Hmmm...BA mostly quoting ex-pharisee paul and old testament stuff, instead of radical loving, reforming Jesus. Kinda interesting, huh?
Thank you, Avishai!
In order that I balance Paul's teachings with those of my Lord:
The Blessed Attitudes:
Matthew 5:3-12 (compare Luke 6:20-23):
"How blessed are those who are destitute in spirit, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
"How blessed are those who mourn, because it is they who will be comforted!
"How blessed are those who are humble, because it is they who will inherit the earth!
"How blessed are those who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, because it is they who will be satisfied!
"How blessed are those who are merciful, because it is they who will receive mercy!
"How blessed are those who are pure in heart, because it is they who will see God!
"How blessed are those who make peace, because it is they who will be called God's children!
"How blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
"How blessed are you whenever people insult you, persecute you, and say all sorts of evil things against you falsely because of me! Rejoice and be extremely glad, because your reward in heaven is great! That's how they persecuted the prophets who came before you."
As an individual, a human being with the faculties of observation and reason, compare Joel Osteen's message with those of the Lord he says he serves and teaches about. Do some Google searches on his message, his teachings, for example.
Also:
Matthew 19:24 - Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into the kingdom of God."
If Joel O. is endeavouring to live up to Christ's teachings, his life, his income, his donations should exemplify his teacher. one would think? Again, Google the appropriate keywords, decide for yourself.
Salt and Light in the World - Matthew 5:13-16 (compare Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34-35):
"You are the salt of the world. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty again? It's good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled on by people.
"You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden. People don't light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people in such a way that they will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Again, you know the drill. Compare Joel O. with the words of Jesus Christ, written above. Google is your friend.
Now, Matthew 6:1-4:
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people in order to be noticed by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So whenever you give to the poor, don't blow a trumpet before you like the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they will be praised by people. I tell you with certainty, they have their full reward! But when you give to the poor, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be done in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
And Matthew 6: 5-15:
"And whenever you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they will be seen by people. I tell you with certainty, they have their full reward!But whenever you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees from the hidden place will reward you.
"When you are praying, don't say meaningless things like the gentiles do, because they think they will be heard by being so wordy. Don't be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask him. "Therefore, this is how you should pray:
‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
May your kingdom come.
May your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.
And never bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
Because if you forgive people their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive people their offenses, your Father will not forgive your offenses."
Matthew 6:19-21:
Stop storing up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moths and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But keep on storing up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal, because where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Where is Joel Osteen storing up treasures, and where is he encouraging his followers to store up treasures?
When Joel Osteen says : "Be a person of excellence", where and what is he referring to?
When Joel Osteen says, on Aug 7, 2008: "I think God wants us to be prosperous", where and what is he referring to?
Okay.
I will stop here, because I could easily write a book about this.
How many charlatans does it take for people to wake up to their message?
Out of the frying pan and into the fire?
I will leave you with these as further reading:
http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/2006/03/whats-wrong-with-prospering-gospel.html
http://blog.cleveland.com/pdopinion/2008/08/a_love_that_scares_us.html
BA- Good night, all.
