Podcast appearances and mentions of Joel Osteen

Title: “Not An Empty Visit” Part 1 Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 FCF: We often struggle boldly giving the gospel without allowing in worldly influence. Prop: Because the gospel is God's power unto salvation, we must boldly give the unaltered gospel of God. Scripture Intro: CSB [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to 1 Thessalonians chapter 2. In a moment we'll read from the Christian Standard Bible starting in verse 1. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. I realize that it has been over two years since we have studied a New Testament letter. When we study this genre, it usually consists of 2 or 3 thoughts that are being conveyed, not in story, but in logical exposition. This requires us to simultaneously zoom in to individual thoughts while continuing to keep the broader picture in mind. So, with that being said – let's review what Chapter one talked about before we move into chapter two. Chapter 1 began with a greeting to the Thessalonian church and then immediately Paul expressed his and his companions' thankfulness to God for them – and for the cardinal Christian graces that they continue to demonstrate. Of course, the reason that they are thankful for the Thessalonian church is because the evangelists know that they are God's elect. How do they know that? First, because of the way the gospel came to them in the power of the Spirit. Second, because they have observed how the Thessalonian church has become imitators of Christ and are setting a good example for all believes both in how they receive the Word in joy amid persecution and how they shared their testimony. Paul will now turn his attention to the evangelists' example when they were among them. So, let's read Paul's next thought, starting in verse 1 and going to verse 12 of chapter 2. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: All Powerful God, we come to you today to revel in what You have done. You have rescued us from Your Holy Justice. You have placed on Christ our just reward for our sin. You have given us His righteousness by which we can, by faith, walk worthy of our holy calling. I pray that You would use Your Spirit to open our eyes to what we must be for Your glory. And Lord, give new hearts to those who need them so they too can respond to the gospel of light and life. We pray this in Jesus' name, amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “We do not evangelize because we expect results. We evangelize because we are sent men.” Joe Blinco “Every single believer is a God-ordained agent of evangelism.” R.B. Kuiper “Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.” C.H. Spurgeon Let these ideas roll over you as we set into the text this morning. I.) The gospel is God's power unto salvation, so we must boldly preach the gospel of God in spite of opposition. (1-2) a. [Slide 3] 1 - For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our visit with you was not without result. i. The word “for” obviously beckons us to look backward. 1. This conjunction explains something mentioned previously. 2. Since Paul goes on to explain how he and his companions came to Thessalonica and how they were received, we should see this entire section as an explanation of the statement from verse 9. 3. Which itself is a further result from what was stated in verse 5, how the Thessalonians knew what kind of men the evangelists were by how they conducted themselves in Thessalonica. 4. Verses 1-16 of chapter 2 is an explanation or an elaboration from the evangelists' point of view on those same events. 5. The more perplexing question is, why is Paul reviewing this content if the Thessalonians got it right? If they accurately remembered all of this information – why say it again? a. Some scholars believe that Paul is explaining how they were different from other traveling teachers and their sordid practices. b. Some scholars insist that Paul is merely reemphasizing their example to the Thessalonians so that they and their leaders could continue to imitate them. c. Still others think that Paul is addressing accusations against the evangelists raised by unbelieving people in Thessalonica, in an attempt to dissuade the Thessalonian church from abandoning their lifestyles. 6. It is my point of view that all of these can be true all at once. And most likely – they probably are all true to some degree. ii. Paul again uses the word “know” and Paul again says they know. They know what? iii. Specifically, Paul says that they know that it was not without result. 1. The words “without result” is also much debated. 2. If you want a full explanation on all the options, you should come to Thursday Night Bible Study where we always take a behind the sermon look at the text. 3. But it seems best to me to think that Paul is saying that their time with the Thessalonians did not prove to be without fruit. iv. So how was their ministry there fruitful? b. [Slide 4] 2 - On the contrary, after we had previously suffered and were treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, i. Part of the proof of the fruitfulness of the mission was is in the humble and tumultuous beginnings of the Thessalonian mission. ii. Paul and his companions didn't ride into Thessalonica with groupies and with pomp and fanfare. iii. They didn't come into the city having grown accustomed to overwhelmingly positive responses to their presence. iv. In other words – they know a poor reception when they see one. v. And it doesn't get much poorer of a reception as it did in Philippi. vi. As a reminder to us – what happened in Phillipi? 1. While going down to the river to pray, a demon possessed girl who was being used by men for the spirits' fortune telling capabilities, came against the apostles. The spirit did so, so frequently, and so obnoxiously, that Paul eventually grew irritated and cast the demon out. 2. The men who prostituted her for her sad condition were furious because their source of income had dried up. 3. They brought Paul and Silas before the city magistrates. They were beaten and thrown in prison without a trial. 4. Of course, God freed them from the jail, which led to the conversion of the Philippian jailer. But eventually they were forced to leave. vii. Paul, to the Thessalonians confesses that this treatment was outrageous, even by gentile standards. viii. So, the Thessalonian mission did not begin with an expectation of the evangelists to be received well. ix. But what did happen that made sure their entrance was not in vain? That it produced results? c. [Slide 5] we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition. i. After they arrived from Philippi, they did not come in gun shy. ii. They didn't come timidly. iii. They came emboldened by God. They were given courage by God to speak His gospel to them. iv. Now what might Paul mean “in spite of great opposition?” v. This is most certainly referencing the opposition in Thessalonica itself. vi. We know that only 3 weeks into the mission in Thessalonica, Paul had to abandon his teaching in the synagogue, since the Jews had, for the most part, rejected the message of the gospel. vii. Over the next few weeks, the Jews became increasingly more and more jealous of the success of the gospel to persuade many gentiles to receive Christ. This is when they raised up a mob. viii. In spite of this, the evangelists were given boldness by God to preach His message and because of God, the results bore much fruit. d. [Slide 6] Summary of the Point: In these first two verses Paul demonstrates quite clearly that the courage to preach the gospel, the message of the gospel, and the results of the gospel are always sourced in God Himself. In the book of Romans, Paul puts this succinctly when he says that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. And let's imagine that these evangelists are humans like you and I. Do you think the evangelists, in their flesh, arrived in Thessalonica and were a little hesitant about preaching the gospel? Do you think they'd rather teach something else or at least do it quietly at first to make sure they weren't immediately booted out of Thessalonica too? Do you think they were tempted to use the gospel to serve themselves and care for themselves? Most likely they arrived in Thessalonica still bearing bruises and cuts from their beatings in Philippi. Do you think they were not tempted to keep a low profile or even to alter their message so it wasn't as offensive? Maybe they should focus on befriending everyone first and then worry about preaching the gospel. Instead, Paul says that the courage, the message, and the results are all of God. So, like the apostles, we too must boldly preach the gospel of God in spite of opposition. Transition: [Slide 7 (blank)] So, we see the positive side of why their mission was not vain, empty, or fruitless. It was emboldened by God, with His message and therefore He produced the results. But if you are thinking, ok, what was there to succumb to? What were the apostles tempted to replace the boldness and message of God with? What would have rendered their mission there, empty? In the next four verses, Paul identifies 6 fleshly motives they did not bring with them to preach to the Thessalonians. These 6 motives would have rendered their mission there fruitless and in vain. So, what are they? II.) The gospel is God's power unto salvation, so we must preach the gospel in accordance with His will. (3-6) a. [Slide 8] 3 - For our exhortation didn't come from error or impurity or an intent to deceive. i. This word “for” is again an explanatory conjunction. ii. But what is it explaining? iii. It is explaining how they know that God emboldened them to preach his message in spite of persecution. And the evidence is in what they did not do. iv. Paul doesn't tell them what they already know happened. He tells them what they know DIDN”T happen. Which is probably to counter things that are being spoken against the evangelists. v. So what are Paul, Silas, and Timothy being accused of? 1. Paul says that their exhortation, their appeal, their plea for them to receive the gospel, did not come from error. 2. Error here carries with it the idea of unintentional ignorance. Paul and his companions did not come, begging them to receive Christ, because they were delusional or ill-informed or doctrinally imprecise. 3. Paul says they did not make their appeal from impurity either. 4. Impurity is often used to describe sexual sins, but here in the context it seems that this isn't what Paul intends. 5. More likely Paul means the more general idea that is to mix something pure with something impure. 6. And so Paul is saying that their gospel appeal was not made with their mouths while they had ulterior motives in their hearts. It isn't a bait and switch. It wasn't given to them in order to accomplish some selfish goal. 7. Finally, Paul says they did not make their appeal by way of deceit or as the CSB translates it, with intent to deceive. 8. The CSB helps us here to understand that this is by far the most egregious accusation. That the evangelists came with skillful treachery to intentionally lead them astray. vi. Paul denies all these claims and goes back to his original point. b. [Slide 9] 4 - Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts. i. The source of their message and even their commissioning is God Himself. ii. God approved them for this work and entrusted them with the gospel. This word entrusted is the same word we use when we talk about belief or faith. God trusted them, His apostles, and by extension, His church, with His gospel message. iii. Therefore, they don't have the low aspiration with their appeal to woo people to themselves or to tell people what they want to hear. iv. Paul even warns in a later letter that in the last days people will gather to themselves preachers who tickle their ears. Who tell them what they want to hear. v. Indeed, part of the reason such preachers are popular is because they'd never be caught teaching anything that might offend someone. 1. Joel Osteen was on a Larry King once with John MacArthur. The question was raised concerning homosexuality. 2. Of course, John MacArthur articulated well the ancient teaching of the scriptures regarding the sinfulness of the lifestyle. 3. But Osteen, who today has a church attendance of around 52,000 people on average, did all he could to avoid taking any stand at all on the issue. He bumbled his way through trying desperately to say nothing at all. 4. Why? 5. He is an ear tickler. He tells people what they already think. He tells them what they want to hear. And if he wants to keep the 52,000 congregation… he'll continue to do just that. vi. The evangelists did not try to tickle the ears of the Thessalonians and preach something that would please them or confirm what they already thought. vii. Why? viii. Because the evangelists will not stand before the Thessalonians someday to give an account for how they handled the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead, they will stand before God Himself. ix. Why? x. Because the gospel is GOD'S! It is God's power to salvation. It's message and Its effect all belong to HIM. And Him alone. We do not have the liberty to alter it or use it for selfish ends. xi. And here is the great warning to us… xii. God EXAMINES the thoughts and intentions of the hearts of every evangelist. Despite our best efforts to hide, if we have these motives, God would see right through us. xiii. Instead, the Evangelists endeavor to please God and fulfill the commission that He has given them. c. [Slide 10] 5 - For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy motives—God is our witness— i. So, the evangelists did not make their appeal to them because they were ill-informed, had ulterior motives, wished to deceive them or wished to please them and gain popularity. ii. They also NEVER wished to flatter them in order to extort them. iii. We should see this flattery of speech and greedy motives as connected and not two separate things. iv. They never used buttery language set in honey to fleece them. v. It was quite common for traveling preachers to pop into a city for a short time and sell their snake oil. vi. Cults continue to make unseemly amounts of money off of people primarily by crafting their message around what people want to hear and flattering them with only positive language. vii. Before you know it, you are writing checks for the ministry. Big checks too. Why? viii. Because big gifts = big rewards. ix. But the evangelists never wished to get anything from the Thessalonians. They didn't peddle the gospel for money. Paul worked hard as a tentmaker to ensure that his expenses were paid so that he did not have to live by those who received the gospel. x. As he mentioned earlier – God sees their hearts… so God can bear witness to the fact that they did not do this to make money. xi. How else did the evangelists NOT come to Thessalonica? d. [Slide 11] 6 - and we didn't seek glory from people, either from you or from others. i. Sometimes traveling teachers would not come in for money, or for popularity, but in order that they would make a name for themselves. ii. That they would be renowned as an excellent speaker. iii. But Paul assures the Thessalonians – that isn't us. iv. May Christ increase and we decrease was their motto. v. They wished to spread the fame of Jesus' name – but not their own. vi. Paul, Silas, and Timothy, were blameless in their giving of the gospel. Because they wanted nothing from the Thessalonians other than for them to hear about God and His Christ who died to save sinners from the wrath to come. vii. They preached this message boldly, not for their hearer's sake, but primarily to please God who had approved of them and entrusted them with the gospel. e. [Slide 12] Summary of the Point: Paul once again, in different words, makes the same point. He says in no uncertain terms that God approved and entrusted the gospel to these evangelists. And God continued to examine their hearts too as they took His gospel wherever they went. By extension we can say that God approves and entrusts His church with His gospel as well, and continues to examine our hearts as we take it to the nations. What does this mean? Essentially it is the same point as before. The gospel is God's power unto salvation. What does that mean we must do? It means that we must not appropriate the gospel for selfish ends, and we must not alter the gospel or dilute the gospel to please those to whom we preach it. Since it is God's gospel and His power and His results which He entrusts to us, we should be very careful that our message, methods, and motives all align with His will. And we would do well to recognize that He sees our motives all the time. Conclusion: So CBC, what basic concepts have we learned today that informs and corrects our faith and shapes and guides our practice? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 13] The Gospel belongs to God. It is His. Its message, its power, its effect, its calling, its distribution all belong to God. It is His power unto salvation for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. Because, beginning to end it all belongs to God, full stop. Because of this, we have some explicit warnings in this passage that we would do well to heed. First, we should preach it with confidence, even in the midst of great opposition. He will give us boldness to preach His message. Why? Because it belongs to Him. And so, by the way, do we. We are not given the luxury of preaching the gospel only when it is convenient, comfortable, or pleasant. A second application we can draw from the fact that the gospel belongs to God is that we must be abundantly careful that we do not succumb to the temptation to dilute the gospel's message and/or use worldly methods to preach it, in order to pursue selfish motives. But let me rail on this a little. Because if you think that American Christianity doesn't have a problem with this – you have been living under a rock. 1.) [Slide 14] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that the Gospel is God's power unto salvation. a. In 1741 in Enfield Massachusetts, Jonathan Edwards preached a sermon titled “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” b. Enfield was known as a fairly sinful community and was at this time host to various preachers coming for the week. c. It is said that during his sermon people interrupted him several times. But the interruptions were not rude or antagonistic. Instead, they were weeping, rolling on the ground, grabbing hold of the pillars of the church building, crying out to God for mercy and to spare them His wrath. d. This sermon became famous for officially beginning the Great Awakening in the American Colonies. e. Now if you hear this Historical record and your first thought is that Jonathan Edwards must have been a very powerful speaker. Well, there are two things wrong with you. First, you haven't listened to the sermon up to this point and second you know nothing of Jonathan Edwards. f. Jonathan Edwards had somewhat of a weak voice. He read/memorized his sermon. He was not a boring man but he was by no means an entertainer or an exceptionally gifted speaker. g. And perhaps you think – well perhaps he wasn't an especially gifted speaker but gifted writing even in the hands of poor speakers can still have great impact. h. Ahh, two problems again. First, you haven't listened to the sermon up to this point. Second, This wasn't the first time and it wouldn't be the last time Jonathan Edwards would preach this sermon. i. If it were an especially excellent homiletical work, we might expect it to render results on everyone who sees it or hears it. Afterall, especially gifted pieces of art fascinate most from the connoisseur to the ignorant. Though you know nothing of musical composition, to sit and listen to Brahms, Beethoven, Bach, or Vivaldi, you cannot help but be in awe of the way the notes weave themselves together. j. And yet, history records for us that although others responded to the same sermon, it was never as powerful as it had been that day in Enfield. k. All this proves the point which Paul so masterfully drives home. l. The gospel is God's message. He gives it power and persuasion as He brings its truths to bear upon the hearers. He also gives His preachers the boldness to preach such a message. He approves and entrusts the gospel message to them while examining their hearts to be sure they are empty of self. m. The gospel is God's power unto salvation. n. Not only should men not take and meddle with it – ultimately, they cannot. o. The real power of the real gospel belongs exclusively to God. p. What does this mean for us? q. Well positively we must conclude that.. 2.) [Slide 15] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must preach the gospel boldly even amid great opposition. a. Now think about this. If the gospel's power relies on our power of persuasion. If we are responsible for convincing and drawing and wooing men to the gospel… b. How might opposition and severe persecution hinder the gospel? c. If God has entrusted the gospel to us, to the extent that the conversion of every person relies on our excellence in preaching the gospel… d. Then my friends – we are sunk. e. You might say – No Chris! I'm not afraid of persecution! They can do anything they want to me. I'll still preach the gospel with the same power and vigor. f. My friend, you are either a fool or a liar. g. In your flesh, you would crumble and succumb. Were it not for the emboldening of God, Paul, Silas, and Timothy would not have preached the gospel in Thessalonica. h. But the message of the gospel, the power of the gospel, the boldness to share the gospel, the results of the gospel, the commissioning of the gospel, the entrusting of the gospel, the examination of the gospel… is all from the Eternal and Omnipotent God of the Universe. i. Oftentimes our spirit is willing but our flesh is weak. But the Lord has approved us and entrusted us with the gospel. He has sent us into this world to be His representatives. To take His gospel to the nations. To make disciples. j. We can go and do this with confidence – not trusting in our own resolve or ability to stay cool under pressure or amid threats against us – but rather trusting in His strength to sustain us and to equip us. k. Despite having just come from terrible persecution and stepping into more – Paul, Silas, and Timothy boldly shared the gospel in the strength and power of God. l. We too must do this. m. But what negative application does this truth have on us? 3.) [Slide 16] De-Exhortation: “What actions should we stop doing” or “What behaviors do we naturally practice that this passage tells us to stop doing?” We must stop preaching the gospel with a diluted message, worldly methods, and selfish motives. a. If the gospel is God's message, and He gives us boldness to speak it, infuses it with power so it renders results upon those whom He is calling to repentance and faith, and He entrusts us with it while examining our hearts as we take it to others… b. What makes us think that we can be innovative in how we share His gospel? c. Imagine you have a desk job. You have your own cubicle and computer with which you do your job every day. Or perhaps you work in a shop and you have your own station with your own tools which you come into every day to accomplish your tasks. d. But you go on vacation. And you approve and entrust your work station and your work to another person at your workplace. e. Now imagine when you return to your job you find that all your desktop icons have been moved and some of them are no longer there. There are programs missing from your computer. The computer has been moved next to the coffee maker and now shares the outlet with it. In the shop, your tools are rearranged and some of them are missing. Some tools have been modified, with portions filed off for some unknown reason. f. Would it be safe to say that you might be a little angry about this? g. What was your expectation? Is it reasonable that your expectation would be that they would change nothing and simply do the job to the best of their ability but in the same manner with the same tools that you did the job? h. I think it is abundantly reasonable to expect exactly that. i. How ludicrous is it then that the God of the universe has given us His message of the gospel of Jesus Christ, has entrusted it to us, and promised to give us boldness to preach it, promising that He will empower it to render the results He desires… and then we change it. j. We think – well, it isn't exactly popular for people to hear that they are sinners, that their prized habits and pastimes, identities and orientations are wickedness before God. And that these sins will condemn them to suffer the eternal wrath of God. i. So why don't we just chop off that part of the gospel? ii. Let's just talk about how God loves everyone and has a wonderful plan for their life. iii. Let's just talk about how He sent Jesus to start a relationship with each of us. iv. God sent His most prized possession because we were worth it! v. That is much less offensive. vi. That actually makes people feel good. vii. We should preach that instead. k. Or we think - It isn't exactly pleasant to hear that we are condemned before God and there is literally nothing we can do, say, or think that will change that. i. So, let's preach that we can do something. ii. Let's preach that we can get baptized, go to church, take communion, give to the poor, confess our sins, pray a prayer, invite Jesus into our hearts – and at the end of the day one of these things is bound to save us. iii. Or because God says that salvation is by faith that must mean that we all have some pretty remarkable faith inside us and if we'd just use it God would give us salvation. iv. That is much better for us! We aren't completely hopeless. We have our human gumption and innate faithfulness that will get us there. l. Or we observe that It isn't exactly pleasant to hear that in salvation Christ not only rescues us from the wrath of God on sin, but He also cleanses us from unrighteousness and makes us into the righteousness of God whereby we become slaves to righteousness and live holy lives in order to see God. i. So, let's just preach that all you have to do is make 1 choice to believe a list of things about Jesus and then you'll go to heaven. ii. Don't want to go to church often? No problem. You decided Jesus was real. That's all that really matters. You probably don't need other people around you who did the same. And they certainly don't need you. All you need is Jesus right? Maybe you can just attend online. Or maybe you can just come for the children's church. That should be enough. iii. Don't want to love your neighbor? Sure… that's ok, I don't either. Remember – God loves YOU. That's what is important. iv. Don't want to turn from sleeping with someone who isn't your spouse? I get it! Don't worry about it. God will forgive you! v. Don't want to submit to your authorities in the church, the home, or the government? No problem. You are just fiercely independent. Jesus was a rebel too. vi. Don't want to be part of a church in order to serve other believers? That's totally fine. After all – what about your needs right? You are special after all. At least that is what mommy told you. m. Or we notice that It is very difficult to warn people that there is a cost to following Christ. That they may be hated and maligned for it. That the world will reject them just like they rejected Jesus. i. So instead, why don't we tell them that God wants them to be wealthy and healthy. ii. God always desires to heal and bless. iii. And when they come to Jesus their life will be great. iv. We can even tell them all the celebrities that have claimed to be Christians. v. Don't you want to be just like Chris Pratt and Kanye West and Kat Von D? vi. Man, that will really get them excited. They can join the club that these folks are in! Awesome! n. Or we lament that It isn't exactly compelling to hear that we need to go preach the gospel to please God. God is invisible and it is tough to be highly motivated to go out and preach the Word primarily for His glory. Especially when we see little results. i. So why don't we talk about how everyday people are going to hell? ii. Yeah, that is a great motivator – guilt. iii. Let's really lay it on thick and tell people that the only reason that people go to hell is because we never shared the gospel with them. iv. This goes perfectly with our gospel message that never mentions sin. v. Let's tell them that the fate of their friend's souls rests on whether or not they share the gospel with them. vi. That will really light the fire under them. vii. Afterall, the only thing stopping people from receiving the gospel is that they have never heard it… right? o. Do you see what happens my friends. When we meddle with the gospel: its message, or our own methods and motives in preaching it? What happens? We no longer have the gospel. Just like you no longer had your work station. It has become something else entirely. p. The gospel is the power of God. He emboldens us to speak it. He gives it power. He produces results through it. He has entrusted us with it and He will continue to examine our hearts as we preach it. q. It is best to not tamper with what isn't ours. r. But as a believer perhaps you are quite upset by this. Perhaps you are afraid that you are going to mess it up inadvertently. Maybe you'd never do it on purpose – but what if you mess up God's gospel on accident? 4.) [Slide 17] Comfort: “What comfort can we find here?” or “What peace does the Lord promise us in light of this passage of scripture?” God makes the gospel fruitful, sometimes in spite of us. a. Despite all these philosophies of evangelism and these truncated and bastardized versions of the gospel floating around today… b. People are still, by the grace of God, coming to Christ. People are still sharing the gospel to save people from hell rather than to please God. It is a great humanitarian effort rather than an act of worship and obedience. c. They still take the message of praying a magic prayer and that somehow changing you. And yet – people still come to Christ through that. d. Is that proof that Paul is wrong in this passage? e. No my friends. That is proof that God is abundantly gracious. f. In Philippians Paul comments on a group of preachers who are going around and accurately preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. But they are doing it to make money, gain popularity, and steal popularity from Paul. g. Do you know what Paul's comments are on this? h. He praises God that the gospel still goes out despite these wicked motives. i. How can this be? How can the message get garbled, the methods be odious, and the motives be wicked and people still receive Christ? j. Friends have we forgotten already? k. Answer me these questions so I know you haven't forgotten! l. Who does the gospel belong to? And whose power is in the gospel? Who gives the results of the gospel? m. Yes… God alone. n. If God can use disobedient and delinquent preachers to call His people to Himself… I'm sure He can use your bumbling words to save His own too. o. It doesn't give us an excuse to not be as zealous and accurate as we can be… but it does give us comfort that we can't prevent, by our weakness, who God is drawing to Himself in His strength. It doesn't work that way. p. And finally – we've talked a lot about the gospel this morning. Around it mostly. What does this text teach us about the gospel message? 5.) [Slide 18] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” The gospel is not a talking point of which you need to be convinced. The gospel is the power of God to take something dead and make it alive. a. The definition of what is a Christian is a fairly muddled mess today. b. Many people simply assign it to a particular religious affiliation. c. It is an organization. It is an identity. d. It is interesting to me that some who would complain about a woman identifying as a man yet looking nothing like a man, have no problem identifying as a Christian yet looking nothing like Christ. e. We see Christianity as another religion in a long list of religions. Even if it is the one that makes the most sense or lines up with our values – when we do this, the gospel is little more than the elevator pitch to join the movement. f. It is the marketing mechanism to get butts into the pews. g. It is the talking point to join at the grass roots. h. Because the gospel is misunderstood or misarticulated in this way, it is possible to convince people in their heads of the truth of the gospel without them actually getting a new heart from God and receiving the gospel of Jesus Christ. i. My friends the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified for sinners, risen, and coming again is not a sales pitch. It isn't a talking point. It isn't the path to getting in on the ground floor. j. In fact, it isn't a mechanism that you can access by any human means. k. The gospel is something that happens to you more than it is something that you do. You don't go and get the gospel… it falls in your lap and you receive it. l. You can intellectually understand the Jesus died on a cross for sinners and rose again the third day and is coming again. But until God closes the loop for you and you realize that i. YOU are the sinner who rebelled against a Holy God ii. You are the one Christ came and was tortured, bloodied, bruised, ripped open, spilled out, hung up and asphyxiated for. iii. YOUR Sins are the ones that Christ endured the cup of wrath from God for iv. You are the dead one that Christ's resurrection promises life for v. You are the one He has entrusted His Work to. vi. You are the one who will suffer for His name vii. You are the one that will live a holy life viii. You are the one who will be saved one day by His return ix. You are the one who will reign with him in the New Kingdom... m. Until GOD DOES THIS IN YOU… you are still dead in your sins. n. In short, there is a difference between knowing the facts of the gospel… and experiencing them. o. So, has God made you experience these truths this morning? Then I'd invite you to repent of your wickedness before Him. And trust that He has done this… For you. p. And would you tell an Elder, myself or another, that you have experienced His gospel today? We'd love to rejoice with you and guide you on your next steps. [Slide 19 (end)] Let me close with a prayer from the Puritan Joseph Alleine. For those who do not know you yet, Lord, grab on to them now, and do your work. Take them by the heart, overcome them, and persuade them, until they say, "You have won. You are stronger than I." Lord, did you not make me a fisher of men? We have worked all this time and caught nothing. Have we spent our strength for nothing? We will cast our net one more time. Lord Jesus, stand on the shore and show us how and where to spread our net. Give us the words to enclose the souls YOU seek, that they will have no way out. Now, Lord, for a multitude of souls. Now for a full portion. Lord God, remember us, we pray, and strengthen us, O God. Amen. Benediction: May the One who sent His Son with power to save From guilt, and darkness and the grave, Whose ways are mercy and truth; May He never stop doing you good; May He inspire you to fear Him so that you will never turn aside from Him. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Believe for the extraordinary and expect God's supernatural favour in your life. In this episode, Joel Osteen shares how God loves to hear our bold, confident prayers. Join the Fontaine family on Thrive weekdays at 11am MT on Miracle Channel or YouTube! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow Joel Osteen: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

In Job 42:10, God restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends, despite his own need for prayer. This prophetic intercession, praying for those who don't deserve it, unlocks divine prosperity—200% restoration. Abraham's intercession for Abimelek lifted curses, making him a father of nations. True prosperity, not just wealth, flows from a heart devoted to God's house, as seen in David's affection for it. By prioritizing prophetic intercession and supporting God's work, blessings overflow, transforming lives and nations. Embrace this call to intercede and experience God's abundant favor.All these questions were answered just as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Benny Hinn, Chris Oyaklihome, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Patta, Ezekiah Francis, Johnson Varghese, Paul Thangiah, Mohan C Lazarus, TD Jakes and others01.)What did God reveal about prosperity and purpose during the meditation? 02.)What condition was Job in when he prayed for his friends? 03.)Who did Job pray for, and why was this significant? 04.)What was the result of Job's intercession? 05.)What is prophetic intercession, and why is it powerful? 06.)How did Abraham demonstrate prophetic intercession? 07.)What is the role of affection for God's house in receiving blessings? 08.)Why is intercession challenging for many people? 09.)How does joining intercessors enhance one's prayer life? 10.)What is the broader impact of prophetic intercession?

Discover the two key principles that form the foundation of a powerful mindset for success: serving others and turning to God in times of trouble. Ray Higdon shares inspirational stories, including insights from successful figures like Alex Hormozi and Joel Osteen, to illustrate the importance of these principles. Tune in now to learn how these simple yet profound concepts can transform your approach to success in business and life.   ——

This week on Seeking Sister Wife, Reise is reeling from his horrible date with Bess, Teresa finds yet another way to freak the Davis' out, Joel Osteen wrestles between a post nuptial agreement and Lorena getting deported and more!Follow me on social media, find links to merch, Patreon and more here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Revelation 20:1-3, an angel descends from heaven with a key to the bottomless pit and a great chain, symbolizing delegated authority from God to bind Satan for a thousand years. The bottomless pit, or "abyss" (Greek: abyssos), is a spiritual prison for demonic forces, possibly located in the sea, as suggested by Jewish teachings and biblical references like Amos and Luke 8:31. Keys represent authority, as seen with Jesus holding keys to death and Hades. Christians grow in authority by recognizing, submitting to, and using it against demonic forces.All these questions were answered just as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Benny Hinn, Chris Oyaklihome, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Patta, Ezekiah Francis, Johnson Varghese, Paul Thangiah, Mohan C Lazarus, TD Jakes and others01.)What is the bottomless pit in Revelation 20:1? 02.)What does the key to the bottomless pit symbolize? 03.)What is the significance of the great chain in the angel's hand? 04.)Who is the angel in Revelation 20:1? 05.)How is Satan bound in the bottomless pit? 06.)What are the three falls of Satan mentioned? 07.)Where is the bottomless pit located? 08.)Why do demons fear the bottomless pit? 09.)How can Christians grow in spiritual authority? 10.)What happens to the bottomless pit in the end times?

God deposits unique gifts in everyone, regardless of their background. In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul urges Timothy to "stir up" the gift of the Holy Spirit within him. These divine enablements, activated through faith and obedience, can elevate you from obscurity to greatness. Rejection, circumstances, and sin may try to dim your fire, but spiritual discipline and pure motives keep it burning. Use your gift in a safe, supportive environment, and let God scale your impact for His glory.All these questions were answered just as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Benny Hinn, Chris Oyaklihome, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Patta, Ezekiah Francis, Johnson Varghese, Paul Thangiah, Mohan C Lazarus, TD Jakes and others01.)What is the main message of the sermon? 02.)What does "stir up the gift" mean? 03.)Who has a gift from God? 04.)How are gifts activated? 05.)What hinders the use of God's gifts? 06.)Why does God use challenges like rejection? 07.)How can one develop their gift? 08.)What role do motives play in using gifts? 09.)Can God elevate someone quickly? 10.)Why is a supportive environment important?

In this dynamic sermon on the "Law of Process" from the 21 Laws of Spiritual Growth series, Pastor Michael emphasizes that true maturity blooms through patient journeys, not fleeting events. Drawing from a lottery winner's downfall and hasty marriages, he warns against immaturity's pitfalls. Biblical gems like James 1:4 and Joseph's trials illustrate how God refines character in silence and betrayal. Leaders must test potential via humble tasks, not charm. Embrace hidden processes without offense, stay consistent, and trust refinement (Psalm 66:10; 1 Peter 4:12) for destined fruitfulness.All these questions were answered just as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Benny Hinn, Chris Oyaklihome, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Patta, Ezekiah Francis, Johnson Varghese, Paul Thangiah, Mohan C Lazarus, TD Jakes and others01.)What is the Law of Process? 02.)Why do people resist the process? 03.)What happens without embracing process? 04.)How does process build maturity? 05.)How should leaders be raised? 06.)What was Moses' process? 07.)What was Joseph's process? 08.)Why the silence in process?09.)How to handle the hidden process? 10.)What biblical encouragement for trials?

In a fiery sermon from Revelation 20:2, Pastor Michael Fernandez exposes the devil's four dark faces: the Dragon, unleashing chaos, persecution, and deception; the Serpent of Old, distorting truth, sowing doubt, and inflating spiritual pride; the Devil, a relentless slanderer and accuser of believers; and Satan, the cunning adversary prowling like a lion. He warns against compromise in end times, urges fervent prayer and fasting for families, and declares victory: the God of peace will crush Satan under our feet, restoring what's stolen sevenfold.All these questions were answered just as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Benny Hinn, Chris Oyaklihome, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Patta, Ezekiah Francis, Johnson Varghese, Paul Thangiah, Mohan C Lazarus, TD Jakes and others01.)What are the four descriptions of the devil in Revelation 20:2? 02.)What does the 'Dragon' symbolize in Revelation 12? 03.)How does the Dragon bring deception? 04.)What is the 'Serpent of Old' and its first strategy? 05.)What are the second and third strategies of the Serpent? 06.)What does the word 'Devil' (Diabolos) mean? 07.)How does the Devil operate through accusation? 08.)Who is the 'accuser of the brethren' in Revelation 12:10, and why avoid it? 09.)What does 'Satan' (Hebrew: ha-Satan) signify in 1 Peter 5:8?10.)How can we crush Satan's power, per Romans 16:20?

This sermon uses Usain Bolt's story of losing his edge to warn against "rust" from neglect in spiritual, emotional, and physical areas. Referencing 2 Corinthians 4:16 and Joel 2:25, it urges maintaining anointing, health, and relationships through discipline and dependence on God. The message emphasizes that prayer and discipline prevent rust, promising restoration and revival. Listeners are encouraged to revisit the sermon, pray, and apply its principles to ensure God's oil flows, reversing neglect and fostering breakthroughs in life.All these questions were answered just as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Benny Hinn, Chris Oyaklihome, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Patta, Ezekiah Francis, Johnson Varghese, Paul Thangiah, Mohan C Lazarus, TD Jakes and others01.)What is "rust" in the context of life? 02.)How does neglect lead to rust? 03.)Why is maintenance important? 04.)How can one prevent spiritual rust? 05.)What happens when you neglect the anointing? 06.)How can emotional rust be addressed? 07.)Why is physical health important for spiritual life? 08.)How does prayer strengthen relationships? 09.)Can rust be reversed? 10.)What is the role of discipline in discipleship

In "The Law of Process," the speaker emphasizes that spiritual and personal growth is not an instant event but a gradual journey, drawing from Philippians 1:6 where God completes His work in us. Rejecting the mindset of quick fixes like instant coffee or one-time anointings, he urges choosing processes over exciting events, as processes transform while events merely excite. Through stories of David and a personal vision of Jesus, he highlights resisting impatience, pride, and pain to yield to God's unfolding plan for lasting success.All these questions were answered just as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Benny Hinn, Chris Oyaklihome, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Patta, Ezekiah Francis, Johnson Varghese, Paul Thangiah, Mohan C Lazarus, TD Jakes and others01.)What is the main misconception about spiritual growth addressed in the sermon? 02.)Why is instant transformation unrealistic according to the speaker? 03.)What does Philippians 1:6 say about God's work in us?04.)How does the speaker describe a person's state during growth?05.)Why do people resist the process of growth?06.)What is the difference between events and processes in spiritual growth?07.)How does the speaker illustrate the importance of process with David's life?08.)What role does a prophetic word play in the process?09.)How should one handle pain in the growth process?10.)Why is submitting to the process important, even with setbacks?

God is a God of progression, moving believers from glory to glory, as seen in Isaiah 28:13 and Solomon's Temple with its three levels: outer court, holy place, and holiest of holies. Similarly, God works in our spirit, soul, and body (1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:23), transforming us from the inside out. Like the Israelites' journey from Egypt's lack to the Promised Land's abundance, God shifts us from “never enough” to “more than enough,” breaking financial, emotional, and spiritual bondages.All these questions were answered just as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Benny Hinn, Chris Oyaklihome, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Patta, Ezekiah Francis, Johnson Varghese, Paul Thangiah, Mohan C Lazarus, TD Jakes and others01.)How does the sermon describe God's nature? 02.)What are the three levels of Solomon's Temple? 03.)How do the temple's levels relate to human nature? 04.)What does 1 Corinthians 3:16 say about believers? 05.)How does 1 Thessalonians 5:23 describe God's sanctification? 06.)How does the devil's work differ from God's? 07.)What is the Israelites' progression in the sermon? 08.)What transformations does the sermon prophesy for believers? 09.)What practical actions does the sermon encourage? 10.)What does Isaiah 28:13 teach about God's revelation?

In 2 Kings 7, four lepers at Samaria's famine-stricken gates face a dire choice: stay and die, or surrender to the besieging Syrians. Stepping out in faith at twilight, they discover the enemy camp deserted—God had unleashed phantom sounds of chariots, scattering the Syrians in terror. Feasting on abundance, they realize: "This is a day of good news; we cannot remain silent!" Amid critiques of complacent believers hoarding joy like elder brothers, the sermon ignites a call to evangelism—taste the Lord's goodness, share the gospel boldly, and awaken sleeping churches to reach the lost.All these questions were answered just as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Benny Hinn, Chris Oyaklihome, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Patta, Ezekiah Francis, Johnson Varghese, Paul Thangiah, Mohan C Lazarus, TD Jakes and others01.)What is the main Bible passage discussed?02.)Why were the lepers outside the city?03.)What choice did the lepers face? 04.)How did God cause the Syrians to flee? 05.)What did the lepers do upon finding the empty camp? 06.)What spiritual lesson does the story teach about faith? 07.)Why do some believers seem bitter or joyless? 08.)What does "taste and see that the Lord is good" mean here? 09.)Why can't believers remain silent about the gospel? 10.)What is the sermon's call to action, especially for youth?

We're excited to welcome back Jim Brammer, CEO of Special Event Services and Founder of Concert Stuff Group. From a tobacco farm in North Carolina to stages and stadiums around the world, Jim has spent nearly 40 years shaping the live event industry.He's worked with artists like Hootie & the Blowfish, Coldplay, and 3 Doors Down, and pioneered arena-quality production for ministries including Dr. Billy Graham, Joyce Meyer, and Joel Osteen. Founder of a network of companies that simplify large-scale events, Jim's leadership and people-first philosophy earned him the 2024 Parnelli Lifetime Achievement Award.And he's still building, now bringing world-class entertainment back home with a 5,000-capacity amphitheater in downtown Winston-Salem. From farm fields to global stages, Jim Brammer's story is pure vision, grit, and heart.In this engaging conversation, Jim Brammer, CEO of Special Event Services and founder of Concert Stuff Group, shares his remarkable journey from a tobacco farm in North Carolina to becoming a key player in the live event industry. He discusses the evolution of his career, the importance of partnerships, and the lessons learned from family and early life experiences. Jim reflects on pivotal moments, including his work with Hootie and the Blowfish and Billy Graham's crusades, which shaped his business trajectory. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in modern entrepreneurship and the challenges faced in adapting to a changing industry landscape. In this conversation, Jim Brammer and the host discuss various themes surrounding business strategy, the impact of AI on decision-making, the evolution of the event industry, and the importance of community and work-life balance. They share personal anecdotes about hiring, leadership lessons from Jack Welch, and the challenges and opportunities in the live events sector, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. The discussion emphasizes the need for innovation, adaptability, and a focus on creating meaningful connections in both personal and professional realms.This Episode is brought to you by Elation and Main Light

In this episode, Joel Osteen shares that we can live free from worry and lack. We can walk confidently in the assurance that God will supply all of our needs according to Christ Jesus. Donate here to support outreaches that are sharing the truth about Jesus to Canada! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow Joel Osteen: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

THE YANKEES' POSTSEASON HEARTBREAK AND LOOK AT THE REMAINING MLB PLAYOFF TEAMS. TAYLOR SWIFT'S NEW ALBUM & BAD BUNNY HEADLINING THE SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW. OUR UNFORGETTABLE TRIP TO PR FOR BAD BUNNY'S RESIDENCY CONCERT. A QUICK RANT ON THE NY GIIANTS' 4TH QUARTER COLLAPSE AND MORE.  TAP IN, CATCH UP, AND RIDE WITH US FOR ANOTHER SEASON ON NY CULTURE PODCAST.

Join us for bonus stuff every week at https://www.patreon.com/timbutterly Subscribe to the channel for more from Tim Butterly. We got Colum Tyrrell on the show this week to talk about tims parents seeing Brian Holtzman for the first time. spoiler alert someone cries. We discuss all the ways Joel Osteen is cool, and how the grand canyon is prime Epstien real estate. As always hank you for hanging with us.  UPCOMING SHOWS AT https://timbutterly.com Catch new eps of Metal Girl Solid live - https://www.twitch.tv/timbutterly Check Out More  CHECK OUT COLUM: https://www.youtube.com/c/ColumTyrrell  Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/BUTTERLY and use code BUTTERLY and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ijd4q5z4  #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Direct Deposit, Overdraft Coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Start your free online Hims visit today at https://www.hims.com/TBS 

In this continuation of "The Law of Impartation," Pastor emphasizes humility as essential for receiving spiritual impartation, cautioning that pride obstructs it. Drawing from biblical examples like Elisha and Moses, Pastor illustrates that impartation stems from existing grace, is initiated by God, and is intended for sharing burdens, not seeking fame. The pattern involves divine election, submission to spiritual authority, and serving a vision. Practical steps include pursuing anointing, honoring spiritual leaders, and serving humbly. Pastor prays for financial breakthroughs, encouraging the audience to subscribe to their YouTube channel to reach 210,000 subscribers.All these questions were answered just as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Benny Hinn, Chris Oyaklihome, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Patta, Ezekiah Francis, Johnson Varghese, Paul Thangiah, Mohan C Lazarus, TD Jakes and others01.)What is the main barrier to receiving impartation? 02.)How is humility connected to impartation?03.)What is the biblical pattern of impartation?04.)How does impartation function in the body of Christ?05.)What is the role of serving in impartation?06.)Why is divine election important in impartation?07.)What is the purpose of impartation?08.)How did Elisha demonstrate humility in receiving impartation?09.)Can impartation occur without physical presence?10.)How should believers pursue impartation practically?

Caleb, at 85, boldly asked Joshua for the mountain of Hebron, inhabited by the giant Anakim, not for himself but as an inheritance for future generations. His faith and courage turned obstacles into opportunities, showing that giants—addictions, fear, or poverty—can fall through consistent prayer and persistent faith. Caleb's devotion to God, not physical strength, made him a spiritual father, leaving a legacy of victory and peace. Like Caleb, believers are called to fight battles today, breaking generational curses to secure blessings for their families and beyond.All these questions were answered just as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Benny Hinn, Chris Oyaklihome, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Patta, Ezekiah Francis, Johnson Varghese, Paul Thangiah, Mohan C Lazarus, TD Jakes and others01.)Who was Caleb, and what did he ask for?02.)Why did Caleb want the mountain of Hebron?03.0Who were the Anakim?04.)What made Caleb different from others?05.)What are the "giants" in our lives today?06.)How can these giants be defeated?07.)What is the significance of being a spiritual father or mother?08.)How did Caleb's victory impact others?09.)What role does consistency play in overcoming challenges?10.)Why is persistence important in faith?

On Newcomers Sunday, the pastor welcomes all, emphasizing that attendees are there by God's plan, not coincidence. He shares his transformative experience from a simple church service, highlighting God's ability to work through imperfect settings. Referencing Ecclesiastes 3:11, he notes God's gift of eternity in every heart, urging connection with the Creator. He outlines four reasons to attend church weekly: growing in God's Word, prayer support, fellowship, and discipleship. These pillars foster spiritual growth, community, and purpose, encouraging attendees to embrace God's plan and avoid distractions from their divine destiny.All these questions were answered just as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Benny Hinn, Chris Oyaklihome, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Patta, Ezekiah Francis, Johnson Varghese, Paul Thangiah, Mohan C Lazarus, TD Jakes and others01.)Why are you here today at church?02.)What does the Bible say about God's purpose for people?03.)Why do people seek God, even in primitive settings?04.)What can change your life's history?05.)Why should you attend church every Sunday?06.)How does understanding God's Word impact your life?07.)Why is prayer important in the church?08.)What is the role of fellowship in the church?09.)What does it mean to be discipled?10.)How did the pastor's personal experience shape his message?

David, offended by a tragic event, initially refused to move the Ark of God, symbolizing His presence, into the city. Obed-Edom, despite inconvenience, welcomed the Ark, receiving abundant blessings. This teaches that making room for God requires sacrifice—through devoted prayer, fasting, and giving. Such sacrifices are investments, yielding generational blessings. David, inspired by Obed-Edom's blessings, overcame his offense, brought the Ark to his city, and secured divine favor. Sacrifice, through devotion and generosity, is the pathway to God's visitation and lasting provision.All these questions were answered just as Perry Stone, Jonathan Cahn, John Hagee, Jentezen Franklin, Benny Hinn, Chris Oyaklihome, Steven Furtick, Joel Osteen, Joseph Prince, Joyce Meyer, Paul Dhinakaran, Samuel Patta, Ezekiah Francis, Johnson Varghese, Paul Thangiah, Mohan C Lazarus, TD Jakes and others01.)Why did David initially refuse to move the Ark of the Lord?02.)What happens when someone is in a place of offense with God?03.)What does it mean to treat the presence of God casually?04.)How did Obed-Edom respond to the Ark's presence in his home?05.)What was the result of Obed-Edom's sacrifice?06.)Why is sacrifice described as an investment in God's kingdom?07.)How can one make room for God's presence in their life?08.)What is the significance of the “new wine” in the context of giving?09.)How did David's attitude change after hearing about Obed-Edom's blessings?10.)What is the role of fasting in making room for God?

This week on Seeking Sister Wife, Dani and Yessel tell his brother they're seeking, Slick Nick seems hesitant about his relationship with Teresa Pizza, Sad Dani cries moving out of Joel Osteen's closet and more!Follow me on social media, find links to merch, Patreon and more here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The show plays another round of ‘Does This Make You Feel Old?' from 2016.Then later, the show plays a prank on Nadia the Intern (2006).Plus celebrity pastor, Joel Osteen, calls the show to talk about his Houston recovery efforts (2016). Watch the full episode on YouTube:YouTube.com/@michaelzavalaFollow the Guys:Michael Zavala @michaelzavalaEric Star @mrericstarClark @justsimplyclarkFollow the Show:Instagram: @mznowtvwww.MZNOW.tvProduced at mzStudiosmzStudiosDallas.com

Step boldly into your Second Act with Antoinette Wolf ... former corporate executive, licensed real estate agent, mother, author, and entrepreneur. In this episode of The Second Act Executive, Antoinette shares essential strategies for executives over 50 who are transitioning from corporate leadership into their own businesses, private practices, or legacy-building ventures.Tonight, we cover:Wellness for executives: how to stay physically, mentally, and financially strong while leading in business and life.Financial fortitude: insights from Jim Cramer's How to Make Money in Any Market, why a financial cushion is critical, and actionable steps for building yours.Tech that gives you an edge: Meta's smart glasses (Me-To-Connect) and Apple's iPhone 17 Pro.Legacy leadership: creating impact through mentorship, philanthropy, and the Legacy Lead Library, featuring books by Jim Cramer, Joel Osteen, Melinda Gates, Joyce Meyer, Bill Clinton, Anna Wintour, Warren Buffett, and more.October Awareness Month: how to support Domestic Abuse, Alzheimer's, and Breast Cancer awareness with purpose and impact.Whether you're reinventing your career, expanding your business, or building a lasting family legacy, this episode equips you with actionable insights, inspiration, and strategies to lead with confidence and purpose.Tune in and step boldly into your Second Act.

In this episode of Bible Talk, Alex chats with Jim and Sam about Isaiah 5, a sobering passage about God's judgment.

In this week's Fraud Friday, Laci is joined by Sarah Marshall (You're Wrong About Podcast) to discuss the scams of televangelists Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye Bakker from their start with a puppet ministry to a full-blown waterpark, Heritage USA, and so much more. Additionally, the discovery of money inside a bathroom wall at Joel Osteen's megachurch has raised questions about potential fraud. Stay Schemin'! (Originally Released 01/24/2022)CW: Mention of sexual assault CONgregation, catch Laci's TV Show, Scam Goddess, now on Freeform and Hulu!Did you miss out on a custom signed Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes book? Look no more, nab your copy here on PODSWAG Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaci Research by Kaelyn Brandt SOURCES:https://www.biography.com/news/tammy-faye-jim-bakker-relationship-scandalshttps://abcnews.go.com/US/scandals-brought-bakkers-uss-famous-televangelists/story?id=60389342https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/plumber-finds-cash-checks-loose-toilet-wall-joel-osteens-lakewood-chur-rcna7512https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-pop-culture/televangelist-tammy-faye-bakker-became-unlikely-ally-aids-crisis-rcna2059https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-03-30-mn-594-story.html Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Scam Goddess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Joel Osteen shares that the voices you listen to can impact your destiny. He stresses the importance of learning to tune out negative voices and tune in to what God says about you. Donate here to support outreaches that are sharing the truth about Jesus to Canada! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow Joel Osteen: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

In this episode, Joel Osteen helps you learn how meditating on God's Word creates new pathways of victory in your life. Sign up for the Miracle Channel eNewsletter for a new ebook and Scripture declarations each month, plus updates on the ministry! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow Joel Osteen: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

Nathan Apffel is a Christian, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and director of The Religion Business, a multi-part docuseries that exposes the financial practices and lack of accountability in Western religion, particularly Christianity. Drawing from personal experiences with church scandals and abuse, Apffel investigates how religious institutions accumulate vast wealth, estimated at $2 trillion in the U.S. alone, while often prioritizing internal spending over community impact, with 94 cents of every donated dollar staying within church walls. Co-produced with Chris Ayoub, the series features interviews with experts like Joel Osteen and highlights issues like the religious exemption from financial reporting. Apffel is developing tech solutions to promote transparency and community-driven reform in religious organizations. He advocates for ethical governance, victim support, and redirecting resources to solve global issues like poverty and homelessness. Based in the U.S., Apffel blends storytelling, technology, and faith to challenge the status quo and foster meaningful change in the "nonprofit Goliath" of organized religion. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: ⁠https://blackbuffalo.com⁠ ⁠https://prizepicks.onelink.me/lmeo/srs⁠ ⁠https://americanfinancing.net/srs⁠ NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.327% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-781-8900, for details about credit costs and terms. ⁠https://tryarmra.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://betterhelp.com/srs⁠ This episode is sponsored. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self. ⁠https://bunkr.life⁠ – USE CODE SRS Go to https://bunkr.life/SRS and use code “SRS” to get 25% off your family plan. ⁠https://shawnlikesgold.com⁠ ⁠https://hillsdale.edu/srs⁠ ⁠https://ketone.com/srs⁠ Visit https://ketone.com/srs for 30% OFF your subscription order. ⁠https://rocketmoney.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://ROKA.com⁠ – USE CODE SRS ⁠https://simplisafe.com/srs Nathan Apffel Links: The Religion Business Website - https://www.thereligionbusiness.com IG - https://www.instagram.com/nathan_apffel IG - https://www.instagram.com/religionbusiness YT - https://www.youtube.com/@thereligionbusiness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You Can Find My Podcast Here: https://lauralynnandfriends.podbean.com/ Sign up for my newsletter here: Laura-Lynn Newsletter Richardson Nutritional Center: https://tinyurl.com/mudzzy3n Antibiotics at: Sales@larxmedical.com Promo code: LLTT Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin: SozoHealth@proton.me ☆ We no longer can trust our mainstream media, which is why independent journalists such as myself are the new way to receive accurate information about our world. Thank you for supporting us – your generosity and kindness to help us keep information like this coming! ☆ ~ L I N K S ~ ➞ DONATE AT: https://www.lauralynn.tv/ or lauralynnlive@protonmail.com ➞ TWITTER: @LauraLynnTT ➞ FACEBOOK: Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson ➞ RUMBLE: https://rumble.com/c/LauraLynnTylerThompson ➞ BITCHUTE: https://www.bitchute.com/channel/BodlXs2IF22h/ ➞ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/LauraLynnTyler

Hosts Pastor Rico Basso and Guest Pastor Bill Penna Question Timestamps: Yvonne, Facebook (3:34) - Is it true that alcohol is called "spirits" because spirits can attach themselves to you? Alfonzo, FL (6:00) - Is there a way to ask the Holy Spirit to come upon me and grant His power and gifts? Neil, MA (15:43) - How do you interpret Luke 14:33, when it says "a disciple of Christ has no possessions?" Pamela, NY (20:45) - Who was Rehab? Was she an innkeeper or prostitute? Charles, NJ (22:39) - Do you know anything about Joel Osteen using a book by an occultist for his material? Paul, NJ (26:49, continued after break at 33:23) - Is it greater to obey God's voice over His written word? Michael, NJ (36:01) - Do you think Babylon the Great mentioned in Revelation is the United States? Melvin, NJ (43:20) - Did Ezekiel literally eat the scroll he was given? Allie, NY (48:21) - When we pray for forgiveness from God, are we supposed to pray for forgiveness over just the sins from that day or all of our past sins? Ask Your Question: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org

This episode interacts with the latest dispatch from The Embassy - here is an excerpt: ViewSharon Melzer, 24, has long believed in manifestation, or the idea that she can bring her hopes and dreams to life by visualizing them.Coming Soon: Your Beautiful, Successful, Confident Life - Ayson Krueger - NYT - 7/26/25Manifestation is one of the watchwords of our time. The idea is to take an idea, a preferred future, and manifest it, or put it into the universe in order to make it a reality. It is believing in a future that isn't here yet - and the belief that belief itself is a big part of turning a desired idea into reality. There is a part of this I accept, but the part I believe probably doesn't qualify as what people call manifesting an idea into reality. More on that in a bit, but first, let's look at the latest turn in manifestation, involving, of course, artificial intelligence. Sharon Melzer's AI generated videos are an example.Now, thanks to improved artificial intelligence technology, she can be — by putting herself, or an avatar that closely resembles her, in videos depicting her ideal future.These digital vision boards are a little like movie trailers showing coming attractions. In one, Ms. Melzer is flying on a private plane, giving a keynote address to a packed room and getting a notification on her computer that she reached 100,000 subscribers on YouTube.Coming Soon: Your Beautiful, Successful, Confident Life - Ayson Krueger - NYT - 7/26/25She says that she watches these videos, and there are about 20 of them now, when she wakes up in the morning and before she goes to bed - instead of, in her description, scrolling through Tik Tok or Instagram. She watches herself achieving her dreams instead of other people (supposedly) achieving theirs. Not a bad thing, certainly, if that is the alternative. This idea of making the right moves so you can live your best life now and into the future is not foreign to the Christian space. It is Joel Osteen's philosophy - living your best life now is thought a birthright, something the universe, or God, depending, gives us if we make the right moves or picture the right future or have the right kind of faith. It is a bit of the main character syndrome I talked about in my last dispatch - an invented life with an outcome within my control.Using A.I. for manifestation has taken off in the past year, said Catherine Goetze, the C.E.O. of CatGPT, an A.I. educational platform. … To Ms. Goetze …, the videos look real enough that she is compelled to remind users they are not “crystal balls,” she said. “The computer has been trained to reflect back at you what you tell it, so if it shows you as a billionaire, it doesn't mean you are going to be a billionaire. It just means you told it you want to be a billionaire.”Coming Soon: Your Beautiful, Successful, Confident Life - Ayson Krueger - NYT - 7/26/25Well, yes … right. Otherwise, there would be a lot of billionaires. I guess. I'm not a billionaire, maybe I just didn't manifest hard enough. Or have enough of the right kind of faith. Or have the right software. But I don't think so. I don't want to say a positive outlook on the future coupled with positive action toward that future isn't important, even vital. But it seems like we are talking about something else here. For one thing, using Ms. Krueger as our example, she has 20 or so videos, depicting her in various aspects of a preferred future, but some of these may not go together. If there are 20 pictures, different pictures, of your future, it is quite likely that the over/under on how many of these happen is about one half. It is quite likely, in fact, that accomplishing one of these things precludes accomplishing others.If one of these things happens, it will very likely require hard work, disappointment, redirection … it will be a journey. That journey may include a positive outlook, maybe even manifestation, and it may end with the desired outcome, but it will likely be hard earned. And here is the first thing that strikes me as I ponder this trend of manifestation. The destination of the journey is important, it isn't just any journey that will do - but, with these caveats in mind, it is the journey that is the point. Life is the journey, the outcome doesn't produce life, whatever outcome there may be is the fruit of a life. Or, I should say it is one fruit of a life. It isn't even the most important fruit. It is, as I spoke of Living a Discovered Life, part of life that is “under the sun”. It is fine, great even, but it can't be the point.I have spoken with many people who have had a difficult journey, or who are in a difficult stretch in their journey. I'm sure you have too. That might describe you right now. One of the things that I have said to others and have reminded myself of during these times is God does not promise us relief from these difficult parts of the journey. In fact, it is through these difficult parts that most of the real fruit is produced. This is the fruit we are not manifesting, partly because we don't have this fruit in mind, but mostly because we aren't sure what it looks like - at least not from here. AI can't help me make a video depicting a wiser future me. Or a more peaceful me, or more contented, kinder, more faithful, more humble, more joyful, or a more hopeful me. Or a more loving me. What would that even look like, exactly? As soon as I am the point of the manifestation, these things fade out of focus - they come indirectly, by God's grace, on an outward focused journey. If God is gracious, and if I act in the faith He gives me, and if I imperfectly persevere through the difficult parts of the journey - a measure of these fruits find their way to me, even though that wasn't the outcome I had in mind. Faithfulness in the journey is the point of a life that is more than good outcomes “under the sun”. …Read the whole thing here.The Embassy is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Embassy at theembassy.substack.com/subscribe

This episode is especially close to my heart—meet my Grandma, lovingly nicknamed “Bocca” when we were just toddlers. At 90 years young, she's still sharper than a tack! You could say my love for TV hosting runs in the family. My grandparents hosted a Christian television show called Heartbeat for over 30 years, interviewing remarkable figures like Mother Teresa and how Joel Osteen's father, John, got his start. Their missionary work truly spanned the globe. For this episode, I traveled to North Carolina, where their former television station has now been transformed into a beautiful home and family retreat... I have lots of videos to show you! And of course, no visit with Grandma is complete without stories—like the time I accidentally convinced her to buy me alcohol when I was 13. Oh, the memories!  ______________________________ Follow me on my Instagram or Facebook Podcast Facebook page here Check out KristiCapel.com Email: Kristicapelpodcast@gmail.com  

In this episode, Joel Osteen reminds you that opposition is often a sign you're close to breakthrough. He explains that God brings you out of hardship stronger and more prepared for your destiny. Join the Fontaine family on Thrive weekdays at 11am MT on Miracle Channel or YouTube! Sign up for our streaming service, Corco+ to stream thousands of titles of entertainment, documentaries, and teaching from your favourite pastors! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow Joel Osteen: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

While Jimmy Swaggart died in 2025 at the beginning of July, many people only know him because of his public scandals of being caught with prostitutes in 1988 and then again in 1991. But before those revelations that heralded the decline of his influence, he was an internationally known preacher on TV and radio, making around $150 million dollars per year, who had built his ministry over nearly 40 years. In this episode, we want to look at Jimmy Swaggart's message and the techniques he used in his ministry and ask some questions about his success. It's so easy to dismiss false teachers and to think that we cannot be tricked by them. But in doing research for this episode, Charles went back and listened to some of Swaggart's old sermons and was surprised to realize how much he sounded like an old-fashioned fire-and-brimstone preacher that would have preached in many churches he grew up in. Swaggart consistently refined his preaching techniques to the point that when he began his ministry, he sounded much like Billy Graham, and toward the end, he sounded much like Joel Osteen.False prophets will always be a threat to the flock, but we can protect ourselves and others by being aware of how they lead men astray and by keeping our eyes fixed upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Please join us as we discuss this important topic.Timecodes00:00:00 Entertainer00:17:10 The Trinity00:20:24 Speaking in Tongues00:22:32 Red letter Bible00:25:30 Cross Idolatry00:26:43 Strange Ideas00:38:42 Pride00:42:56 Swaggart's Fall00:51:43 Why People Followed Him00:57:48 Changing Appeal01:03:17 Appeal to Sinners01:09:34 Graham on SwaggartProduction of Reformation Baptist Church of Youngsville, NCPermanent Hosts - Dan Horn, Charles Churchill and Joshua HornTechnical Director - Timothy KaiserTheme Music - Gabriel Hudelson

While Jimmy Swaggart died in 2025 at the beginning of July, many people only know him because of his public scandals of being caught with prostitutes in 1988 and then again in 1991. But before those revelations that heralded the decline of his influence, he was an internationally known preacher on TV and radio, making around $150 million dollars per year, who had built his ministry over nearly 40 years. In this episode, we want to look at Jimmy Swaggart's message and the techniques he used in his ministry and ask some questions about his success. It's so easy to dismiss false teachers and to think that we cannot be tricked by them. But in doing research for this episode, Charles went back and listened to some of Swaggart's old sermons and was surprised to realize how much he sounded like an old-fashioned fire-and-brimstone preacher that would have preached in many churches he grew up in. Swaggart consistently refined his preaching techniques to the point that when he began his ministry, he sounded much like Billy Graham, and toward the end, he sounded much like Joel Osteen.False prophets will always be a threat to the flock, but we can protect ourselves and others by being aware of how they lead men astray and by keeping our eyes fixed upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Please join us as we discuss this important topic.Timecodes00:00:00 Entertainer00:17:10 The Trinity00:20:24 Speaking in Tongues00:22:32 Red letter Bible00:25:30 Cross Idolatry00:26:43 Strange Ideas00:38:42 Pride00:42:56 Swaggart's Fall00:51:43 Why People Followed Him00:57:48 Changing Appeal01:03:1

Introduction: 3 Self-Serving Reasons to Give to God (Matthew 6:19–24): So I Have TREASURE FOREVER . (Matt 6:19–21) So I Am ABLE to SEE . (Matt 6:22–23) So I Serve the RIGHT MASTER . (Matt 6:24) 1 Timothy 6:10 – For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Matthew 6:19-24What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Re-read Matt 6:22-23. Explain this in your own words. What does this have to do with money, and how does generosity affect spiritual perception?Is it wrong to be motivated by self-serving reasons to give to God? Why or why not?BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Open up your Bibles with me please to Matthew chapter 6.Some time ago, I was at the funeral home for a visitation.And as I was leaving, there was a woman standing kind of in the lobby by the exit door.And she asked what my connection was to the deceased.And I said, "Well, I'm a pastor and I've known the family for quite a while."And she says, "Oh, you're a pastor."She said, "What do you think about what Joel Osteen makes?"You know, that's not really the time or the place to engage in a heated debate.I said, "What Joel Osteen makes is really none of my business."She goes, "Well, of course it is."I said, "Why?"I said, "What he makes and what he does with his money, it's not my business."And she goes, "Well, it absolutely is."And I said, "Well, man, with all due respect, if you don't appreciate his ministry, then don't give him money."But I walked out of there just sort of confused again as to why we are so concerned with what other people do with their money.When biblically, who should I be concerned about?Point to the person that you should be concerned about, right here.Right?And we're going through the Sermon on the Mount.In the last section we looked at Jesus, talked about giving and praying and fasting.And those are all the elements of our private spiritual life.But you know, you've got to deal with the world sometime, right?You've got to get out there.And this next section of the Sermon on the Mount is about that.How do we deal with the world?What is the heart towards the world?And today we're going to talk about money.And oh, I think we knew it had to come up in the Sermon on the Mount eventually.Like, well, if it's such a big deal, why didn't it come up sooner?Because Jesus has been going after our hearts, and when your heart is right, and only whenyour heart is right, will your view and use of money also be right.Look at, I just want to start, look at verse 20, just the first part here.This is absolutely astounding.Jesus says, "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."Just stop there for a second.That is absolutely astounding what He said.Right there, two things.Two things just blow me away about even that little part of the verse.It just blows me away.The first thing that blows me away is the fact that I can even put treasure in heaven.It's astounding that I have the ability to put stuff in heaven.But I got to tell you this past week, there's another little phrase in there that reallyjumped out at me.And it was the phrase, "For yourselves."So this treasure in heaven, who's it for?It's for me.This is going to benefit me.And you might be shocked to find out this morning that when you look in this sectionabout what Jesus says about money, there is a self-serving motive.Actually there are three self-serving motives at play.You know, we talked about money last fall.We had a whole series.What was that, Pastor in October?It was called "Right on the Money."Within that series, we talked about how to lay up treasure in heaven.Quick review, we said you got to give to God intentionally, willingly, and cheerfully.That's what the Bible says.That's how you lay up treasure in heaven.But here in this passage we're looking at today, Jesus doesn't talk about how.Okay, clearly here you're going to see that Jesus talks about why we should lay up treasurein heaven.And the why is for us.You know, after that sermon series last fall, oh, I preached my little heart out.What does God say about giving?Do you know what happened after that series?Giving went down in the church.I don't get it.I don't understand how we can see clear teaching from God's Word about money and we just thumbour nose at God and say, "Pshh, I'll show you, I'll give less."I don't understand that.You know, my wife, Erin, has a friend out of state that works in finance in her church.And she was sharing with Erin that every time my pastor preaches about tithing, giving goesdown.I don't get it.I just don't understand it.I just don't understand.You know, God says, "Everything is mine.I'm going to give some to you because I love you and as an act of love and worship, I wantyou to give back to me.And if you do, I will give you even more."And we listen to that and we go, "Nah."That's not for me.Well, I want to encourage you and the Lord to really change your mind about that becausehere in this passage, Jesus gives us why.And if you believe, you will be the beneficiary of giving.All right?So on your outline, I want you to write some things down.Here's three self-serving reasons to give to God.Very clear in the passage, self-serving reasons to give to God.Number one, write this down, "So I have treasure forever."So I have treasure forever.Look at the first part of 19, again, first part of 20.And Jesus says, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth."But, verse 20, "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."Do you see there's a two-fold command there, right?Not hard.It's negative and it's positive.And then Jesus goes on to give the reason behind each of these commands.So let's take a look at them first.We have a negative.All right?Look at verse 19, the negative."Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and wherethieves break in and steal."Like what's treasure on earth?You know what treasure on earth is, right?Money, houses, cars, stuff, all of the above.Jesus is just simply saying, "Do not live your life accumulating for here."Like, why not?Jesus says, "How about common sense?"Because you know it all goes away eventually.It all goes away.Notice Jesus talks about moth and rust and thieves.Those weren't three arbitrary things our Lord just pulled out of the air.The reason He said those three things is because in those days you measured wealth by threethings.You measured wealth, first of all, by how many clothes you had.I know that sounds strange to us, but go to some other parts of the world.They measured wealth by how many clothes they had.They also measured wealth by how much food they had stored.Again, that's kind of lost on us in our culture, but in that culture, especially in that day,you were extremely wealthy if you had food in storage.And obviously, wealth was measured by gold, right?So now we understand maybe a little more why Jesus selects those three images, right?Moths.Moths speaks to clothes.You know something interesting about moths?Them dusty little butterflies.They only eat what's stored.Did you notice that?Moths typically don't eat what you're wearing.They eat what's stored.Oh, and it's kind of the same thing with food, right?When Jesus says rust, that's not a great translation of the word.The word literally in the Greek means eating.What happens to stored food over time?The varmints find it, don't they?The mice, the bugs, they find their way to it when you store it.And then obviously thieves, gold breaking into houses.In those days, people often bury their treasure in the ground.It was nothing for a thief to watch to see where somebody buried something and then goback later and dig it up, right?So despite mothballs, mousetraps, motion lights, Jesus here is saying very simply the stuffthat you stockpile can and will be gone in a second, right?It's like a flower.If I pick you a beautiful flower, it's beautiful when I pick it.But you realize over time, a very short amount of time, that flower is going to wither awayand turn to dust.And here Jesus is saying, oh, that's everything on earth that you try to hold onto.Now look, it's not sinful to have stuff.If we've learned anything from the Sermon on the Mount, what we've learned is it'sall about the motive of your heart.And if your motive is to accumulate for yourself, you're greedy and you're foolish.That is what your story will lose eventually.Unless you store it in heaven, because look at verse 20, Jesus says, "But lay up for yourselvestreasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not breakin and steal."Like well what is treasure in heaven?We talked about this in our series last fall.I'm going to give you a quick review.Here's what we said, still true.What is treasure in heaven?I don't think God's Word is very specific on what that is, because I think it's somethingthat we wouldn't understand fully.But there's a lot that we know about it.We do know that it's eternal, and it's better than stuff on earth.We know that.We do know that believers will have treasure based on what we've done with our resourceshere on the earth.Now to be clear, Pastor Taylor talked about this.Salvation is entirely based on the work of Jesus Christ.Let's be clear about that.Jesus Christ through His death and His resurrection provided salvation to those who will turnfrom their sin and receive Him.It's all based on His work.But treasure or rewards are based on our works, and in heaven there will be different levelsof rewards.Another thing we do know is there's no second chance for believers to earn rewards afterwe die.Basically this life on the earth right now is your chance to earn rewards.I'm talking so much about the heart through this series on the Sermon and the Mount.So when we get to this section, the question is, where is your heart?While Jesus tells us objectively, in case you're still wondering where your heart reallyis, do you want to know where your heart really is?You might think you know where it is.Jesus tells us exactly where it actually is.Look at verse 21, Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."Your heart is wherever you put your treasure.In other words, look at how you spend your money, and that will tell you where your heartis.So if you come to me and you say, "Oh, you know what, Pastor Jeff, my heart's with thechurch.Oh, I just have a heart for this church.I just love this church so much.My heart is with the church."How much money do you give to the church?And you're like, "Well, I don't really give that much to the church."Well, then your heart's not with the church, according to Jesus.According to Jesus, you've deceived yourself into thinking your heart's with the church,but if your money isn't invested in the church, then your heart's not in the church.All right?Or if you're like, "Oh, Pastor Jeff, you know where my heart is, my heart of hearts.You know where my heart is?My heart's for missions.Oh, I see these pictures of Barnabas and I hear about these people going on these missiontrips.I just have, Pastor Jeff, I have such a heart for missions."Do you give to missions?Well, no, I don't really give to missions.Well, then your heart's not in missions, according to Jesus, that is.Like, well, maybe I'm not sure where my heart is.If you're struggling with that, I'll be glad to help you.What I need you to do is print out your bank statement, make an appointment, and we'llsit down and go through it.And I will show you very clearly where your heart is, because according to Jesus, whereyou put your treasure is where your heart ends up.Your heart follows your investments.You're either investing in the kingdom of God, or you're investing in stuff that you'reeventually going to lose.And if you're sitting here like, "Man, you know what?I really want my heart to be on the things of God."Or then invest in the things of God.Give to the things of God, and you will find that your heart will follow your investments.Your heart will be in heaven.And according to Jesus, you're going to have treasure that you'll enjoy for eternity.It's a pretty good self-serving motive for giving to God.Second one, right?This self-serving reason to give to God.So I'm able to see.So I'm able to see.Like, wait, wait, wait.That's what He says.Look at verses 22 and 23.Jesus says, "The eye is the lamp of the body."So if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.If then the light in you is darkness, how great is that darkness?You're like, "Well, that's an unrelated tangent.We're talking about money."And all of a sudden, we're talking about eyesight.It's not an unrelated tangent at all.Jesus here is giving us another self-centered reason to give to God.And this is what I'm going to tell you what it is, and I'm going to explain it.Listen, only people who truly understand and obey what God says about money are able tosee things as they really are.Like, well, what do you mean?Jesus here is giving an illustration.The eye here illustrates the heart.And Jesus says the eye is like a lamp.And everything that we see, what we perceive and fill ourselves with is light.Okay?So look at verse 22 again.Jesus says the eye is the lamp of the body.So if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.Now that word healthy in the Greek literally is the word generous.Literally that's what the word means.If your eye is generous.So Jesus is saying that if your heart is generous, your whole life is going to be filled withlight.In other words, your whole life is going to be filled with spiritual understanding.In other words, Jesus is saying that only generous people see things as they really are.It's only generous people who say everything is God's.I'm just a steward of God's stuff.In my office on the conference table, there's a big glass bowl and it's full of lollipops.This happens all the time.It literally just happened this morning where a little kid will come in and Pastor Jeff,can I have a lollipop?Absolutely you can.And they'll take a lollipop and they'll leave.This happens all the time.And about 10 or 15 seconds later, they come back in and they say, I need to get one forJoey.I need to get one for Mikey.I need to get one for Stacy.And they start and then they walk out with these handfuls of lollipops.Doesn't bother me at all because they're illustrating a very important biblical point.And that's this.I say it all the time.I'm like, you're awfully generous with something that's not yours.That's biblical.You want to learn how to be generous?It's not yours.Everything on this earth is a bowl of lollipops.It's all God's.So it's a lot easier to be generous with it when I realize it's not mine.I don't need to hold on to it.So I'm getting one for Mikey.Generous people see things as they really are.Generous people say things like, giving is worship.So I'm joyfully giving God first and best.Right?I'm not going to see how much money I have left after I buy all my toys and I'll giveGod a tenth of that and pat myself on the back for tithing.That isn't tithing and that's certainly not worship.Tithing worshipfully is when you receive, you say, okay, God gets first and God getsbest.That's worship.Some of you are like, yeah, I'm on board with that.Why doesn't everyone get that?Because of verse 23."But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.And if then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness?"Some people don't get it because they're in the dark.Some people are just clueless because they can't see it because they can't see anything.Listen, when your heart is focused on the treasures of the earth accumulating for yourself,the blinds come down on spiritual perception.You are unable to see things spiritually.You know, some people go to church for years.Some people have been coming to this church for years and they do not change.They're still struggling with the same sin that they were struggling with two years ago,five years ago.Why?Because they can't see how great is the darkness.Some people have been coming to church for years and they don't grow.They're spiritually dull.At this point, they should be back teaching the kids.They should be leading a small group at this point.They should be in the preaching class, but they can't.They're spiritually dull.Why?They can't see.How great is the darkness?Some people never witness, never share Christ with anybody.Even talk about witnessing like, "Well, that's not for me."Why?They can't see.How great is the darkness?They come to church and they're like, "Well, worship is boring.The sermon wasn't for me.The prayer was too long."How great is the darkness?When your heart is purely focused on earth's treasures, when you live your life only thinkingand focused and spending on here and now, you will have no spiritual perception.Until you get your view of money right, you're never going to be able to deal with otherspiritual matters.So here's a self-serving reason to give.Maybe this church stuff will start to make some sense because the lights will come on.All right?Three self-serving reasons to give, number one, so I have treasure forever.Number two, so I'm able to see.Number three, so I serve the right master.So I serve the right master.Look at verse 24, Jesus says, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hatethe one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other."You cannot serve God and money.Jesus here very clearly tells us that God and money are both masters.You are a servant to one of them.There's no third option.And in this context, you see, you look at stuff, and you say, "Okay, all this stuffthat I have, it's either God's for God's purposes, or it's mine for what I want."Those are your choices.Jesus said, you know, you shouldn't try to...You shouldn't try to...No.He didn't say you shouldn't try to serve two masters.What did He say?The last sentence, He says, "You cannot."You cannot.It's impossible to serve two masters.Why is that?The same reason a man can't have two wives.Because we have two masters here, and both of them demand total allegiance.Both of these masters, there's no compromise.There's no 50/50 here.You're going to be totally sold out to one of them.And right now, I'm sure somebody is saying, "Well, I'm not a slave to worldly things.I'm not a slave to accumulating."Some of you are way more than you realize.Because when you prioritize stuff over God, then money becomes your master.And Martin Lloyd-Jones told this story.I can't stop thinking about it.He told this story about this farmer that had two cows gave birth at the same time.So now we have two baby cows.What is it called?Just seeing who's still listening.And okay, so he had two baby cows.So the farmer excitedly goes to his wife and he says, "Okay, here's what we're going todo.I'm going to raise both of these cows.And I'm going to sell one and all the money is going to God.And then I'm going to sell the other and all the money we're going to use for our family."And his wife says, "Well, which cow is which?The white one or the brown one?Which one's God's and which one's ours?"And the man says, "Ah, you know what?We'll worry about that later.We'll take care of that down the road somewhere."Well, a couple days later the wife walks into the house and the farmer was weeping.And the wife says, "Honey, what's the matter?"And the farmer goes, "God's cow died."That's funny, isn't it?It's really not because it's always God's cow that dies.It's always God's cow that dies.You know, you've got a sports tournament and church at the same time.You've got to go with the sports.It's always God's cow that dies.I'm not saying you're anathema if you miss church.I'm saying it's a huge red flag as to the way you're discipling your children when youteach them that anything else takes priority over church.When does worship ever have the priority?Are you discipling your kids to that?It's always God's cow that dies.It's like, well, we have youth group tonight, but we also have a dance recital.We can skip youth group because it's always God's cow that dies.You know, I really wanted to join a small group, Pastor Taylor, but you know what?I got this hobby that takes up most of my nights.So it's always God's cow that dies.And oh, yeah, we're talking about money.When money becomes tight, giving to God is the first thing to go because it's alwaysGod's cow that dies.Who's your master?I'll give you a real easy test.I'll give you a real easy test that will tell you where your heart is.Has this sermon really bothered you?If this sermon is really grating on you, so long as I have accurately represented whatour Lord has said, if this sermon is really grating on you, according to Him, it's goingto be grating on you.That means you love money and you hate God.If you're sitting here, and if you're going to be totally honest, and you resent the truththat God has a total claim on your life, then that means, in the words of our Lord, you'redevoted to money and you despise God.But you know, if you're generous, it sort of works the other way.If you're generous towards God, you hate that the world is constantly trying to take moreof your money.You hate when gas prices go up, you hate when grocery prices go up, you hate when your taxesgo up, because you sincerely respond to that by saying, "Oh, I wanted to give more, andthat's keeping me from that."And you hate that because you love God so much.You've got a master.The stuff I have, the money I make, is it to serve God or is it to serve me?Because if it's to serve you, ultimately, you're serving it.Look, at the end of the day, money is just a tool.Money's not evil.Money's not inherently good.Money is just a tool.But money is the most dangerous tool that you possess, because Jesus said that is the toolthat you will use to replace God.You know, there's so many self-serving, personal benefits to giving to God.Oh yes, the opposite is true too.Nothing to God blesses you, but when money is your master, you hurt yourself.Literally hurt yourself.Look at 1 Timothy 6:10.God says through the apostle Paul, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith."Look at this, "And pierced themselves with many pangs.The person who worships money by the way they live end up repeatedly stabbing themselves."So if you're sitting here at this point in the sermon and under your breath, in yourhead, in your heart, you're sitting here digging your heels in saying, "No one tellsme how to spend my money."Look, I earned this.It belongs to me.Okay.But I have an obligation to tell you that you're just stabbing yourself.So if God isn't your master, who are you hurting?On the other hand, giving it to God so I can keep it forever, letting the light shine inthat only comes to a generous heart, and serving a master who loves me and only wants goodfor me.I got plenty of self-serving reasons to give to God.Let's pray.Our Father in heaven, I'm sure this was a very uncomfortable several minutes for somepeople.That's okay.God, we didn't come here today for comfort.We came here to hear from You.And yes, sometimes God, You do comfort us with the truth.And Father, there are generous people sitting in this room that are comforted by all ofthe benefits that You have promised those who are generous.Father, I pray for those who are still holding on so tightly to stuff.I pray, Father, that this would be a time of some serious self-examination, and thatthey would not take the words of Jesus Christ lightly.But Father, I pray You would give them no rest until they seek to get this money issueright before You.It's worship, Father.It's worship.Let us worship You with the stuff that You've given us.We pray in Jesus' name.Amen.

In this episode, Jeremy Prest shares how your environment doesn't define you. You are a child of God, crowned with His favour wherever you go.  Donate here to support outreaches that are sharing the truth about Jesus to Canada! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow Joel Osteen: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

Hosts Pastor Rico Basso and Pastor Robert Baltodano Question Timestamps: Betz Bino, Facebook (2:44) - Are some believers more "chosen" than others? Tim, NY (5:59) - What is your opinion on UFOs? Where do they come from, who are they, and why are we seeing more of them recently? Paul, email (11:29) - Can you please discuss John 4:23-24 and what it means in practical terms for the Christian today? Bridgefest Live Audience (17:05) - Who has influenced you the most in their commentary on the Bible? Yara, NJ (19:41) - I've noticed that I'm more emotional since becoming a Christian, is this normal as a believer? Frankie, GA (23:35) - Did God only breathe through Adam's nostrils? Was there another option? Dave, NJ (27:01, continued after break at 33:44) - What will happen to the babies in the womb during the Rapture? Will people that are left behind still be able to have babies? Carlos, NJ (34:46) - Why did God have to put his son on the cross? Wasn't there some other way to come to repentance? Suzanne, FL (37:25) - Is the King James Version the most accurate version of the Bible? Is there a book you would recommend to break down the King James Version? Why don't modern translations use a capital letter on pronouns that refer to God? Richard, TX (46:27) - What does the Bible say about marriage in heaven? Is there marriage in heaven? Shane, TX (47:15) - Was Abraham disobedient for taking Lot with him to Canaan? Wendy, NJ (49:53) - I have an unsaved friend that is living with me, should I let her watch Joel Osteen? Samson, email (54:13) - How do I know what my calling is? How do I know what my purpose is by God? How do I use my gifts? Ask Your Question: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org

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Exposing Joel Osteen - what does he actually SAY that's so bad...?

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (07/07/25), Hank answers the following questions:Are Christians required to tithe today? Daniel - Brooklyn, NY (0:52)Could you reiterate your objection to Joel Osteen's teachings? Debbie - Eolia, MO (4:23)In 1 Samuel 15:35, why does it say that God regretted making Saul king of Israel? How can God regret something He did? Gary - Kansas City, MO (16:01)Is the Star of David an occult symbol? Wayne - Franklin, KY (18:44)Will God create again to get what we never gave Him? Kayla - Oklahoma City, OK (20:44)

Sumérgete en el fascinante y controvertido mundo de los televangelistas en este nuevo episodio de nuestro podcast. Exploramos las vidas, el meteórico ascenso, las extravagancias y, en algunos casos, las impactantes caídas de figuras icónicas que han marcado la historia de la televisión religiosa. En este episodio especial, desglosamos las historias de Jim Bakker, desde su imperio mediático hasta su notoria caída y resurgimiento, descubriendo los detalles de su vida, sus escándalos y su impacto duradero. También conocerás la trayectoria de Luis Palau, uno de los evangelistas más influyentes a nivel mundial, su enfoque en las cruzadas masivas y su legado de fe y evangelismo. Finalmente, adéntrate en el fenómeno de Lakewood Church y la filosofía de prosperidad de Joel Osteen, uno de los pastores más populares y mediáticos de la actualidad. Analizamos cómo estos líderes religiosos construyeron sus imperios, las controversias que los rodearon y el impacto cultural y social de su mensaje. ¿Qué hay detrás del carisma, la fe y el poder de los televangelistas? No te pierdas este análisis profundo sobre el televangelismo, las vidas de pastores famosos, los escándalos religiosos, la intersección entre la fe y el dinero, y los diferentes estilos de liderazgo espiritual. ¡Suscríbete a nuestro canal para no perderte futuros episodios donde exploramos temas que te harán pensar! Únete a este canal para acceder a sus beneficios: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCufpgYibos8dDFDms5SHxJg/join 2025 es el año de Herejes en Patreon. Mucho más contenido exclusivo creado por todos los Herejes, Larva, y Caro H Solis. Suscríbete y nos ayudas como de ninguna otra forma https://www.patreon.com/herejeselpodcast Merch https://chunchos.mx/collections/herejes Shows de  @Bobbyhereje  3 de Julio CDMX - Noche de Juegos! Show de Improv Comedy - El Hijo del Cuervo https://herejes.yasta.mx/eventos/167 17 de Julio Celaya, 4 Amigos Standup Comedy - Arbol de Café https://herejes.yasta.mx/eventos/200 18 de Julio León, 4 Amigos Standup Comedy - La Palomilla Bar https://lapalomilla.yasta.mx/eventos/1070 19 de Julio San Luis Potosí, 4 Amigos Standup Comedy - Bitter Dog Brewing Company https://potorrisas.yasta.mx/eventos/1234 - Ale Durán - https://www.instagram.com/corsario.hereje/ - Vasco - https://instagram.com/vasco.hereje/ -  @Bobbyhereje  - https://www.instagram.com/bobby.hereje Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Is Joel Osteen simply a positive preacher—or is there more beneath the surface? In this episode, we dive into America's most popular pastor's life, message, and massive platform. We examine the Prosperity Gospel, its roots, and why Osteen's version of Christianity may be more harmful than it appears. Is it biblical encouragement or merely self-help wrapped in a Christian veneer? Support the show

In this episode, Joel Osteen shares how God has equipped you to break generational cycles and set a new standard for your family's future. Sign up for the Miracle Channel eNewsletter for a new ebook and Scripture declarations each month, plus updates on the ministry! Visit our website to discover new resources that will help you grow closer to Jesus every day. Connect with us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Follow Joel Osteen: Facebook | Instagram | Podcast | YouTube

Episode 2.11From million-dollar mansions to private jets, the rise of “celebrity pastors” has sparked questions about fame, finances, and faithfulness in church leadership. In this episode, we explore the complex topic of pastoral compensation, beginning with high-profile examples like Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, and Carl Lentz—and what ethical concerns their lifestyles raise.Then we turn to Scripture: What does the Bible actually say about paying pastors? We look at clear New Testament teaching on the right to financial support, examples of abuse and warning, and Paul's model of both receiving and refusing support. We also tackle modern questions: How much is too much? Should married pastors be paid more? What about book deals?With biblical clarity and practical wisdom, we call churches to avoid both extremes—underpaying faithful shepherds and enabling lavish lifestyles that damage the gospel witness.National Snakebite Support: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1GD3uyThiy/Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/-nvRLVHmFvAMerch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

Today we're joined by genre-defying artist Cautious Clay, who tells us about the process behind his new album, The Hours: Morning! Plus, in RELEVANT Buzz, two Christian hits have broken into the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time in over a decade, and we talk about why Brandon Lake and Forrest Frank are redefining industry momentum. Plus we have the notable news from all the TV up-fronts happening this week, and some surprising legislation that got filed this week. Plus, the crew reflects on the podcast's 20th anniversary, the one-sided "rivalry" we had with Joel Osteen in the early years, and Jesse still being bitter about Osteen standing us up at the Nik Wallenda high wire stunt. And at the end of the show, the crew plays another round of One Has to Go—play along!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Segment 1 • Animated movie produced by Joel Osteen raises concerns. • "King of Kings" draws from Charles Dickens' theology, which emphasizes works righteousness. • Christianity shouldn't be reduced to a to-do list, especially in media. Segment 2 • New film based on Charles Dickens' theology, produced by Joel Osteen. • Dickens was influenced by Unitarianism, rejecting the Doctrine of the Trinity and Original Sin. • "The Life of Our Lord" highlights Dickens' moralistic view, not the gospel of grace. Segment 3 • Which story is most agitating? ◦ A professor launches a course called "The Queer Bible." ◦ Euthanasia in the Netherlands on the rise. ◦ Persecution of Christians in Nigeria. ◦ Flu vaccine paradox: higher risk of flu among vaccinated. ◦ Leftists justifying violence against Trump. Segment 4 • More shocking stories from today's culture: ◦ Men competing in female sports tournaments. ◦ Liberal women disowning straight children. ◦ Australian Christians potentially jailed for praying for LGBT individuals. ◦ Scientific claims about animal communication showing signs of complex thought. ___ Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

Original Air Date: August 10, 2017  Learn how to manifest the life you want with two simple words. Pastor Joel Osteen, one of America's most influential religious leaders, discusses personal success, the power behind the words we speak and how each of us can make a difference. Oprah says Pastor Osteen changed the way she speaks power into her life.