Where did Joel Osteen get the saying "this is my Bible I can do what it says I can do"?
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This question is about the phrase 'this is my Bible I can do what it says I can do' and where Joel Osteen got it. We understand some folks do not approve of his theology but we ask that you stay on topic to focus on the phrase.
You may also want to check out a similar question:
What does the Bible say about the prosperity gospel?
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Asked August 13 2013
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Mary Jackson
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For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Helen Bevan
He is a humble man. God Bless Joel Osteen.
Anthony Albert
Jesus said If you want to be my disciple then sell all that you have and give it to the poor and come and follow me.
What about the 10 disciples of Jesus who were killed for the sake of bringing the GOSPEL to the world?
What about Paul who said " I have seen lack and I have seen plenty but in all circumstances may The Lord be Glorified"
According to Romans 8:38 We can never be separated from the love of God in any circumstances but people who hear Prosperity teachings are in danger of separating themselves from God's Love because God has become their bank called Jehovah Jairah who
will provide not only their needs but their wants while poor Christians in Africa and India are struggling for one square meal a day.
How about if all who believes Jesus becomes like the first century church where the members of the church sold their possessions and shared with other believers who were less privileged.
Ultimately one shouldn't preach their experience but preach Christ crucified and raised from the dead and that we could be united through repentance and accepting Jesus and truly keeping the Commands of Jesus.
Finally I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That means I can humble my self to serve others according to Mathew 25, not for self gain but for selflessness
Jesus never served in the synagogue, he served outside where there was need. Its not what we do at the pulpit but when we are out of the pulpit where we can really serve as Jesus did and follow what He thought us.
God Bless
Pop Simas
My bible says, by there fruit ye shall know them :-)
Nuff said?
Oh and God don't need your money :-)
The loVe of money (or anything that takes the place of God) is the root of all (and all means all and that's all that all means) evil... :-)
Pastorette (female pastor) umm is such a word found in the words of God?
Prosperity Gospel umm does that mean preaching about wealth? If so, then maybe we need to hear the whole conclusion of this new doctrine (NOT) :-)
Joel needs to preach to the lost about Jesus who said "I am the truth, the life and the way. No one comes to the Father but by me! Since Jesus died, shed His sinless and perfect blood and was buried and rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures. I believe He has the right to say what is and what is not correct :-)
Remember, there are a lot of folks preaching this prosperity Gospel, Mike Murdock (sp?) Benny Hinn, T.D.Jakes to name a few and most all are tongues speakers :-(Why to I need evidence of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, when He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world? Jesus said you have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit :-)
One we accept Jesus we are baptized "IN-Christ" Why do we need proof? We have the full assurance of Jesus :-)
I'll believe and trust in Him that died that I might live and forget the foolishness of these modern day wanna be's :-) Let God be true and every man a liar :-)
Praise God and the risen Saviour Jesus for all that call on His name shall be saved! The only name given under heaven by which we must be saved!
Not folks like Joel and his (out of place) wife and T.D. Jakes and the many other type liken unto them :-)
Give me Jesus and Him only, Amen and Amen!
Patricia Snider
Joel Osteen learned that proclamation from his own father John Osteen. John proclaimed it at the beginning of all his preaching. Watched him preach regularly when he was alive. Great man of God and a different message.
Shayne Joseph
We need to understand all of the truths of God's word. Focusing on one section alone will always distort the meaning and context. It is not in what we say but how we live out the TRUE Gospel will be on what we are each judged at the Throne of judgement. Let us lead a life that is pleasing to God in every way and the blessing of God will always be upon us. Trials and tribulations are a part of this life and have to be endured. Affirmations that are not God pleasing or in His plan will be fulfilled by the one who was given dominion of this earth.
Jimmy Pruitt
Being from Texas and having some interaction with Lakewood before it became famous, Joel's dad, Pastor John Osteen, developed the confession. Being closely aligned with the Word of Faith Movement, it was common to employ confessions and declarations as a part of their faith expression.
Keith Bowling
From his father, John Osteen.
Lupe Alicea
Yes, I confirm this because I use to attend services when Joel Osteen's dad Pastor John Osteen use to say it all the time at the beginning of the telecast every Sunday morning service as the congregation also would make the declaration altogether.
Keith Bowling
The original question is: "Where did Joel Osteen get the saying "this is my Bible I can do what it says I can do"?"
There is only one answer- from his father.
The question is about the source of the phrase, not the theology behind it.
Carl Browning
2 Timothy 2:14 New Living Translation (NLT)
14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.
We all must pray for Joel Osteen and his ministry, that he preaches the WHOLE BIBLE, and not pick and choose from it.
To me all his messages are feel good pep you motivational speeches with very little scripture.
Not to say that he is ungodly or terrible, Joel Osteen is not the only preacher on T#N or D *, who preaches like this. Yet they are making money too, along with doing good works. Let us pray, we weed out the counterfeit, deceptive and hypocrites (actors) among the church.
With that said,
I just wonder how BIG his church would be if Joel preached on, about and against homosexuality, pornography, abortion, and on judgement & wrath?
If those sermons we're preached would Joel Osteen feel a huge stadium in Houston.
I believe we all need motivational and feel good sermons from time to time, to lift us up; though back it with plenty of whole hearted truthful "HOLY BIBLE" scripture.
And yes I do believe the Bible says I can do what it says I can do, as long as the Holy Spirit is interceding for me. Though in turn, I believe we must read our Bibles DAILY, PRAY, have pure hearts and minds, along with being truly obedient, also repentant.
Which in turn should make us mature as Christian's and to help us to see, hear and think clearly on what is being taught in the Church today and how we are filling His commission our selves.
Take a hard right in your Bible and read about the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2. I pray this is not your church, my church or Joel Osteen's church.
Let us all pray against deceptive or false teaching and or hidden agendas. Let us all also pray for discernment and that "ALL" of the Bible is being preched today 2014 >!
We need the truth of God now like no time ever before, pray for our youth of today. Teach them in the way they should go and to stand up for Christ Jesus
without being hateful or arrogant. (They will be persecuted!)
***Keep in mind, what this generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.
****Bartimaeus said it best in Mark 10:47 Jesus, Son of David have mercy on me.
Please reread, I hope I made since.
May my heart, mind and body be committed to Him, Carl
BJ Mo
Many christians have problems with positive messages because they don't do what Jesus said we should do to know Him, His will, and His Word:
John 8:31-33(AKJV)
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
The key being 'continue in my word.' Not what others state of His Word, but continue yourself in His Word! (get in and stay in The Bible) Notice He said ye shall know the truth and it shall MAKE you free! Wasn't a suggestion or an idea, but a fact. If you are not TOTALLY free in every area, then according to His Word, you haven't been continuing in His Word, not any preacher's word!
Matt 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
The things He speaks of is EVERYTHING in life! But to qualify you must be FIRST seeking His Kingdom and His Righteousness (right way of doing everything). The only way to do that is to know His Will through His Word!
John 15:17 "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."
If you abide in God's Word (Bible) then you know what He says about everything, you especially know how to pray and receive your prayers answered!
Psalm 107:20 "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."
That pretty much says it all. What do you consider 'your destructions?' I must consider being able to bless someone when The Lord tells me to take care of the problem they may be having (possibly need a mortgage payment, so as not to be dispossessed), (possibly make a car payment for someone, so that they don't lose their ability to continue to work and provide for their own). Those situations are very much what I consider 'destructions.'
Galatians 3:13-15
Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
He said THE BLESSING of Abraham. That one Blessing contains every Blessing you can think of. He then says:
Proverbs 10:22 "The blessing (Abraham's Blessing) of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it."
Apparently, in order for God to supply all our needs through one another, He must make us Blessed! Because that's how He works in the earth, through our faith in Him and His Blessings!
Psalm 35:27 "let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, WHICH HATH PLEASURE IN THE PROSPERITY OF HIS SERVANT."
The reason God has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant is many fold:
1. In order to be prosperous you must KNOW His Word well. (spend time in His Word)
2. Once you are prosperous you will be generous. (He can provide for many through you)
3. Which causes Him to have to make you more prosperous, which equals more pleasure and many more prayers fulfilled.
If you're "laying up" treasures, you're not Blessing others, therefore you won't be Blessed. There is nothing more wonderful than to know you've heard God say "help them..." and not have to give it a second thought, because you are so Blessed you want nothing more than to Bless others when directed by God to do so! Glory To God!
Bruce Dinsman
That line is also from a song by Carman. Examine the line within the context of rightly dividing the word, not castigating the speaker.
If we would all do more based on the Word, including God's Love for us, Jesus and Paul's admonishment that we Love one another, we would see the Biblical basis for this line is good.
mark wilkinson
How about: 'this is God's Word and I must do what God tells me to do'. Obedience to His will is the Christian's priority. Be careful that what you do is not your own wants and desires.
David Nochella
There is a way that seems right to a man but leads to destruction. This verse is well to be heeded to as we, as humans can easily be deceived. The scripture is our guide and to do what it says is attainable only by the power of God within us, ie. the Holy Spirit. The Spirit knows the truth and leads a believer away from the darkness of error to the light of Christ who is the truth.Part truth in not enough, the whole truth is. The Spirit reveals the fullness of the truth.
Edwin Danny Reaid
Joel has a message that makes things all about us and what I read in Scripture says it's all about Jesus. I am concerned when someone's focus is not really on God and when the complete Gospel message is not presented. I would hope that would upset any true believer. When interpreting Scripture the 3 most important things is "Context, Context and Context". His message is the Power of Positive Thinking and not a message that is into Salvation.
ainsley chalmers
I believe that the bible expresses absolute truth. All my "riches" in this life are tied up with my close relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All the positives that I have and have become in this earthly life I give the honor and praise to my Lord. My focus is on Him not on the earthly riches. Should I become very rich, which by the way I am currently not I would give these riches to the poor and needy. Jesus said take up your cross and follow me not get in your rolls royce and follow me. I am uneasy with folk who pray for earthly riches (prosperity theology). Our greatest riches is in knowing Jesus Christ thru pray and a personal relationship with Him thru the Holy Spirit. The trinkets of this word will rust in time and are worth zero compared with knowing Our Lord.
Elias Ndlovu
I think he got it from the Bible in the sense that we accept that the scriptures are HOLY writ and therefore to be trusted otherwise our faith would be in vain.We accept salvation through faith in the completed works of our Lord Jesus Christ.(Eph 2:4-9).We take it as a given fact because the Bible says so!In the light of that I submit that Joel takes his "saying" by faith from the Bible! I agree with him completely.What he would do if he was in a foxhole is not the question!Many men and women of faith have been tortured and even killed but they remained resolute in their confessions.The challenge is on you!!Amen אמן
Cosme Cabalteja
The question is, "Where did Joel Osteen get that quote?" Please check out Caman's song "This is my Bible." It don't think this was an Osteen original, he "borrowed" it from Carman - who has it recorded and copyrighted I think in the early 80's.
Edwin Danny Reaid
The phrase this is my Bible is not correct! The correct statement should be "This is the Bible". Joel's focus is always on man not on God.
Larry Hall
The time of itching ears has come...Note what Paul told Timothy...For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
2 Tim 4:3-4 (NLT)
wayne massey
I am hearing too many "i's". No Christian can do anything pleasing to GOD, except the spirit leads him. I can do all things through CHRIST.
Mary McDonald
Seth, the words of Joel's statement was inspiring to me, still is...but then I heard his preaching. I, like you, believe the statement is true about Scriptures, but not about what Joel teaches or how he uses it. I appreciate your response!
Jim New
Good biblical answer Seth!
RICHARD JANTZ JR
I prefer to follow the holy bible as the word of God because I believe that the holy bible always tells truth. I don't follow any man's way or bow to a preacher/pastor at all. I prefer obey the word of God as Jesus taught us lots! I can do all things through Jesus Christ, amen! The scriptures are truth from God!! Be aware very carefully. There is a lot of false teaching in the whole world today. God bless you all and grace be with you. Smile!
KEITH SLOUGH
The Bible does teach prosperity for the believer (III John 2) -- that is, God wants us blessed (Deut. 28:1-14). But this message should never be called a "gospel." There is only ONE Gospel that is the true one -- Gal. 1:6-8 speaks of the Gospel of Grace -- God's grace to forgive and save us (Acts 20:24) which comes through Christ's sacrifice -- I Cor. 15:1-4 -- which grants us eternal life -- John 3:16 -- IN the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14). But it is the one and the same Gospel -- PERSONAL SALVATION (Eph. 1:13) -- not a prosperity gospel. This is a false gospel.
Michelle Ma'ava
It came from Pastor Joel Osteen's father: John Osteen + the Holy Spirit. Here is a short clip of precious John Osteen saying this declaration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOLZ9xFcXlU
Job 22:28 NKJV
28 You will also declare a thing,
And it will be established for you;
So light will shine on your ways.
Edwin Danny Reaid
"This is my Bible" is better said, "This is The Bible." John Osteen and Joel by using so many “I’s” make it about man not about God. Scripture in reference to man emphasizes man’s “depravity” in that no one seeks God and no one is righteous, not one. They speak more about man than God. A person cannot comprehend the love of God until they understand the wrath of God…the beginning of wisdom.