The Heresy Hunter

Joel Doesn't Teach Prosperity?

Joel Osteen has repeatedly denied that he teaches a prosperity, name-it-and-claim-it gospel. From "Today's Word with Joel & Victoria," November 15, 2007:

In the natural realm, we exchange money for the things we want and need. But in the spiritual realm, faith is what we exchange. The Bible tells us that when you pray, have faith, and you will receive it. Faith moves mountains. Faith pleases God. Faith is what opens doors. What is faith? It’s believing in God and His goodness. It’s knowing that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Faith is believing that the promises of God are true. It’s obeying His Word. Faith causes you to act. Where does faith come from? Everyone is given a measure of faith. Romans tell us that faith grows by hearing the Word of God. The more you hear the Word of God, the more real it becomes in your life and the easier it is to believe His promises. It doesn’t matter how much faith you have today, begin investing your faith by choosing to obey God’s Word. As you hear and obey the Word, you will be empowered by faith, and you will move forward into the abundant life God has in store for you!

So Joel is clearly teaching that if you have enough faith while praying for something God will give it to you. In addition it seems as though he adds works as part of the definition of faith when he says faith is "obeying His Word." John makes it clear that God knows better than us what is good for us and what isn't and that if what we pray for is in accordance with His will then we will receive it.

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him." (1 John 5:14-15)

Labels: Joel Osteen

posted by Bob Hunter @ Friday, November 16, 2007