Three Things I Didn't Expect to Learn from Joel Osteen (by Aaron Graham)
Last weekend my wife Amy and I were in Baltimore and attended Joel Osteen's event. Joel pastors the largest church in America with more than 38,000 people, and his latest book has already hit number one on many bestseller lists. Joel is selling out stadiums across the country preaching a gospel of healing, victory, promotion, and increase to people filled with sickness, defeat, depression, and debt.
Unlike some people, I do not think that Joel Osteen is a heretic. While I do believe that he needs a deeper theology of suffering, he is not like most prosperity preachers that completely undermine Jesus' teaching. Joel's teaching may only be an inch deep, but he certainly reaches a lot of people with words of hope.
The crowd went wild when Joel stepped on stage. He kept the crowd engaged throughout the evening with his message about the power of positive thinking. "We are to be victors, not victims," he said repeatedly. His mother shared a testimony of being healed from liver cancer 26 years ago. Joel shared his testimony of how he served at his father's church for 17 years in video production before responding to the call to preach. It was a story people could relate to because many have sensed God's calling on their lives, but have either run from that call or felt inadequate for the task at hand.
I went into this gathering as a critic of TV evangelists and superficial gospel messages. I could list a number of things I find problematic about the Joel's ministry, but rather than just criticize a brother, I thought I would focus on how we as a Christian social justice movement can learn from him:
- The power of personal testimony: Joel shared about how he avoided the pulpit for so long and had only preached one sermon before he inherited his dad's church. We would do well to be more active in sharing our motivations for doing social justice ministry.
- The importance of engaging hearts and not just minds: Joel was not afraid to cry when speaking about his father's death. Too many in the social justice movement have a strong intellectual understanding of Christ, but lack the passion or personal vulnerability to fuel the mission of God's justice for the poor.
- The importance of racial and socioeconomic diversity: Joel's event had more poor people and racial diversity than most churches or even social justice gatherings I have experienced. This is likely a result of not just his broad appeal but his vast reach through television.
The challenge before Joel Osteen, as well as us in the social justice movement, is similar. We are called not just to be spectators, but active participants in God's mission in this world. The temptation is just to sit back and watch TV or intellectualize about social justice. The challenge is to go beyond mere observation to active participation in order to begin sacrificing our time and resources in response to the gospel so that we can change the direction of our country and world.
Aaron Graham is the national field organizer for Sojourners.
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Comments
I am so pleased with your analysis of Joel Osteen. As progressives sometimes we tend to forget how and why we came to Christ. I know Joel has been criticized for preaching a "feel good gospel", but what's wrong with feeling good? Isn't it called the "good news" for a reason?
Posted by: Peter Allen | October 30, 2007 11:30 AM
I appreciate the post about Osteen... there is a spirit of kindness and gentleness (Fruits of the Spirit I believe according to St Paul)in him that I believe many people are attracted to for reasons that are sometimes reveal in blogs such as this... the NYT piece indicates a shift that is occurring in the larger evangelical church that is part of the cycle of things... In 76 I voted for Ford and I remember my educated cynicism about Reagan though I voted for him in 80 and 84 and now that cycle is coming to a close and a new generation of evangelicals are coming to the front who are tired, like I am, of the 'over mixing' of politics and faith... where is the reliance on the Holy Spirit to see real and lasting personal and societal change? I believe that 'compassionate conservatism' is on the rise in the church not in Washington..
Posted by: Jim Kane | October 30, 2007 11:30 AM
Last night I was on a street corner in downtown Orlando, Florida, being with two groups of approx 20 college students, one 'Rock for Hunger' and the other the 'American Medical Students Association.' As Joel preaches, the young adults were promoting healing and victory and increase, to 75 or so homeless people, some filled with physical and mental sickness, defeat, and depression. They were doing this by feeding and touching and fellowshiping with these saints on the sidewalk of the main downtown post office.
I thank God that Joel and others have helped inspire these students to experience the 'theology of suffering' hands on. As Aaron lays out, I am blessed to see these students gaining their own personal testimonies by 'doing justice' unto the Lord's poor, learning the importance of engaging hearts and not just minds by demonstrating that they 'love mercy', and immersing themselves in the sea of racial and social diversity that is our city, while 'walking humbly with God.'
Brian McClaren, in his new book Everything Must Change, says 'It is not clear how many believers in Jesus today will open their hearts to this revolution. But there are at least two of us, right?' I see the Lord raising up a movement of people, courageous enough to answer God's call, buoyed up people like Joel Osteen, Tony Campolo, Robert Schuller, and the Sojourners/Call To Renewal movement.
To parody the old joke, of a little boy being in a class, and the teacher is explaining away as non miraculous, the children of Israel marching through the Red Sea, because there had to have been a severe drought, and the little boy saying there was a miracle then...the Egyptian army drowned in a few inches of water. Perhaps Joel Osteen's teaching only is an inch deep, but thanks to 'Rebel Jesus' and the Revolution of Hope, he and other are being used by the Lord to inspire a generation to be active participants in serving those Jesus called 'the least of these.'
Alan Clapsaddle
www.lovepeacejustice.org
Posted by: Alan Clapsaddle | October 30, 2007 11:33 AM
Aaron Graham
Thanks for your article - what a pleasure reading it and 'feeling' like I could be a part of this. Like the old song says 'Little is much when God is in it'. If we all would do just a little - how much more could be done for the Kingdom. If we would look at our simularities more than our differences.
Again - thanks, you made my day.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | October 30, 2007 12:05 PM
I'm not on the progressive side of the spectrum, nor am I a huge fan of Osteen, but I wholeheartedly agree with your observations.
Posted by: Blake | October 30, 2007 1:18 PM
I just want to know who his dentist is :)
Posted by: splinterlog | October 30, 2007 1:54 PM
CLEARLY, Osteen is a false teacher. Preaching the gospel must include recognition and repentance of sins, otherwise, where does the need for Jesus come in? If Jesus is not needed, then Christianity it is not. It's more like self-help. And, no doubt, Osteen is helping a lot of people in the here and now, but, he is helping very few in the after-life.
Posted by: undisclosed | October 30, 2007 5:16 PM
undisclosed,
I wouldn't go quite so far as to call him a false teacher, although I see your point. I do think it would be better if he advertised himself as a self-help guru, for that is more in keeping with what he is. One might come to Christ through his teaching, but one probably won't grow with any depth.
Posted by: squeaky | October 30, 2007 6:25 PM
Yeah, I didn't want to be the one to break up the love fest, but the Osteen does preach a prosperity gospel. While I am glad that the author offers a spirit of reconciliation, Osteen uses his considerable speaking gifts toward the end of presenting a false interpretation of the gospel.
Think of it this way. Christ was the worst thing that ever happened to Paul. Right? He went from a well-respected, powerful teacher, to a man getting whipped and beaten.
Posted by: kevin s. | October 30, 2007 6:29 PM
oops... I wasn't finished... What I was going to say was...
Do we see any resonance between the life of Paul and the Christianity Osteen offers? One of the reasons I respect my pastor is that he has been through hell for God.
He has had so many opportunities to turn his back, to compromise, to just go halfway. And he has never done it. I can say what I will about his speaking style, whether he sticks to scripture, etc... But I know in my heart that he is living the way Christ commands us.
I just don't see that with Osteen. Sorry.
Posted by: kevin s. | October 30, 2007 6:37 PM
With the daily trials and tribulations that we all endure, we need someone to give encouragment. I believe that God gave Joel Osteen this gift.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 30, 2007 7:19 PM
My husband and I lived in Houston 24 years. During that time we occasionally visited Lakewood Church where Joel's father and mother, John and Doty, preached. Two things that struck me was their sincerity and devotion to all of Christ's teachings. I also knew about Doty's horrific battle with cancer and she was in Ben Taub hospital (the county hospital) for weeks at a time. People from their congregation would park in the hospital parking lot and pray for her night after night.
Once when I was working on a campaign against allowing gambling in Texas, I attended a formal luncheon at Second Baptist Church which was new, filled with marble and granite with a bowling alley, meeting and dining rooms, work out rooms and more. As the pastor of that church stood up to lead us in prayer in his designer suit and polished gold cuff links, in walked John Olsteen and several members of his ministry team. John was dressed in a brown tweed sports coat that looked it had come from Goodwill and quietly took a seat. Everyone in the room got silent at seeing this incredible servant of God who pastored the largest church in Houston come in quietly. The contrast between the pastor of Second Baptist Church and John Olsteen was not lost on anyone in attendance.
In many ways, Joel reminds me more of his mother than his father but I do see the hand of God on him and he does preach release to captives which we could all use more of. I also long for the opportunity to offer real life testimonies in our churches because they are so inspiring to those that are in the trenches slugging it out.
Posted by: Peggy | October 30, 2007 8:00 PM
I am sure Joel is great and I am also sure that I am to find joy in my evangelical brothers and sisters. But the Christianity he describes is so watered down, so poorly executed that I can't watch a single thing he is on. But I can understand how some just want comfort. I can understand that. But since when is the kingdom about that?
p
Posted by: payshun | October 30, 2007 8:07 PM
But since when is the kingdom about that?
p
Posted by: payshun
I believe I understand what your saying P . There was another fella that use be on Sunday mornings. He would have guest speakers come from people like Holyfield giving their testimonies to other well known Americans .
Shueber or something like that , he had a smile that appeared forced but yet real . Had a huge congregation , He use to get criticized for about the ame thing , always happy .
Christianity is about Christ our Lord , and how you handle the Rain and the Sunshine . Doing for others .
But I think we need to be carefull , and I think Sojorners should be also about what they promote about other Faith groups and styles .
Some people feel fine with that .
At least he is not promoting not paying attention to God and not reading the Good Book . And he does not seem to attack anyone but try to lift people up . That is good . And he does promote giving and reaching out .
But your right , he seems to leave out some of the tougher issues that The Bible speaks on .
Posted by: Mick Sheldon | October 30, 2007 9:13 PM
Joel is young and enthusiastic, attracts young people. So his message is perhaps lacking depth. NO one can be all things, at all times to all people. The fact that he is doing what he is doing so successfully perhaps means he is doing just what he is supposed to do. Depth will come with life experience. It brings to mind the fact that Billy Graham preached essentially the same message all his long career and there were always enough people that needed to hear that message to fill stadiums every time.
Lets appreciate him for what he does and leave it to others to do what he doesn't. Most people can get their preaching through many different sources these days. When people need more than Joel delivers, they will seek it out.
Posted by: c kitty | October 30, 2007 10:04 PM
" So his message is perhaps lacking depth."
It also often lacks truth. That is the problem. Quikstar can make people feel good, and get them ecited. That isn't the point.
"The fact that he is doing what he is doing so successfully perhaps means he is doing just what he is supposed to do."
Or perhaps it does not.
"Lets appreciate him for what he does and leave it to others to do what he doesn't."
But what he preaches about God is often wrong. Have you done the research here, or are you going on 60 minutes bios?
"Most people can get their preaching through many different sources these days. When people need more than Joel delivers, they will seek it out."
This man is a pastor of the church. Should his membership leave the church once they realize he lacks any sort of depth? That seems entirely contrary to the message of the post above.
Posted by: kevin s. | October 30, 2007 10:18 PM
Joel is young, enthusiastic and connects with the younger generation. So what if he doesn't do other things? That he is so successful suggests that the is doing what he was created to do. Depth will come with life experience. It reminds me that Billy Graham preached basically the same sermon his whole long career. And there was always a stadium full of people that needed to hear that message.
These days people can get their preaching from many sources. When people want more than what he offers, they will seek that elsewhere. In the meantime lets appreciate him for what he does and leave what he doesn't do up to other people. Many people come to God when they are hurting. A positive message is going to keep their attention more so than preaching hellfire and brimstone.
Posted by: c kitty | October 30, 2007 10:23 PM
Kevin s
So tell us what he is lying about.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 30, 2007 10:27 PM
I really appreciate the effort to positively describe the work of a pastor who's not liberal. I'm somewhat bemused, by the criticisms of him and from whence they have come.
I can think of other charismatic preachers for whom maturity came later. Their early work (years in some cases) was light on theology and light on social justice and yet God still used them. As the Holy Spirit has worked in them they grew in theology and they grew in justice.
Be Blessed,
Posted by: Trent | October 30, 2007 11:43 PM
I'm somewhat bemused, by the criticisms of him and from whence they have come.
Trent why would that be ? Christians are not one size fit all . Don't do that to yourself , it limits your ability to look at issues . People are so much more then conservative or liberal cookie cutters. You know that is true , look at youself . You have many varying views from those you may consider in your side of many issues .
You don't agree with every liberal view point do you ? Most likely you would have some strong disagreements with some of the liberal theology that floats around . Conservatives are no different . I support pro life issues , but I will not support all pro life methods . If your pro choice , you do not promote calling pro life views being anti women do you ? I support the Truth and Jesus Christ is the only way to that Truth , but I don't like Preachers who bombard you with Hell , Fire and Brimstone . Even though I have heard those who have to Christ by such methods . " It would have made me walk away I think "
Please think about that .
Posted by: Mick Sheldon | October 31, 2007 12:33 AM
" I'm somewhat bemused, by the criticisms of him and from whence they have come."
Really?
"So tell us what he is lying about."
Well, you can say things that are untrue without lying, and I think he is guilty of the former and not the latter. That said, he correlates faith in God with material wealth, physcial health, and etc... Given the amount of money he earns, it is unsurprising that he has come to the conclusion that faith in God brings about prosperity, but the worldview he espouses in incorrect nonetheless.
Posted by: kevin s. | October 31, 2007 1:19 AM
Aaron, thanks for this humble post. I'm not an Osteen fan at all, but after spending the summer in Darfur, I can't question any longer the mysterious ways God reveals little bits of Himself through all kinds of people. More should adopt your attitude of seeking to learn from others with whom we disagree. Whether God reveals Himself through Osteen or Wallis or homeless folks or a poor child or a Muslim or a Republican or mother nature--all truth is God's truth--let's use it to build each other up and to build up the Kingdom. May we all keep seeking Him intently and loving our neighbors (even the Prosperity Preachers).
Posted by: z. | October 31, 2007 1:30 AM
I am not a Prosperity Gospel person by any means. I like listening to Mr. Osteen every once in a while. He has a simple message but sometimes that is what people need to hear. I know that Billy Graham had about 7 to 11 sermons the last few years he was doing his Crusades. But his ministry was evangelism and to get people back into the neighborhood church. I believe that the mega church will be part of the Christian Community from now on till Christ's return. I believe that God raises people up at his will. There is a season for everything - even Mega Churches. There is so much that we have in common and I know that God gives us as individuals an area of interest or concern that motivates us to work in those areas. There are several people in my little church that came to faith under Tammy and Jimmy Bakker. (there are miracles) They came to an understanding that there was something 'deeper' about the Christian Faith and looked for it and found it at a small evangelical church. Would they have come if we had said, Bakker's - what frauds, what fakes, etc. No we loved them as fellow believers and wanted to be a part of their growth in the faith. I pray for Wallis as often as I pray for the Crouch's. We are God's Children.
Blessings -
.
Posted by: Moderatelad | October 31, 2007 10:00 AM
My Mom loves Joel--to listen to TV. Getting out in the world and/or applying the lessons of love is quite another thing. On the other hand, I attend a wealthy and sophisticated church that serves the community and the world.
Joel's focus is on prosperity for a woman who is too frightened and downtrodden (widow at 46, handicapped daughter, uterine and breast cancer) to even mix with the social world; the church I attend focuses on outreach, tutoring at risk students, missions to build houses and schools in 3rd world countries.
Two very different audiences, needs. Christ's message to pick up your matt and walk--or your sins are forgiven: it isn't one OR the other; the Good News IS that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Perhaps both are teaching reconciliation, and giving folks a glimpse of hope---what they do with it is something else.
I'm not inspired watching TV evangelists, whether Joel, Tammy et al, or Katerine Kuhlman, but these are messengers, not The Message. I think Christ talked about his disciples having the real thing and still were like babies feeding on milk. The Next Thing is up to the listener.
Posted by: jenelle | October 31, 2007 12:10 PM
Doesn't the Old Testament record that God once used a jackass to deliver his message?
Posted by: canucklehead | October 31, 2007 12:27 PM
I think Bonhoeffer had a description for this type of 'comfort' religion - 'cheap grace.'
Bonhoeffer reminds us that true 'discipleship' is often costly and often times difficult. I realize this might not draw in whole football stadiums but if numbers are all you are after, then I guess Olsteen is on the right track.
Posted by: roack40 | October 31, 2007 3:37 PM
Dis not his Dad actually have his house bombed once ? Wonder what that was all about ?
Posted by: Mick Sheldon | October 31, 2007 4:59 PM
In our capitalistic, consumer oriented culture obsessed with money, status,and health, I am not surprised by how a handsome, winsome, polished positive thinking preacher in the style of Peale and Schuller espousing a "you can have it all" psychology has a congregation of 38,000 and millions of T.V.listeners and buyers of his books.The question is whether the content of his words are Christian. Yes peope are "filled with sickness, defeat, depression, and debt" but are the solutions found within the very capitalism that created these problems or within the Bible and the biblical community? In God's kingdom prosperity is redefined as being the recipient of an extravagant God who blesses us with abundant life in Christ, adoption through baptism into Christ's body, the church, and the promise of a coming kingdom in which God's purposes will be realized. A rich man is given a choice:give his possessions to the poor and enter the kingdom or keep them and be kept out of the kingdom. A poor widow gives all she has-two very small copper coins into the temple treasury. Jesus points to the greatness of her gift which isn't about how much she gave, certainly not with what she got back (prosperity preaching)but because of what she had left:NOTHING of monetary value.She knew something positive thinking, get rich preachers don't: radical trust in and obedience to God. King Solomon who was the richest person of his day and who, seduced by greed for more wealth and power, lost it all, wrote: "Whoever loves money never has money enough...Naked a person comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes, so he departs" (Ecc.5) Wealth and healing (even miraculous ones) are temporary-we don't take our possessions and former bodies with us. While Osteen may not be a heretic he needs not only "a deeper theology of suffering" as Aaron Graham describes, but a deeper theology of God!My mother always loves watching Osteen on T.V. So for her sake and soul may Osteen be blessed with a second conversion of good theology.
Posted by: Michael Bozeman | October 31, 2007 5:01 PM
As a regular attendee of Lakewood, I'd like to remind everyone that Joel is not the only preacher at our church. Only those who go week after week can vouch for the fact that we, as a church family, hear our fair share of preaching on sin, hell, witnessing, and repentance. If the nay-sayers could also hear what Joel himself continues to say to us as a congregation, after he ends the broadcast portion, they wouldn't have that much to criticize. I have never been to a service where there wasn't a complete plan of salvation clearly given at the end.
Posted by: David | November 1, 2007 1:02 AM
Thanks David for your comments. Could you elaborate about what Rev. Osteen says to the congregation following the T.V. broadcast? Thanks!My mother reminds me that despite the limits of his theology he is a refreshing change from the other preachers/performers on T.V.
Posted by: Michael Bozeman | November 1, 2007 10:38 AM
This article, just like the theology of this site is sickening. Jesus wrote the whole bible, not just the words written in red. We are saved by the gospel which is found in 1Cor 15 1-4. It is by Jesus' shed blood we are saved and we are to share that good news. Paul was not healthy and wealthy and neither was Jesus. We are not put here on this earth to make people feel warm and fuzzy about themselves like he teaches. Jesus had no place to lay his head. But you all seem to pass over the fact that Jesus came to the lost sheep of the house of Israel and told his diciples not to go to the gentiles. He is speaking (in red) to Jews. You quote Jesus but you seem to forget that he came to this earth first of all to fulfill the covenant promised to Israel, not you gentiles. Yours and Joel's theology claim promises that were not your's to begin with.
Posted by: Angie, Lincolnton NC | November 1, 2007 10:44 AM
I occasionally listen to Joel Osteen, but try not to speak ill of him, since he is doing far more on a larger scale for the Lord then I am.
He seems sincere, I just prefer more meaty study of the WORD.
So many Christians today like the self help books and sermons, rather then the help we can get from the Bible or from people using the supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit to help people.
Joel's way helps people, but is it long lasting or just for "itching ears," telling people what they want to hear?
As times get tougher in the "last days," will these people be able to stand strong, or will they turn against the God they thought would give them all the comforts and wealth for a lifetime.
I think it will be a hard road for some of these people, who don't think they should ever suffer.
I'm a cancer survivor, and at one time I used to skip over scriptures like "partaking of Christ's sufferings." I now know that some of the tough times matures us, as well as causing a total dependence on the Lord, prayer and HIS WORD.
Myra, Lancaster, MA.
Posted by: Myra Walker | November 1, 2007 5:56 PM
I'm not sure what Christianity is to some of you. I agree there is greater depth to the Gospel that Osteen preaches on one hand, on the other I think he knows a side of the Gospel too few evangelicals know about, and that is the Pauline Revelation and who we are and what we have in Christ. I think the Church has gone so far into the side of the ditch, He raises one like Osteen to say hey, "you are righteous. you are victorious. God wants you well and blessed." Like one poster said, the Gospel is GOOD NEWS.
Posted by: erik | November 1, 2007 10:55 PM
I'm not sure what Christianity is to some of you. I agree there is greater depth to the Gospel that Osteen preaches on one hand, on the other I think he knows a side of the Gospel too few evangelicals know about, and that is the Pauline Revelation and who we are and what we have in Christ. I think the Church has gone so far into the side of the ditch, He raises one like Osteen to say hey, "you are righteous. you are victorious. God wants you well and blessed." Like one poster said, the Gospel is GOOD NEWS.
Posted by: erik | November 1, 2007 10:56 PM
Osteen is a self-help motivational speaker. It boggles my mind that anyone could listen to what he's saying and not conclude that he preaches a prosperity gospel.
I mean, "Your Best Life Now"? Is there anything unclear about that?
Posted by: ja | November 2, 2007 10:29 AM
Michael, a bit unsure of what you're looking for, (as your opinions are printed quite clearly up above mine) I'll just say that Pastor Joel ends the broadcast, and then begins the invitation for us in the building. Full salvation plan, people raise their hands and stand to be saved or to rededicate, prayer, and then he spends a few moments telling them about the eternal and here-and-now ramifications of their new decision. I used to be an Independent, Fundamental Baptist. Back then, I would read the Bible looking for the places where it would agree with MY "theology". Pathetic. I have already been in the mindset of everybody on this page that's negative about Joel. Quite a change, though, now. I'm not ashamed to say that now, I am living my best life, through the power of God.
Posted by: David | November 2, 2007 12:17 PM
I feel sad to read these comments about the Gospel and Joel Osteen. It's clear to see that people have itchy ears and when there scratched there happy. When the message fits my needs it must be right.
I hear God wants us blessed and well. What part of well was Stephen when he was stoned or for that matter all the apostle that were martyred?
When are we going to want to hear the real Gospel. That we were sinners doomed to be separated from our creator. He sent his son to die for us and through him and only him do we have salvation. Once one give his life to the Lord, He becomes our leader. Once you taste God and see how good he is you should no longer be consumed with the world and it's things. Our life is a sacrifice life, no longer what I desire but what God desires for me. If that means poor, rich, modest what ever. Our goal is to keep our eye on Christ and follow Him where ever. God has a plan and purpose for us.
How many times does it say in the NT to die to yourself. To pick up your cross and deny yourself. Read romans 6. Call it joy when you fall into various trials.
I don't know if I am making myself understood, sorry I am not the most educated man. I do know this though. I was saved by Jesus Christ. His spirit dwells in me. The more I get close to him the less I need of this worlds junk. Be in the world not of the world. I now am trying to empty my cup so that Jesus can fill it because he is so good. I follow him at all cost because he is sufficient.
The only thing that is going to change this world is each one following Christ to the life he purposed us. Then others will see Christ working through us. If we claim to love like Christ it should be outer not about me. Not about favor, politics. It's not about what I want but what God wants me to do, in that I will be blessed.
Joel Olsteen teaches none of this. It's about me, and how I can be happy even if I have to force myself to think positive. It's about being a success in this life and get temporary joy.
God is saving you, and you letting him use you to save others and in that you will be blessed. If God is so great then why do you need so much of the world.
Joel Olsteen is just another temporary get happy in this life. Many people love to hear that because the alternative is too scary, takes lots of faith and would mean to much sacrifice of ones own desires. Everybody just wants to do what they want to do and hope God blesses it.
I have found my savior, my Shepard, my love. My treasure awaits in heaven, now I just want others to know this God and I will let him transform you the real way from the inside.
See most people don't even know what blessing means. They think it's success, cars, house, family so on.
True bless what is it? It's when God looks upon you and says this is my beloved child who I am well pleased. When you can grasp that then you can begin to understand the true Gospel.
The bible says narrow is the way and only few shall find it. I can see why now. Until we give up our plots, selfishness, schemes and just center our life and eyes on Christ his light will shine dim.
What you do does not make you a Christian it's Christ in you that does. What you do is only a result of Christ in you. Surrender to him and let him show you the plans he really has for you. There is true success, purpose and peace beyond your understanding. Then when you come face to face with God you will not be ashamed and you will have stored up treasures in heaven.
That is the life that will hear well done my good and faithful servant.
The other will be depart from me for I never knew you.
God Save us All
Posted by: Alex R | December 17, 2007 4:38 AM
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