Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No where in this passage does Jesus say wealth is bad. He doesn’t rebuke the rich young ruler for being rich. Rather, for placing his identity in his wealth.

It’s not a sin to be rich. Jesus never said that. All rich people aren’t bad and all poor people aren’t good.

Yes what Jesus says is if you want to get to the kingdom of heaven you must give up your worldly belongings. He didn’t say don’t identify with your wealth. He said give it way. If you don’t and you die rich it’s hard for you to get into heaven. He couldn’t be clearer.

Why do you think the rich young man went away sad? Because he didn’t want to give up his wealth as Jesus told him to.

NP. The rich young ruler didn't obey Jesus, because he loved his money more than Jesus. Money was his idol. That's really the point of that scripture. The passage is about putting God first and being obedient to God; it does NOT say that God requires everyone to be poor. According to the Bible, taking a vow of poverty or giving up your worldly possessions doesn't guarantee heaven or salvation. That alone is accomplished by Grace through faith in Christ. That said, I'm not an Osteen fan because the focus of his teaching is primarily wealth and prosperity, not about the Christ of the gospels.

Jesus explicitly says if you want to enter heaven, give up your wealth. That pretty much guarantees that people who keep their wealth are not being offered entrance.

Being a true follower of Christ entails sacrifice that most people are unwilling to make. I include myself among that, so not pointing fingers. I’ve met very few people I thought were truly living by the gospels. It’s too hard for most.

You're missing the point. Jesus didn't tell everyone they have to give up their wealth to gain eternal life. Go back and read the whole passage in context, starting at Matthew 19:16. Jesus is focused on complete obedience to God's commandments, which is impossible for absolutely everyone. Jesus tells the rich young ruler to give up his wealth, because he has put his wealth before God, which is breaking the first Commandment. Then he goes on to say that it is harder for a rich man to go to heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, but that through God all things are possible. It is made possible for a rich man to go to heaven because of what Christ accomplishes on the cross, not because anyone can perfectly keep God's commandments or save themselves. There is nothing for you to do to gain eternal life; Christ already did it. That is the point of the gospels.

This is the final word, I think.

Have those of you criticizing Osteen listened to one of his sermons? Pretty sure he's involved in various charities. He may not be your cup of tea but it's not like he's preaching a false message. His sermons center on Christianity.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No where in this passage does Jesus say wealth is bad. He doesn’t rebuke the rich young ruler for being rich. Rather, for placing his identity in his wealth.

It’s not a sin to be rich. Jesus never said that. All rich people aren’t bad and all poor people aren’t good.

Yes what Jesus says is if you want to get to the kingdom of heaven you must give up your worldly belongings. He didn’t say don’t identify with your wealth. He said give it way. If you don’t and you die rich it’s hard for you to get into heaven. He couldn’t be clearer.

Why do you think the rich young man went away sad? Because he didn’t want to give up his wealth as Jesus told him to.

NP. The rich young ruler didn't obey Jesus, because he loved his money more than Jesus. Money was his idol. That's really the point of that scripture. The passage is about putting God first and being obedient to God; it does NOT say that God requires everyone to be poor. According to the Bible, taking a vow of poverty or giving up your worldly possessions doesn't guarantee heaven or salvation. That alone is accomplished by Grace through faith in Christ. That said, I'm not an Osteen fan because the focus of his teaching is primarily wealth and prosperity, not about the Christ of the gospels.

Jesus explicitly says if you want to enter heaven, give up your wealth. That pretty much guarantees that people who keep their wealth are not being offered entrance.

Being a true follower of Christ entails sacrifice that most people are unwilling to make. I include myself among that, so not pointing fingers. I’ve met very few people I thought were truly living by the gospels. It’s too hard for most.

You're missing the point. Jesus didn't tell everyone they have to give up their wealth to gain eternal life. Go back and read the whole passage in context, starting at Matthew 19:16. Jesus is focused on complete obedience to God's commandments, which is impossible for absolutely everyone. Jesus tells the rich young ruler to give up his wealth, because he has put his wealth before God, which is breaking the first Commandment. Then he goes on to say that it is harder for a rich man to go to heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, but that through God all things are possible. It is made possible for a rich man to go to heaven because of what Christ accomplishes on the cross, not because anyone can perfectly keep God's commandments or save themselves. There is nothing for you to do to gain eternal life; Christ already did it. That is the point of the gospels.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No where in this passage does Jesus say wealth is bad. He doesn’t rebuke the rich young ruler for being rich. Rather, for placing his identity in his wealth.

It’s not a sin to be rich. Jesus never said that. All rich people aren’t bad and all poor people aren’t good.

Yes what Jesus says is if you want to get to the kingdom of heaven you must give up your worldly belongings. He didn’t say don’t identify with your wealth. He said give it way. If you don’t and you die rich it’s hard for you to get into heaven. He couldn’t be clearer.

Why do you think the rich young man went away sad? Because he didn’t want to give up his wealth as Jesus told him to.

NP. The rich young ruler didn't obey Jesus, because he loved his money more than Jesus. Money was his idol. That's really the point of that scripture. The passage is about putting God first and being obedient to God; it does NOT say that God requires everyone to be poor. According to the Bible, taking a vow of poverty or giving up your worldly possessions doesn't guarantee heaven or salvation. That alone is accomplished by Grace through faith in Christ. That said, I'm not an Osteen fan because the focus of his teaching is primarily wealth and prosperity, not about the Christ of the gospels.

Jesus explicitly says if you want to enter heaven, give up your wealth. That pretty much guarantees that people who keep their wealth are not being offered entrance.

Being a true follower of Christ entails sacrifice that most people are unwilling to make. I include myself among that, so not pointing fingers. I’ve met very few people I thought were truly living by the gospels. It’s too hard for most.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Osteen brought just 1 person closer to God, he did more than most of you all on here. Regardless of how rich he is.

You need to read your Bible. Start with a word search for “false prophets.”

Just did and the answer was:

Joe, Kamala. Barackito. Dems.

Not sure how to interpret this. Can you please help?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No where in this passage does Jesus say wealth is bad. He doesn’t rebuke the rich young ruler for being rich. Rather, for placing his identity in his wealth.

It’s not a sin to be rich. Jesus never said that. All rich people aren’t bad and all poor people aren’t good.

Yes what Jesus says is if you want to get to the kingdom of heaven you must give up your worldly belongings. He didn’t say don’t identify with your wealth. He said give it way. If you don’t and you die rich it’s hard for you to get into heaven. He couldn’t be clearer.

Why do you think the rich young man went away sad? Because he didn’t want to give up his wealth as Jesus told him to.

NP. The rich young ruler didn't obey Jesus, because he loved his money more than Jesus. Money was his idol. That's really the point of that scripture. The passage is about putting God first and being obedient to God; it does NOT say that God requires everyone to be poor. According to the Bible, taking a vow of poverty or giving up your worldly possessions doesn't guarantee heaven or salvation. That alone is accomplished by Grace through faith in Christ. That said, I'm not an Osteen fan because the focus of his teaching is primarily wealth and prosperity, not about the Christ of the gospels.

Bottom line Osteen has never helped another person in his life not one. He wears those shinny shoes and slicked back hair spewing crap. Then he preys on the weak. It's discusting.

The man has never ever done something for his community ever.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No where in this passage does Jesus say wealth is bad. He doesn’t rebuke the rich young ruler for being rich. Rather, for placing his identity in his wealth.

It’s not a sin to be rich. Jesus never said that. All rich people aren’t bad and all poor people aren’t good.

Yes what Jesus says is if you want to get to the kingdom of heaven you must give up your worldly belongings. He didn’t say don’t identify with your wealth. He said give it way. If you don’t and you die rich it’s hard for you to get into heaven. He couldn’t be clearer.

Why do you think the rich young man went away sad? Because he didn’t want to give up his wealth as Jesus told him to.

I'm rusty on my bible verse quotes...but isn't this the verse about it being easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to pass into heaven? That one always sticks with me. I guess I've always leaned toward the idea that making a lot of money isn't the trouble...it's what you do with it when you do.

That's really weird because Abraham was very wealthy, and God made Job very wealthy too, and presumably they both got into heaven. Just a couple of examples off the top of my head. I'm sure there are many others.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No where in this passage does Jesus say wealth is bad. He doesn’t rebuke the rich young ruler for being rich. Rather, for placing his identity in his wealth.

It’s not a sin to be rich. Jesus never said that. All rich people aren’t bad and all poor people aren’t good.

Yes what Jesus says is if you want to get to the kingdom of heaven you must give up your worldly belongings. He didn’t say don’t identify with your wealth. He said give it way. If you don’t and you die rich it’s hard for you to get into heaven. He couldn’t be clearer.

Why do you think the rich young man went away sad? Because he didn’t want to give up his wealth as Jesus told him to.

I'm rusty on my bible verse quotes...but isn't this the verse about it being easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to pass into heaven? That one always sticks with me. I guess I've always leaned toward the idea that making a lot of money isn't the trouble...it's what you do with it when you do.

Anonymous wrote:No where in this passage does Jesus say wealth is bad. He doesn’t rebuke the rich young ruler for being rich. Rather, for placing his identity in his wealth.

It’s not a sin to be rich. Jesus never said that. All rich people aren’t bad and all poor people aren’t good.

Yes what Jesus says is if you want to get to the kingdom of heaven you must give up your worldly belongings. He didn’t say don’t identify with your wealth. He said give it way. If you don’t and you die rich it’s hard for you to get into heaven. He couldn’t be clearer.

Why do you think the rich young man went away sad? Because he didn’t want to give up his wealth as Jesus told him to.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Osteen brought just 1 person closer to God, he did more than most of you all on here. Regardless of how rich he is.

You need to read your Bible. Start with a word search for “false prophets.”

He is not a prophet.

Many figures in the Bible were not perfect. But they served God's purposes.

Does Osteen claim to be a prophet? I have never heard that claim.

Basically religious people can’t win. If you want to attend a church that isn’t “bigoted” and isn’t evangelical/fundamental, and go Christianity-lite like Osteen, you are still “a mark” and “stupid.”

Christians need to not worry about what others say and worship as they please. People who hate religion will always find fault with religion, no matter how many hoops you jump through to make your worship acceptable to them. It’s ludicrous.

I started this conversation anti-Osteen, and I won’t listen to him, but those that do, good for you. I hope listening to Osteen and buying his books makes you happy. Don’t be ashamed or hide how you worship, or who you listen to, etc.

Are the people criticizing him "[p]eople who hate religion" or they are other Christians, because that matters. It's easy to defend him if you frame criticism of him as being something done by people who are going to criticize all religion, but lots of Christians think his message is wrong too. Meanwhile "I hope this preacher makes you happy" isn't a reliable way to find people who will guide you to God, which is why the Bible warns about false prophets.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Osteen brought just 1 person closer to God, he did more than most of you all on here. Regardless of how rich he is.

You need to read your Bible. Start with a word search for “false prophets.”

He is not a prophet.

Many figures in the Bible were not perfect. But they served God's purposes.

Does Osteen claim to be a prophet? I have never heard that claim.

Basically religious people can’t win. If you want to attend a church that isn’t “bigoted” and isn’t evangelical/fundamental, and go Christianity-lite like Osteen, you are still “a mark” and “stupid.”

Christians need to not worry about what others say and worship as they please. People who hate religion will always find fault with religion, no matter how many hoops you jump through to make your worship acceptable to them. It’s ludicrous.

I started this conversation anti-Osteen, and I won’t listen to him, but those that do, good for you. I hope listening to Osteen and buying his books makes you happy. Don’t be ashamed or hide how you worship, or who you listen to, etc.

? But he's not religious. As someone above said, he's more a motivational speaker - how to live your best life, that kind of thing. If that's what "religion" has come to, well it's doomed.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Osteen brought just 1 person closer to God, he did more than most of you all on here. Regardless of how rich he is.

You need to read your Bible. Start with a word search for “false prophets.”

He is not a prophet.

Many figures in the Bible were not perfect. But they served God's purposes.

Does Osteen claim to be a prophet? I have never heard that claim.

Basically religious people can’t win. If you want to attend a church that isn’t “bigoted” and isn’t evangelical/fundamental, and go Christianity-lite like Osteen, you are still “a mark” and “stupid.”

Christians need to not worry about what others say and worship as they please. People who hate religion will always find fault with religion, no matter how many hoops you jump through to make your worship acceptable to them. It’s ludicrous.

I started this conversation anti-Osteen, and I won’t listen to him, but those that do, good for you. I hope listening to Osteen and buying his books makes you happy. Don’t be ashamed or hide how you worship, or who you listen to, etc.

Thank you. You're on point.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Osteen brought just 1 person closer to God, he did more than most of you all on here. Regardless of how rich he is.

You need to read your Bible. Start with a word search for “false prophets.”

He is not a prophet.

Many figures in the Bible were not perfect. But they served God's purposes.

Does Osteen claim to be a prophet? I have never heard that claim.

Basically religious people can’t win. If you want to attend a church that isn’t “bigoted” and isn’t evangelical/fundamental, and go Christianity-lite like Osteen, you are still “a mark” and “stupid.”

Christians need to not worry about what others say and worship as they please. People who hate religion will always find fault with religion, no matter how many hoops you jump through to make your worship acceptable to them. It’s ludicrous.

I started this conversation anti-Osteen, and I won’t listen to him, but those that do, good for you. I hope listening to Osteen and buying his books makes you happy. Don’t be ashamed or hide how you worship, or who you listen to, etc.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If Osteen brought just 1 person closer to God, he did more than most of you all on here. Regardless of how rich he is.

You need to read your Bible. Start with a word search for “false prophets.”

He is not a prophet.

Many figures in the Bible were not perfect. But they served God's purposes.

Anonymous wrote:If Osteen brought just 1 person closer to God, he did more than most of you all on here. Regardless of how rich he is.

You need to read your Bible. Start with a word search for “false prophets.”