December 1, 2015

Joel Osteen’s Book of Blasphemy: The Power of I AM

September 19, 2015
By GP Porter

In the Old Testament book of Exodus, “I AM” was the personal name attributed to God (Exodus 3:13-14). In fact, the grounds where God declared this name for Himself was considered so holy, it required the removal of Moses’ sandals while in His presence.

Jesus, who is known as “The Great I AM,” also used this name to proclaim His authority and divine nature (John 8:58). It is one of the greatest names for God and a term/phrase used throughout scripture as it relates to His attributes.

Not to the surprise of some, word-faith/prosperity preacher Joel Osteen has raised some eyebrows with an upcoming book entitled, “The Power of I AM: Two Words That Will Change Your Life Today,” which is set to hit bookstore shelves on October 6th.

According to the book’s description, “Joel Osteen reveals how THE POWER OF I AM can help you discover your unique abilities and advantages to lead a more productive and happier life. His insights and encouragement are illustrated with many amazing stories of people who turned their lives around by focusing on the positive power of this principle. You can choose to rise to a new level and invite God’s goodness by focusing on these two words: I AM!”

This certainly sounds nice, but there is one problem — the “I AM” refers to the reader, not to God.

Remarkably, Osteen manages to take a Holy name and invert it into a self-centered, narcissistic concept for “Christians” looking to get what they want. Osteen turns God into a divine vending machine that dispenses candy to those who think positively and declare good things about themselves. Osteen falsely promises, “When you talk like this, these things will follow you and God will provide them.” This is nothing short of blasphemy to the highest degree. Even the capitalization of “I AM” on Osteen’s book cover is an affront to a holy God.

For those looking to give Joel Osteen the benefit of the doubt here, one must not forget the track record of his church and ministry. Wife Victoria Osteen was accused of blasphemy last year when she infamously stated, “Just do good for your own self. Do good because God wants you to be happy. When you come to church, when you worship Him, you’re not doing it for God really. You’re doing it for yourself, because that’s what makes God happy. Amen?”

Joel Osteen’s Sunday messages are often filled with “fluff” and he is regarded by many as simply a life coach disguised as a pastor.

No doubt, “The Power of I AM” will be a best seller, which is extremely unfortunate and a sad testimony to the state of the American church. Many would prefer to hear and read about all the great things God will do for them rather than stand on sound biblical doctrine.

We are living in strange times, indeed. May God have mercy on us.

Click on Link:
http://www.truthlamp.com/joel-osteen-blasphemy-power-of-i-am/