"This Is My Bible . . ."

Speaking of the marriage of entertainment and theology (see the discussion below regarding the A-Rod picture), Joel and Victoria Osteen are releasing their "Hope for Today Bible." (Click here: Joel Osteen Ministries)

Here's the promo text on their website

"Featuring notes and encouragement from Joel and Victoria Osteen

`This is my Bible, I am what it says I am, I have what it says I have, I can do what it says I can do.'

These are the words of promise and hope that we have been declaring over the lives of people all over the world since the beginning of our ministry. We invite you to explore this special Hope for Today Edition of the New Living Translation Bible. It is our desire that you would be inspired every day by the life-giving, supernatural, God-breathed Scriptures.  $25.00"

_______________________________

I didn't know there were any verses about how to find a parking place, win a court battle with an angry flight attendant, or cry at will.  I'm glad the Osteens are willing to enlighten us.

Now I know what to get Mike, Rod, and Ken for Christmas.  I might even buy Shane a copy!  Wait, I take that back.  Shane will get one for free at the National Religious Broadcasters convention.

Comments

["lee n. field"]

`This is my Bible, I am what it says I am (a sinner), I have what it says I have (death, inherited from Adam), I can do what it says I can do.(nothing on my own)'

[Chris M.]

The more posts I read under the heading "Wacky World of Evangelicalism" the more I think it is redundant to use Wacky & Evangelicalism together. It should be The World of Evangelicalsim & we'll all know what you mean.

[Lightwalker]

I can only imagine the notes for Romans 8:37.

"You are more than a conqueror at your soccer game, in your kitchen, and at work. God loves you."

I may pick one of these up in case I were to accidentally poison myself and I need to "induce vomiting".

["lee n. field"]

"redundant to use Wacky & Evangelicalism together"

Phil Johnson (the right hand of John McArthur) gave a talk at the Shepherd's Conference on "What is an Evangelical". He wants to be called a "paleo-evangelical" -- sola scripura, sola fide.

http://www.shepherdsfellowship.org/pulpit/Posts.aspx?ID=4113

Audio around somewhere.

I could live with that.

[Rev. Z. Bartels]

"I didn't know there were any verses about how to find a parking place, win a court battle with an angry flight attendant, or cry at will."

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[timinator]

lee, that is too funny. So Pastor Kim, when is your bible comming out??

[Mike Iliff]

'This is my Bible, I am what it says I am, (a Sucker) I have what it says I have, (my Osteen Bible) I can do what it says I can do (hand over $25).

[dlzr]

You might consider leaving poor Joel alone. 'This is my bible, I am what it say I am, (the righteousness of God), I have what it says I have, (All the benefits of Christ), and I can do what it says I can do (A slave to righteousness).

[Wayne Rohde]

The Osteen "Study" Bible.

And people wonder why I sometimes want to go and smash my head against a wall...

[Charles S]

I still think the Kenneth Copeland KJV is more annointed.

[Chris Sherman]

I spent 10 minutes trying to think of something funny to say. It's just sad.

Maybe one day, if I am being fed to a lion or something, it might come in handy.

Giving must be down at Lakewood, he's back to selling books again.

[Four* Pointer]

Lee n. Field--

You said exactly what I was thinking! "I am what it says I am." Well, yeah. If a person is not born again, they are a sinner headed for Hell. (Thinking of an old quote about blind squirrels...)

So which Bible translation does he choose to base his newest marketing scheme...er, I mean, "study Bible" on? The New Living Translation! A paraphrase! Not even a translation! (Granted, it is one of the better paraphrases...but still...). I wonder if he's going to come out with one based on The Message (ala Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life").

[Nick Mackison]

Kim, you're a bad man....I love it!

[Otty]

Who started this is my Bible schtick? Was it none other than John Osteen Joel's dad? There is a pastor in Michigan named Mark T. Barclay and he uses this "this is my Bible" creed as well. No wonder, one of his mentors was John Osteen. Mr. Barclay has also said the five points of Calvinism are heresy. Barclay has had Copeland speak at his church a couple of times. Kim if you go to You Tube and type in Mark T. Barclay vs. Charles Spurgeon you'll find Mr. Barclay's warped views on Calvinism.

[Otty]

Actually Kim, type in Mark T. Barclay vs. Spurgeon you'll find it quicker.

[timinator]

dlzr, Even though Joel uses "this is my Bible" creed at the beginning of every meeting, he then puts it down and talks about being nicer person or some other topic without using the Bible. So, why should we then leave the man alone? He does call himself a pastor, but not a pastor, as we know it neither from scripture nor according to Apostle Paul,

II Timothy 4:1-2 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, Who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing in the kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

Titus 2:1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.

So, if the Apostle Paul and God’s Word is telling us to teach the Word {Bible} and sound doctrine {Theology} then Joel Osteen is not teaching according to scripture. If you call him a movational speaker then he is good at it, but as a pastor he is dangerous, as he will not speak God’s truth when confronted like on Larry King nor preach the full Bible at his church. He only wants you to fell good about the messages not to hear that you are sinners and need to repent and obey God.

I can understand why Michael Horton spoke about him in great lengths in his book Christless Christianity and why Hank Hanegraaff did the same in his new book Christianity in Crisis: The 21st Century.

[Ken Mattson]

Here is another video on Mark T. Barclay. The first one on youtube was reported from Mark T. Barclay's ministry as containing copy right material, so it was taken down by youtube. I don't know how they got away with that one. I contacted youtube and they said I'd have to go to court with them. So I let it go. So I put the orginal one on Tangle.com http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=bf8bf9c45dd0753b778e

This second one that I made a few weeks ago, maybe a month ago is up on youtube. I quote Barclay in one of his articles from 2006 where he said a number of untrue things about Calvinism. I contacted his ministry, because I am a former student, but never was given any time of the day. Since than, I have become Reformed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzrDCG0BloE

Ken

[Ken]

I will ad something else to this, some history, because I think it's important. The audio excerpt from the first video http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=bf8bf9c45dd0753b778e was at an independent charismatic/word-faith church where a year earlier two of the paid ministers were let go because they embraced Reformed theology. I know that, because they were both friends and still are. I think it marks the hostility that exist right now in a lot the Word-faith churches against anything sound and Protestant.

[kari]

You know what, you may say he puts the Bible down but it is because he just doesn't quote scriptures. He lives the LIVING WORD of God. Joel Osteen knows the word. IF you hear his prayers and his message all he speaks is the word of God. He may not say go to this verse but he definitely speaks it out... "all things work together for good for those who love God", "lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge the Lord and he shall direct your path, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. He speaks the Word of God and God said his word will not return into void but it shall accomplish what he called forth. So we must yield to the precious Holy Spirit for He is the Spirit of Truth to guide us and lead us to all truth and justice. So it is okay to declare God's word we don't necessary have to put all the scripture because those who actually read the Bible should identify the scriptures. So if you do read your bible and live it ~not only hearers of the word but doers~ then you would identify when Joes preaches and prays he is speaking out the Word of God and he is actually making prophetic declarations because he is speaking out God's word. and don't you know that Jesus use parables so the non-religious people would understand that Jesus came to establish His kingdom here on Earth. As far as I know in the parables he didn't quote scripture but he sure did LIVE the Word for its said and the WORD became Flesh and walk among us. So people recieve his word and let Christ live in you for that is being Christain. Christ lives in me!!!!!!!

[Calvin]

updated link on Mark T. Barclay VS Calvinism

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/5034471/mark_t_barclay_versus_calvinism/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgjQaq35eAs