Since the fine folks over at Jesus Creed are doing their best to instill a sense of envy on my part (they're up to Part 25 of their look at the book, "Colossians Remixed"), I thought I might try and take a methodical journey through Joel's new book .... one chapter at a time.
Before I get to that, though, it's worth marveling over the difference I've had in reading this book as opposed to "Your Best Life Now." In this case, the sermons delivered have essentially been ones that I've sat through once, listened to or watched repeatedly afterwards ... and now have the pleasure of reading. It makes for a brisk read - as pressed for time as I am this time of year, I'm halfway through the book in less than a week. I'm sure that pace is an October record for me.
With that ...
Part One of the book is a series of sermons encompassing the need to "Keep Pressing Forward" - the first of seven keys that Osteen identifies in order to improve our everyday lives, and ultimately, to become a better you. Yeah, you probably never saw that line coming, did ya? Chapter One is boldly titled "Stretching to the Next Level."
There are several ways in which we can become inhibited from this. We can live for long periods of time with negative words spoken over us that breed doubt in our minds. We can face circumstances that invite doubt on our own part. Or we can simply just fail to realize our potential. Joel offers narratives that illustrate each of these methods.
The Biblical illustration is offered in the tale of Jesus meeting a woman in Samaria ...
In John 4, Jesus met a woman at the well in Samaria, and He asked her for a drink of water. She was surprised, because back then, the Jews didn't have anything to do with the Samaritans. She said, "How can you ask me for a drink?"Jesus said, "If you knew who I was, you would ask em for a drink, and I would give you living water."
The woman thought that Jesus was talking about literal water. She said, "Sir, you don't even have anything with which to draw water. You don't have a bucket, and the well is deep. How can you give me water?"
I wonder how many times God tells us that He wants to do something great in our lives, that we are going to be healthy, and well; we are going to get out of debt. We feel it strongly, but like the woman at the well, we start thinking about what we don't have, and all the obstacles in our path, and before long, we've talked ourselves out of God's best.
The Samaritan woman's doubt didn't change one thing about Jesus' potential. Obviously, He understood his potential, calling and identity. Our task, as followers of Christ, is to understand our potential, calling, and identity. And with that, it should be to never let go of it. The Bible is replete with examples of people who endured years and years of waiting before a miracle happened in their lives. The woman in Luke 8:40-48 that spent 12 years with internal bleeding before touching Jesus' robe is one telling example. How many examples in our own lives have required twelve years of patience in the face of a daunting obstacle?
In hearing Joel's sermons live, there's a pace and rhythm that goes along with it and you can literally tell when you're at the end as the message reaches some sort of crescendo. In reading this chapter, you almost get the same feeling as Joel wraps the chapter up thusly:
You may not have experienced God's favor in the past, but this is a new day. You have not seen, heard or imagined the wonderful things God has in store for you. Don't be weighed down by the distractions and disappointments in life; instead, keep stretching to the next level, reaching for your highest potential. If you do that, I can tell you with confidence your best days are in front of you. God is going to show you more of His blessings and favor, and you will become a better you, better than you ever dreamed possible.
I don't intend to belabor the point of some of the criticisms that Joel gets for his style, but there's a critical point to make here that rebuts much of what I've come across. Namely, a point that no less than Dr. Michael Horton himself makes when he suggests that we simply "be realistic" in the face of daunting challenges. Believe me, I'm all for realism. But detached from some sense of optmism, it strikes me as impossible to mesh such "realism" with faith in God. If I'm "being realistic," I'm automatically dismissing the supernatural. I'm automatically putting God in a nice binding, draped heavily in theological theories, without allowing for the practice of God's work in my everyday life. If faith is the sum of things unseen, being realistic then means that I dismiss anything I can't see before me.
Horton's point - as well as that of other critics - is that there are several people in the world who can put into practice every message someone like Joel believes and still not come out any better. And again, I don't deny that there's an unhealthy level of optimism that's unwarranted. But I also don't deny that God still works miracles. There's nothing in the Bible that warrants a hope that God will miraculously cure each and every person in need of such a miracle. But the call in that Bible is to have faith. That's all our task is. And if asked to side with a pastor who calls on us to have faith versus one who asks us to just "be realistic" ... I'll go with faith.
ADD-ON: And not to belabor the point again, but there's one more critical point made about Joel's book that gets instantly dismissed in this first chapter. Christian talk sow host, Mark Daniels, makes a blatant misstatement of the 60 Minutes interview, stating that Byron Pitts claimed there was no mention of God or Jesus in the entire book - instead, Pitts was reading the seven section headings. Daniels goes so far as to suggest that the reporter was a "voice of reason" and that Joel's ministry gives rise to a critique of "amateurism" to Christian teaching. Well, turns out Daniels made an amateurish mistake of his own. Joel's book gives ample mentions of Jesus and God. Turns out, I didn't have to go very far to find the first one, either.
8 Comments
Thanks for the post Sir, especially the bit/add-on on Pastor Joel's references to God and Jesus.
Funny thing, I'm in the middle of Y.B.L.N. and have said that I would put off buying B.A.B.Y. for several years (I'm funny like that). Well, I was blessed this morn when a lady and her elderly mother, part of my Sunday 8:30 a.m. sitting group, surprised me with a copy of B.A.B.Y. for "just being me." Well, I'm not sure what that means, but the gesture was very, very touching and sweet. I am moved to return the favor by giving the book and/or CDs to others in my life. Blessings and favor all around. Thank you.
Greetings Greg,
As I've mentioned before, being a member of Lakewood and singing in the choir, I'm somewhat familiar with the teachings of Pastor Joel (2 years) and Dr. Horton (7 years). From what I know, I'm fairly certain that Dr. Horton is not promoting a "realism" where we don't have "faith" in God to do miracles or the impossible in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances. That's not his core criticism of Pastor Joel's message. Namely it is that you can't promise the benefits of working the plan without the cross. To say it another way, following the exhortations of the New Testament will help someone only so much, if it's not first emphasized that justice for the wages of their sin will fall upon them without faith in Jesus' finished work on the cross being appropriated unto them. It's a matter of what is emphasized. Belief than blessing, not blessing in front of or in lieu of belief.
While there may be many benefits to following some of the teachings of the new testament for an unbeliever, he my see great improvement in some aspects of life. If he does not flee to the shelter of Christ offered in the gospel, all those "benefits" he gains will ultimately be counted as loss. Because Christianity is not just another system of morality -- almost any religion will do for that -- but it is Christ crucified for sinners and those who believe will be saved. That's where the criticism comes in. Horton's asserting that Pastor Joel's "emphasis" is on the temporal vs. the eternal. Pastor Joel said, in the Border's interview that the new book is targeted at those "outside the church walls." And I suppose that's where the charge of being overly optimistic comes into play. Because the most pressing need for anyone outside of Christ is to come to Him -- that there's bad news (sin and God's justice) before the good news (salvation through faith). Paul says:
"Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him." Romans 5:9
Again, Horton's criticisms, at the core, are aimed at this point. That "God's wrath," a biblical term and concept, is left out when addressing a general audience with God's message of the gospel. And that the Biblical exhortations, which Pastor Joel emphasizes -- to do good, be kind, caring and giving etc... -- are directed "at the church," on how to live the Christian life. Yet the most pressing exhortation for the unbeliever is to repent and believe the good news (Mark 1:15). "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent." (Acts 17:30). It's emphasis, a cart before horse issue.
To borrow the Way of the Master's illustration. If I've been shot with a wound in the side, I shouldn't go into the hospital pleading for the doctor to immediately remove a splitter from my finger. I have a more serious issue. It's the same spiritually. If the wrath of God is over the unbeliever's head, outside of Christ, (John 3:36) than whether he's living up to his full potential otherwise, while important, is comparatively light. Or as Jesus put it: " For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36. I see Horton's issues/criticisms as being about the centrality of the gospel message or lack thereof in Pastor Joel's teaching and not really whether or not miracles are still extant today.
God bless,
Sidney
A major concern that I have with Horton's attacks on Joel stems from analysis such as this:
I'd go so far as to suggest that this misrepresents both a Biblically informed understanding of miracles as well as Joel's message. It's hard for me to take someone seriously when they're willing to go to such an extreme in painting such an exaggerated portrait. A quick glance at his own site seems to indicate that he's got a problem with a lot of other folks leading people to Christ, too. Again ... serious problems with that.
Good Morning All,
Hope you are keeping warm in Houston. I understand your "cart before the horse" concern and question of why aren't preachers pounding the pulpit/podium and warning of fire and brimstone. Remember, God, knowing that while we were yet sinners, sent his only son to pay the price for all our sins; sins that would have otherwise deserved his wrath, hell and damnation. God loves us all that much.
First, it is through the spreading of this good news from nation to nation (Jews and Gentiles) ... to all corners of the world that we are called by God to be his child. Secondly, in believing what Jesus Christ did on the cross and development of our faith, we happily abide by God's laws, commandments and continually seek his face. Righteousness through faith.
Lastly, the veil between us sinners and God was torn at Calvary. We can boldly approach the throne and also ask for understanding. Seek and you will find. God has revealed to me many things and there's still more to come. We are all still learning. Rest assured, God will complete the wonderful work he began in all. Questions are good and encouraged. It's a good thing. Continue to seek his face.
Thanks for allowing the post. Have a blessed day, everyone.
Hi Greg,
You wrote:
"A major concern that I have with Horton's attacks on Joel stems from analysis such as this:
'How can God comfort those who mourn apart from the gospel? Even here, Osteen easily skirts the tragic dimension of our existence by burdening believers once again with their duty to "name and claim" prosperity in their life. So much for the more "positive" message of Joel Osteen. He has nothing to say to people who are at the end of their rope except, "It will get better." But what if it will not, at least in this life? Can his message reach someone who is in the final throes of AIDS? Could his message provoke anything but cynicism for a mother holding her dead infant?'
I'd go so far as to suggest that this misrepresents both a Biblically informed understanding of miracles as well as Joel's message"
When you say regarding the aformentioned quote from Dr. Horton, "...this misrepresents both a Biblically informed understanding of miracles as well as Joel's message" could you possibly speak to that a bit more? For it will help me to understand what you are seeing here -- how you are reading that statement from Dr. Horton and your objection.
God keep you,
Sidney
Greetings,
GuiGrl thanks for the amazing post! I so appreciate what you added. And your comment below, could hardly be said with better clarity:
"First, it is through the spreading of this good news from nation to nation (Jews and Gentiles) ... to all corners of the world that we are called by God to be his child. Secondly, in believing what Jesus Christ did on the cross and development of our faith, we happily abide by God's laws, commandments and continually seek his face. Righteousness through faith"
I like your synopsis of "righteousness through faith." If you'd allow, here's a brief breakdown of your statement:
1) "spreading the good news" (and what's the good news, Christ crucified for sinners - the cross! - those who believe will be saved)
2) "believing what Jesus did on the cross" (taking our place and guilt for sin upon himself and giving his righteousness to us)
3) "development of our faith" (living by his laws, precepts and commandments as the now indwelling Holy Spirit within us enables)
4) "continually seek his face" (even through our imperfect lives, as we succeed and fail, overcome or sin, we can continually seek Him. For as you keenly noted. The curtain has been torn)
The thing that gets me about this is the emphasis. Notice what it starts with: "The Cross." And specifically what does that means? My sins are taken away and I'm made righteous in Him. But there is a condition here -- which you listed. And what is it?
"If I believe."
What happens if I don't? John 3:16 gives us a clue as it reads: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." So if we ask, of John 3:16, "Why does God send His Son into the world?" We get two answers. One is because He "loves" the world. And second, He send Jesus so that, or in order that, "whoever believes" in Christ should not perish. Ok, So far, so good. By way of necessary inference from John 3:16 what happens to those who don't believe? Answer: They will not have everlasting life, They will most assuredly perish. Now that is a serious issue! as you agree.
Even though Jesus died for the world and the curtain's been torn, if one doesn't believe, He and God aren't reconciled. For the very same chapter of John makes this amazing and dreadful statement:
"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." Jn. 3:36
Notice the last phrase regarding those who "reject" the Son, it says, "God's wrath remains on him." That's something to consider and give thought to. By using the word "remains" the author is clearly stating that this "wrath" of God is not only present now but was there before the person rejected Christ. That's why I said earlier that this is a serious issue -- the most serious issue for anyone outside of Christ to consider. Here's my point: Do you remember that section I quoted from you? You rightly started with the cross as you spoke about "spreading the good news" and "believing what Jesus did on the cross." That's faith in Christ. Then you went to obeying God's "laws" and "commandments" and that "joyfully." Now what happens if you flip this around and we start with seeking to live by his laws and commandments first as a means to a better life now with no cross. What will happen to us is that, at some point, we'll run into something like the following statement of Paul because God requires perfection:
"All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.' Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, 'The righteous will live by faith.'" (Galatians. 3:10-11)
So, according to the Apostle Paul anyone who does not obey all of God's laws perfectly is under a "curse" despite their best efforts. For God requires perfection to be right with Him. Now here is where the really "good news" comes in. Jesus is our perfection!!! Because of His cross we are reconciled by faith. Now I know you know that. For you said it gloriously in your post. The point is that since unbelievers are outside of this "perfection" and under the wrath of God, and that's not my term but John's from John 3:36, then the emphasis of our message should be for them to take refuge in Christ and fast!!!! Again Paul says that we are being saved from God's wrath, not Satan's wrath, not man's wrath, but God's wrath. Paul writes of a " Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath" (1 Thes. 1:10). Understanding this, makes me appreciate salvation a whole lot more. And I'm not talking about hell-fire preaching or "pounding pulpits" but simple gospel truth and honesty with the full message the Bible presents. Paul says that Jesus rescues us from God's "wrath." Do we now have a right to edit it? Is that message unprofitable? Did the Holy Spirit inspire man to write it in the Word for no reason?
Paul said to this same church at Thessalonica concerning Jesus our Lord:
" ... when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed." 2 Thes. 1:8-10
Do we have a picture of Jesus that includes this?
Would we call Paul a "hell-fire and brimstone" preacher for saying this to his hearers? That's a question to answer. What would God call Paul if he didn't say this? (see Ezekiel 3:17). This is why I think it's totally unfair to drop those labels on anyone who would broach the subject. The apostles: John, Paul, Peter and the Lord Jesus, Himself, would fall under our inditement. Yet they warned because they cared. For if these realities were hanging over my head, the wife, job, cars and my personal dreams can all take a back seat. These are of extreme importance and God cares about them, but they are temporal and secondary compared to "eternal life" (John 3:16) or "everlasting destruction" (2 Thes. 1:8-10).
Now please hear my heart here. This is not an issue of preferred style. Or me wanting to promote hell-fire and brimstone preaching. For many folks that's just a smoke screen. I see this totally differently. We are told to "speak the truth in love" and to declare the "whole council of God" ( Acts 20:27) from the Word. Yet we cannot let our sometimes less than optimal understanding of love, keep us from sharing the complete truth. Ironically, the "complete truth" here is real love for God and man and MUCH! MUCH! MUCH! more glorious than only half of the story. We are not helping God by editing His message. For if God requires perfection to dwell in his presence and if a curse lays upon those fail to keep "everything" written in the law (Gal. 3:10) and if the results of sin alienates me from God and I now lay under His wrath, then HOW GLORIOUS is the news that Christ takes away the sin of all those who will believe (John 3:16) and clothes them with perfection in God's presence! He will remove all that which hangs over their heads by faith. That is AWESOME! Totally glorious news to the unbeliever! His most pressing needs are met in Christ "IF" he will believe. And the living of the Christian life, following his precepts and possessing the abundant life (John 10:10) are by-products of the cross. They come after, not before or in place of. For as Paul says:
"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." -- Galations 6:10
God bless,
Sidney
Hello Sidney,
Hope you are well. Before I answer your post, if possible, can you provide your e-mail address? Mine is bfisher363@aol.com. I need to clarify something. Thanks.
Greetings GuiGrl,
My email is:
sidneyke@hotmail.com
... looking forward to hearing from you. Have an awesome day in the Lord!
Sidney