Joel Olstein
By Pastor ChrisGreetings everyone…
I have decided to blog about Joel Olstein. Why not…everybody else is. I can understand why? Joel is very successful in his ministry. Everything is being examined, scrutinized and questioned. This is okay. We are supposed to do this. The Bible tells us to “Test the Spirits” so we can discern the truth. The Bible teaches us that “false prophets” will come and that “wolves in sheeps clothing” will be among true believers. The Bible also teaches that a day will come when people will desire “itchy ear teaching.” So for these reasons and many others we should examine the fruit of Joel’s ministry.
I will confess that I have been at least skeptical about Joel, but I have also examined his ministry and been open to God’s leadership about his ministry. I have discovered that there are a lot of people out there, who are Godly men with Godly ministries, who will disagree with me about Joel. These men of disagreement have some legitimate concerns, but in my opinion do not have a case to claim that Joel is a “false prophet” at this time. Before you disagree with me or say Amen please read on.
First, my defense is not of Joel…but Christ. Joel is a forgiven child of God like all born again believers. So we must realize that Joel will make mistakes. He will not always say what we would say or do what we would do. I confess that there are things that Joel has said on public T.V. in interviews that have concerned me and even disappointed me. But that is because I would have said things more boldly and differently…this does not make him a false prophet.
Second, the test is about what Joel beleives and confesses. He believes in Christ…the same Christ every born again believer does. He says over and over again that it is about a personal relationship with Christ and that he believes what the Bible teaches. Joel is not bringing a false Christ to the people he shepherds. Nor is he denying the work of Christ. Everytime I have heard Joel speak he offers salvation in Christ. Calls those who want to repent of their sin and embrace Christ to do so. Then he goes on to say that if one has been born again they need to get in a Bible teaching church.
My conclusion at this point is that Joel is on the team of Christ. The disciples once asked Jesus about people doing works for God. Jesus replied (paraphrase) that if they are not against us they are for us.
So to all those alarmists out there…thank you for reminding me and others that we need to be on guard. But until Joel denies Christ or teaches blasphemy, stop it, you are only hurting the cause of Christ. I will remain concerned over somethings Joel has said and be cautious. We all should do this. He may someday prove to be a false prophet…but that is not the case right now. We should focus on the things Joel is doing right and not on the things we think he is doing wrong, simply becasue we would have done it differently does not mean he is bad. I defend Joel because I defend Christ. Let’s exalt Christ and promote Christ. Let’s not tear one another apart. I would do the same for any brother, even those who accuse Joel of foul play.
Written with Great love and conviction about the truth,
Pastor Chris
20 Comments
December 23rd, 2007 at 10:30 pm
[...] Joel Olstein [...]
January 23rd, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Thank you for taking the time to write a clear review of Joel Olstein
ministry. I find that must Christins are fast to judge but can’t clearly define theirs objections.
January 23rd, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Nydia,
Thanks for the response. I truly take your review as a huge complement. This issue has caused me and fellow pastors many debates. In the end I have sided with Joel and believe his ministry to be true. I am glad you consider me an open minded CHristians.
God bless,
Pastor Chris
January 28th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I agree with you totally and i felt the same way about that for a while until i heard him say something that shocked me. He was being interviewed on his thought about the Mitt Romney and him being a mormon and all. and Joel replied saying that since Mitt believe that Jesus is his Lord and savior then they are the same as us. But this is not true as we know. Mormons teach a different Jesus. I dont know if you have heard about that about Joel yet but write back please and let me know your thoughts.
February 4th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Will,
I am unaware of this interview with Joel. However, if he states that the Jesus of Mormonism is the same Jesus as the Jesus of the Bible and of the Christian faith…then theres a problem Houston! Jesus is God…not a god. He is God. In the beginning was the Word (JESUS) and the Word was with GOd and the Word was God. Jesus has always been…he is not a created being…He is the Creator. I could go on and on. Bottomline, the Mormons do not have the same Jesus…by my understanding. If Joel Olstein has made this remark, then we clearly have grounds to question his leadership. I would need more information and evidence to make a sound judgment. Even if Joel spoke out of ignorance about the Mormon faith…this is not good. And it clearly crosses the line to blasphemy if he claims Jesus to be something he is not.
Chris
March 23rd, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Hello,
I was looking for info about Joel Olstein. I haven’t been overly impressed with him, but the pastor of the church we are now attending seems to like him and has been suggesting books by him. I am a little more conservative in my tastes ie. Chuck Swindoll John MacArthur etc. and was concerned about our pastor being interested in someone that I have been told is rather a “lightweight” theologically.
Thank you for your insight because truly God can work through any situation and sometimes people are drawn to him through different messages. Thank you for reminding us of the verse, “if they are not against us, they are for us” Even Paul was misunderstood in his time. Peter said that his writings were hard to understand. Hard for us to imagine that people thought Paul was hard understand, but it’s right there in the Bible.
I don’t know about the Romney inteview, I’ll have to check that out. I have a feeling that Joel is not secure enough to really stand up and say that something is wrong. Don’t we face this all the time? I know I do. I work with Catholics that only go to church once a year and really don’t know alot about their own faith and some of there conceptions of Jesus astound me, I don’t jump on it because I don’t feel called to. I also work with a Jehovah Witness, I also don’t feel called to correct her either. If the Lord ever does direct me to speak I hope I will be bold for Him, pray that will be so. We are faced with decisions every day and sometimes God just says “Be still and know that I am God” Which I take to mean: Shut up Mary, the battle is mine.
Wow, this ended up to be way longer than I thought.
God Bless you!
Mary
March 24th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Mary,
Thanks for the comments.
I am glad they helped you out.
I too have struggled with Joel. He is a little “ITCHY EAR” to me. And being a pastor is a huge responsibility to proclaim the truth to all people. He clearly has had some failures in this area. He has been given many opportunities i.e. Larry King to make the GOSPEL CLEAR and to say JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY…and he has failed. But does this mean we throw his ministry out or say he is not on the team…Not neccessarily.
I don’t consider Joel an enemy of the Cross and his ministry has done some good for the KINGDOM OF GOD.
I hope he will someday realize his mistakes (WHICH ARE BIG IN MY BOOK)…I wish Larry King would ask me those questions…I would be clear. However, I am sure even my answers would fall short of some peoples expectations too!
YOu take care and I am glad you are trying to “DISCERN THE SPIRITS” as 1 John tells us to do about people’s ministry.
Blessings,
PC
March 25th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I found this site while searching for Joel Olstein on google. I would like to suggest that you google joel olsteen paul washer. Listen to what Paul has to say. Listen to his message of just how bad American Christianity has come. There are a few Way of the Master videos which point out the differences, and the lack of spiritual fruit one of them produces.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Hi Pastor Chris,
Could this be Pastor Chris from Christ Embassy? I hope it is for I have been trying ways of contacting you and hoping you would help me out a great deal. I have lately been disturbed about articles I have come across and I surely would like your insightful understanding on some. Love your commentaries and may God’s true nature be revealed to all as he wills. God bless and hope to hear from you.
June 1st, 2008 at 2:43 am
Hi Chris,
Despite your obvious experience in the Ministry, your rationale concerning the ministry of Joel Osteen appears to be quite misguided and somewhat niave.
With respect, how can you say because he makes a profession of faith in Jesus Christ that he is not a false prophet? The only way we can tell that a person truely believe is that that they consistantly demonstrate the Fruits of the Spirit. Even Satan acknowledges God.
Joel Osteen would be better off preaching obvious heresy rahter that half truths, for to muddy the waters among people who are seeking the truth, has got to be the worst form of heresy one could ever commit.
Please don’t perpertuate this heresy by supporting a man how espouses half truths and compromises the scriptures for the sake of being freindly to everyone. Paul and Jesus had many enemies. If we are to be like Christ, how can we expect to be like by almost everyone. With Joel its about numbers and not offending people with the true Gospel. Is that what the scriptures teach?
We know what happens when a glass of clear water is mixed with a cup of muddy water. Doctrines taught under this philosphy cannot support the true gospel of Christ.
Please don’t add confussion to those seeking the rue message.
In Christ
Peter
June 1st, 2008 at 2:53 am
I find Joel as an insperational speaker, he has in spired me to find god again, to read the bible and to go to church again. I believe
he has pointed me in the right direction.
June 28th, 2008 at 1:39 am
I am not saying Joel Ostein is a false prophet or a bad person. His problem is that he teaches the gospel of wealth and positivness. The Bible (as you know) Specifically says we will suffer for Christ name. It also never says life will be easy. It DOES say how ever that we will satisfied with God’s will no matter what danger we get in or how afraid we are. He also is the ONLY pastor of that large “church” and I know he cannot keep up with its dicipline. Also just because someone repeats his prayer doesnt mean their saved. If you boost someone’s positivness and then make them repeat doesnt make them saved. Also i causes many people to skip out on church all together. Turn on tv and get you sermon.
“Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
So its not that he is a bad person, but what he teaches that may not be anti Biblical, but its not biblical.
artcraze62490@hotmail.com
July 9th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
PLEASE SEND ME DAILY SCRIPTURES
August 26th, 2008 at 2:13 am
I enjoy listening to Joel. I used to listen to his Dad. Joel has a way of getting peoples attention providing them with hope. But he doesn’t preach on the scriptures that much. It’s like a seft help meeting. But if you will notice at lot of the evangelist or doing that. They motvate the people like cheerleaders at a game. they don’t really preach the gosple. I walked out on a well known minster service a few years ago. Oh it started out great, singing, speakers getting the people to stand and join in the singing ect. All of sudden, the Lord spoke to heart to be still, listen and watch. When I did I was shocked, the people was being worked, being primed, as I stated like cheerleaders do at a game. When the minister finally came out, the offering was called then. People was so hiped up that that did not realize what they were really doing. The Minister stated out with singing and getting the people involved. I left in the middle of his whatever it was.
I think the best we can do is pray for all these Ministers for they have a lot of influnce on people. The Lord can turn anything around. People right now need more of the true word of God ministered to them, times will get worse. As for as Joel and the others if every true Christain will pray for them, instead of trying to tear them down, God can use them.
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:23 pm
dear Pastor Olstein
I am writing you this letter out of desperation for our church finance I would never think to write to y ou to ask you for help if the church was not in deep financial trouble and I still dont know why I am really writing to you but it must be the spirit of God gives me the courage to do this.We are the church of God of Prophecy in Milton Massachusetts. we are a very small church with less than 100 members and we got ourselves into a huge mortgage trying to get the work of God done but we need somebody to help with this debt that we are in. I am wondering Pastor Joel if you would have mercy upon this small church and contribute to its growth. WE have a balance of $850. to pay and if the lender dont get their money we are in trouble by October 2009.I do not know what you can do to help but anything you do would be appreciated.
wend the contribution to The church of Prophecy
118 Hollingsworth Rd Milton Mass 02186
thank you very much and God Bless
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:29 pm
i have heard through friends that you are awesome. I’d like the chance to hear you too.
January 25th, 2009 at 1:41 am
Hey, Joel is definately a Christian. I don’t think I’ve ever even heard him make a mistake about the Bible. The people who condemn him are not listening to the words of Jesus “..if they are not against us they are with us.” These ministers that are critisizing God’s annointed are fighting against Jesus. I know you can find falacies in the Catholic and Mormon religions, but remember this, they are not against us. There was a time when they have been, but they are not today, so why do ministers spend so much time attacking them? They always say that they are concerned about the souls of others. Why not trust Jesus words and stop fighting against our non-enemies?
In the case of Joel, he is one of God’s and there’s no doubt. I thin Joel could be more clear in understanding and purveying the message that only Jesus is the way to heaven, but how his blood cleanses each individual is upon God. When the preist poured out the blood on the alter, it provided God’s blessing and redemption (for a period) to all of Isreal. Jesus blood cleansed the Hebrews before he came. Abraham is cleansed by Jesus blood. Isaiah is cleansed by Jesus blood and so are all the people of faith that preceeded Jesus. Jesus said whoever seeks truth will find it. He didn’t say when. We are eternal beings. There is a definate scripture on rejecting Christ. He will deny you before the father. It is our job to minister the truth. It is God’s job to make the judgement. You know the moslems are a group of folk descendents from Esau, Lot and and Ishmeal (I think I spelled that incorrectly). I don’t think God forgot about these people. Pluss after Sarah died Abraham had about 10 or 12 more kids, maybe more. I mean God is mindful of all of us. Do any of you think that a Moslem, who has never rejected Jesus, but tried to find God and tried to do what he believed was right, is going to get a fair shake at the judgement. God will judge a man for what he knows. When we know what God says and we don’t do it, that’s disgraceful. If anyone outright rejects Jesus and they die in that state, then I believe that Jesus will as he says and deny them at the judgement. So tell me where Joel ever denied Jesus? I do not believe that for an instant and I don’t think Joel would do anything that would cause someone to go down the path of denying of Jesus and that is the only thing we know for sure will cause Jesus to deny you at the judgement. The thing we know we can do is to confess Christ and that will cause him to confess us. There’s some gray matter there for anyone who has done neither and I think we better leave that to God to decide. Remember there have been those who denied God, denied a diety then came to Christ and did not deny him unto death. And there are those that have confessed Christ and turned away and denied him and did not confess him again before death. I would only be guessing, but the latter may be danger. Nevertheless, God is not going to leave that event up to us. We can choose to forgive everyone and we can choose to not excuse the evil doers, and there are some of those. But ultimately God will make the final call. If I got to pick someone whose shoes I would rather be in than own, I would sure pick Joel before I would pick someone who spent their life attacking him. But since I know Jesus, I’ll stick to my own shoes. I confess him as Lord and Savior and know there is no other. No other way that anyone will get past the judgement, but how His blood cleanses them is His business.
Do you mind if I express one more point. Think about this please. Some protestants say that the Catholics are not saved. Their reason? they say that Catholics don’t say that they are born again. But Jesus NEVER said that we had to say we were born again, he said we must be Born again. But He did not give the instruction to that. He didn’t say “Say you are born again 3 times and click your heals.” What he said was that we had to be born again to enter into the kingdom of heaven. We become born again because the spirit of God communes with us and a live spirit is born. We become a new creature. If we believe and confess Jesus and repent. That is the way to salvation, but what exactly is the dosage for being born again in that instruction? Let’s be careful that we don’t word play and cause greater condemnation on ourselves. I’m not open to the new age stuff. I’m not saying there is anyother way to salvation. There is ONE way. It is through the blood of Jesus. So don’t reject him. And if you have heard that he is the Savior DO NOT REJECT HIM. Confess Him and He will confess you before the Father. And if you feel like you know that you should understand Him and live His way, but you are worried that it won’t coincide with how you want to live; Please give Jesus the chance to show you that His way will be the perfect compliment, though it may not seem so in the very beginning. Trust Him. Follow after Him and He will give you the desires of your heart. But He will not fulfill the lusts of your flesh. You will have to train your flesh to take orders from the Scriptures. But then you will have Peace.
January 27th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Pastor Chris,
I am in complete agreement in regards to Joel Olstein.
For starters he asks belivers to lift up the holy scriptures and in agreement an invitiation to believe in
God’s word as he states I am what the bible says.
” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
**After the service he always gives an invitation of the Gospel and than after sharing the gospel he tells the soul to go to a bible believing church.** (Our Lords commandment to do this until he comes.
Our Lord Jesus said let our nays be nays.
Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
In Exodus while the Hebrews were living in bondage in egypt
another group of believers lived free whereby Moses meets his future father-in-law Jethro; The priest of Midian.
Were they in bondage ?
God is able and if he wills to do with you what ever he purposes that is between you and him. But as our lord Jesus said not to Judge one another- yes to jusge can i buy a car of I am unemployed but not to judge one another as the specks on our brother can possibly be smaller than the beam in our own eye. All things are possible and if God helped us with our unbelief, our laziness not to seek himdaily and remain abiding in him-consistently and without guile.
We would not only love God with all our strenght, mind and soul but truly love our neighbor like ourselves.
God is a spirit and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and truth. He told David I would have even given you Bathsheba if you asked. Hmmm, isn’t that something.
The poor will always be with us as Jesus states and than in Gods graciousness are those who help the poor with their riches !
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Teri and Maggie…thanks for leaving comments and insights. I was not seeking approval but to clarify my position. I hope that your words and perspectives may help some of the people I know who struggle with Joel.
PC
March 29th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
I AM A CHILD OF GOD. I LIKE BRO. OLSTEIN, BECAUSE HE IS NOT PERFECT. HE IS A MAN AND ONLY HUMAN! DO YOU ALL REALIZE THAT! GOD IS THE KING AND ONLY GOD! WE WERE ALL BORN OF SIN, YOU BETTER RECOGNIZE, WHO YOU ARE AND WHO YOU CAME FROM? THANK GOD!
I LIKE THE WAY BRO. JOEL INSPIRES HIS SISTER & BROTHERS TO SEEK AND LEARN. HE IS DOES NOT HAVE THE TOTAL ANSWER AND NEITHER DOES THE PRESIDENT OBAMA. WE NEED THEM TO HELP AND REACH TO ALL WILLING TO BE INSPIRED BY ONE OF US, A CHILD OF GOD. NOTHING MORE AND NOTHING LESS, NO BORM WITH A HALO, JUST EARTHY. GOD GAVE HIS ONLY SON SO WE COULD LIVE. WE ARE WEAK AND INSPIRATION IS WHAT KEEPS US SANE, AND THE BELIEF IN THE BIBLE. WE NEED REAL PEOPLE AND BRO. JOEL IS A REAL PERSON WHO BLEED LIKE WE DO. HE MAKES MISTAKES HE WAS CALLED TO DO SOME OF GOD’S WORK. HE IS NOT GOD. IF THIS MAN CAN MAKE SO MANY GET UP IN THE MORNING AND LOOK FOR A NEW DAY, IT IS BETTER THAN SITTING OR LAYING IN YOUR SORROW? HE MAKES YOU WANT TO GET UP AND WORSHIP GOD, AND START YOUR DAY WITH A SMILE. HIS LITTLE STORIES JUST REALLY HELP ME SEE LIFE FROM ANOTHER REAL PERPECTIVE. SO HE IS NOT PERFECT, AND IS ONLY A MAN! LOOK IN THE MIRROW, ARE YOU HOLIER THAN THOU, ARE YOU 100% ANNOINTED/SAVED & PERFECT ENOUGH TO WALK WITH, OR LIKE JESUS. LOOK IN THE MIRROW, YOU SO CALL I AM RELIGIOUS AND NOBOBY KNOWS WHAT I KNOW. SHAME ON YOU! GOD BLESS!
BLUEMUSE