christians do not RESIST.”

Then I pointed out most things are not evil in themselves but how they are used. A gun can be used to break the law or uphold the law. Money can be used to finance the spread of pornographic filth or print Bibles and gospel tracts plus send missionaries to foreign fields. Likewise, a car can be used by a terrorist to run over people or rush somebody to the hospital. What if this woman had a loved one who needed to go to the emergency room? Would she oppose using an ambulance or some other vehicle for that purpose? What about fire trucks? Her house could burn to the ground by maintaining this weird theology.

This woman replied with a paragraph that began, “I have heard that ignorant argument before.”

My “ignorant argument” was using common sense. The Internet has spread ungodly ideas faster and more widely than any invention in history. Yet she is using this technology to promote her beliefs. It’s also worth mentioning this woman preaches strongly against money. Yet the day before, she posted a financial appeal and previously sent me a private message that included a PayPal link. Isn't that being hypocritical?

While doing additional research, I came across a Facebook page representing “People Against Cars” (from which I copied the above photo). Although this group endorses public transportation as an alternative, they accuse car owners of being baby killers. I'm curious if these anti-car crusaders feel the same way about abortion.

The bottom line is modern technology will be used somehow…for good or for evil. Christians who refuse to embrace it allow the devil to gain greater influence in society. When television first came out, some religious folk called TV sets “one-eyed demons.” The programs then didn’t promote sin like they do today. Thankfully, multitudes have gotten saved through the gospel being preached over the airwaves.

Until the Lord returns, we will see more incredible inventions. I choose to utilize them in helping me fulfill the Great Commission.

“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” - John 1:3

Crying “Wolf”

A story you might have heard growing up was “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” In this Aesop's Fable, a shepherd boy repeatedly tricks nearby villagers into thinking a wolf is attacking his flock. When a wolf actually appears, the villagers ignore the boy’s cries believing it’s another false alarm. As a result, the boy’s sheep gets eaten by the wolf. Variations of this story have been told including a Sesame Street parody called “The Boy Who Cried Monster.”

The Oxford English Dictionary defines cry wolf as a “call for help when it is not needed, with the effect that one is not believed when one really does need help.” Sadly this sort of thing happens within the Body of Christ. Self-appointed watchdogs believe their calling in life is fault-finding preachers they don’t agree with. They flood the Internet with web sites attacking various ministries without mentioning those they actually approve of.

A popular Scripture used by Christian critics is Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” Recently I received an email from a man who labeled one TV pastor “a proven false prophet” without citing any examples of false prophecies made. To the best of my knowledge, this pastor has never claimed to be a prophet.

Another wolf warning can be found in Acts 20…

28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 

29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 

30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.

According to this passage of Scripture, wolves are not pastors. Pastors are spiritual shepherds looking out for the welfare of the sheep within their fold. In the natural, it’s normal for wolves to attack sheep. What’s not normal is for sheep attacking wolves.

If a spiritual shepherd is living in sin, God will expose him if he doesn’t repent. Heresy hunters tread on dangerous ground if they knowingly slander ministers doing the Lord’s work. Twice the Bible tells us, “Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.” (1 Chronicles 16:22 and Psalm 105:15)

So the next time you hear a preacher saying things you disagree with, don’t cry wolf. Pray for that brother or sister but also pray for yourself. It’s possible you’re the one that could be in error.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” - John 10:27

In Defense of Joel Osteen

One of the most well-known and controversial ministers today is Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Pastor Joel oversees the largest congregation in the United States plus reaches millions through television, satellite radio, and has written several best-selling books. Some Christians criticize Osteen’s motivational messages because they think he needs to preach more about repentance. Others disapprove of Joel’s lack of theological training. Then again, some of the early apostles were considered “unlearned and ignorant men.” (Acts 4:13)

Eight years ago in Washington, DC, I attended one of Joel Osteen’s outreach events called “A Night of Hope.” Joel ministered that night on detoxifying our thought life. The service concluded with an invitation for salvation that was much longer than what Joel does on TV. That gave me a greater respect for him.

A Facebook friend once posted the above photo of Joel Osteen’s first book “Your Best Life Now” side-by-side with a parody featuring another minister named Paul Washer who preaches very confrontational sermons. Certainly, I agree heaven will be a better place for believers. However, it’s not a sin to enjoy life on earth as long as the kingdom of God is our top priority (Matthew 6:33).

I also agree there’s a place for “fire and brimstone” preaching (see Jude 23) but not everyone will respond to messages like that. Romans 2:4 says it’s the goodness of God that leads one to repentance. Non-believers need to hear about a God who can deliver them from their drug addictions, health issues, financial problems, and other bondages. I got saved 25 years ago not because someone told me I was a rotten sinner but that God loves me and wants me to have a fulfilling life on earth as well as eternal life in heaven.  

Here’s a challenge for all the critics who accuse Joel Osteen of being a false teacher: Take a minute to log onto Lakewood Church’s website and review the page “What We Believe.” I couldn’t find anything contrary to Scripture. Since my Facebook friend thinks Osteen’s messages lack biblical content, I exhorted him to do better himself. My friend responded by sharing a YouTube video in which Joel supposedly “denies Jesus.” Joel has stated that Jesus is the only way to God but there are many ways to get to Jesus.

One thing I would like to see is Joel Osteen demonstrate more boldness when challenged with questions by the secular media. Nevertheless, self-appointed watchdogs should stop bringing division within the Body of Christ and pray for Brother Joel. He is reaching multitudes that normally wouldn’t attend a church service. Just at Lakewood Church alone, Pastor Osteen ministers to over 40,000 people weekly. How many people do you reach for Christ each week?

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” - 1 Peter 2:15

Excellence Vs. Perfection

Apple cofounder Steve Jobs once said, “Be the person you want to be. Be the best you can be.” I wouldn’t agree with the first part of that statement. Many individuals try to become someone God never intended them to be. I do agree we should be people of excellence. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might...” 

Before I committed my life to the Lord, I was turned off by things such as “Christian music” that sounded inferior to songs released in the secular market. Anything done in God’s name should be of high quality. One Old Testament prophet certainly demonstrated excellence. “Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.” (Daniel 6:3)

On the other hand, one can go the other extreme by being a perfectionist, which is defined as “a person who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection.” As a kid I had many perfectionistic tendencies. My mother usually set the clocks in our house a few minutes ahead and hated it when I adjusted them to the correct time. I also corrected people if they called a zero “O” (“oh”) when giving out phone numbers and addresses.

While I’ve since learned to lighten up more, it still bugs me to see certain imperfections like bad spelling on the Internet. Why don’t some people use spellcheck? Even Facebook underlines misspelled words when you type them. Proverbs 18:9 from the Message Bible says, “Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism.”

Believers should exhort each other to excellence. However, we cannot be someone else’s Holy Ghost. Relationships become strained when we demand friends and loved ones to follow our own self-imposed standards. One time I stayed with a man who set strict rules to keep his place clean and orderly. I tried my best to comply but still did things that irritated him. On the day I left this man’s house, I was harshly criticized because my bed wasn’t made to his satisfaction. It was like being in the army.

Some Christians believe sports, movies and other forms of entertainment are a waste of time. I respect those who desire to live more consecrated lives but they are not to enforce their convictions upon others. Romans 14:22 (NIV) says, “So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.” True holiness doesn’t come so much from eliminating worldly things but by drawing closer to God.

If we grow in character and become more Christlike, then there won’t be a need to impose our standards upon others. While we still need to proclaim the gospel, certain individuals like unsaved husbands can be won over to the Lord by the chaste conduct of their wives (1 Peter 3:1-2). People who are serious about improving their lives may eventually approach us and say, “I want what you have!”

“that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ” - Philippians 1:10

Don't Jump to Conclusions

Many times before publishing a new article in my blog or newsletter, I’ll share it with a friend to get their feedback. I always want to be sure my writings are accurate and don’t mislead people. It annoys me when someone starts making suggestions before reading the whole thing. Often their concerns are addressed later in my article.

Ministers constantly face scrutiny like this. Religious watchdogs habitually take sound bites of well-known preachers they don't like and attempt to expose them. Sometimes it's made to appear these preachers said things they really didn’t mean. A recent example of this involved Victoria Osteen, who co-pastors Lakewood Church in Houston along with her husband Joel. A few of my Facebook friends posted a short video clip of Victoria making comments about worship that upset many Christians (some versions of this include an added "rebuke" by Bill Cosby)...

.

Eventually, Victoria issued a response saying, "I did not mean to imply that we don't worship God."

1 Corinthians 13:7 in the Amplified Bible says, “Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person.” While I don’t agree with everything said by the Osteens, I'm glad to see Victoria clarified her remarks. Regardless of whether a minister issues a retraction, heresy hunters should focus more on managing their own lives instead of trying to manage those who are doing something with their calling.

Someone once said, “In the absence of information, we jump to the worst conclusions.” Before we are quick to pass judgment on others, let’s take time to listen and give them the benefit of the doubt. 

“He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.” - Proverbs 18:13 

The Whole Truth

In a recent interview on HuffPost Live, host Josh Zepps read the following passage from Joel Osteen’s latest book “Break Out”: “It doesn't matter who likes you or doesn't like you, all that matters is that God likes you. He accepts you. He approves of you.” Zepps then asked Joel if that’s true for homosexuals. Joel replied,  “Absolutely…I believe every person is made in the image of God…and you got to accept them as they are on their journey. I’m not here preaching hate, pushing people down, or telling everybody what they’re doing wrong.”

2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” Every minister may specialize in a particular topic such as finances, healing, or end-time prophecy. Still, we are responsible for preaching the whole truth of God’s word and bringing correction when the situation arises.

This past Tuesday night while street evangelizing with a friend, we got into a lengthy discussion with a young couple. Although both of them were believers, the man admitted to struggling with alcohol and nicotine addictions. I encouraged him to feed on God’s word and pray in the Spirit more. Soon it was revealed the two were cohabiting. The Lord instructed me to quote Hebrews 13:4 to them, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” The woman said her pastor had already told them that. God confirms His word by the mouths of two or three witnesses.

My intent here is not to be critical or "touch God's anointed" but to bring up a genuine concern. James 3:1 says, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” Every preacher must boldly speak the truth in love even if it’s not popular. People’s eternal destinies are at stake!

“For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” - Acts 20:27

A Response to Billy Bashers

During the late 1990s, I worked for World Wide Pictures, the film ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. My job there was calling pastors throughout the United States scheduling evangelistic films to be shown in their churches as part of an outreach event. Although telemarketing work can get tedious, my job at World Wide Pictures was quite enjoyable. Most of the time, I talked with pastors and church secretaries who treated me courteously even if they weren’t interested in booking a film.

Occasionally I spoke with individuals who were critical of Dr. Graham (some of my co-workers labeled them “Billy bashers”). One objection that regularly came up was that Billy is “too ecumenical.” The New Oxford American Dictionary defines ecumenical as “promoting or relating to unity among the world's Christian churches.” One can aim to unify the body of Christ without compromising the integrity of the gospel. Jesus Himself prayed in John 17 that we all “become one.”

A few days ago I exchanged emails with a Facebook friend who initially criticized Billy Graham because of a 2006 Newsweek article claiming the evangelist no longer believed in the inerrancy of the Bible. Since I never read that article for myself, I decided to investigate this matter. (Keep in mind the secular news media these days usually write biased reports concerning evangelical Christians.) I couldn’t locate the original Newsweek article online but did find this blog entry that mentioned a clarifying response from Billy himself…

http://www.russellmoore.com/2006/08/28/billy-graham-still-believes-the-bible

Recently the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association removed “Mormonism” from their website's list of cults after Billy and his son Franklin met with (and offered support for) Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. At first, I was troubled when hearing about this for it appeared to be condoning false doctrine. Later I read this prepared statement by Ken Barun, the BGEA chief of staff: “Our primary focus has always been promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ…we do not wish to participate in a theological debate about something that has become politicized during this campaign.”

Although I don’t agree with every decision made by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, I’m honored to have worked for a ministry that’s probably led more people to Christ than any other. Billy Graham has retired from doing crusades but continues to speak out and stand for Biblical truth (note the above newspaper ad). So until he goes home to be with the Lord, let’s keep Billy in our prayers. Scripture commands us to honor our fathers in the faith, not pass judgment on them.

“Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers.” - 1 Timothy 5:1 (NLT)