Mega Preachers Exposed Part 8. Rick Warren a closer look

A closer look at Rick Warren who is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, one of America's largest and best-known churches. His Saddleback Church is a Mega Church that is billed as the 8th Largest. Behind the likes of Joel Osteen and Victoria Osteen BUT he is being billed as one of the most influential Pastors of our time.. His previous book, The Purpose-Driven Church , has sold over a million copies in 20 languages.

Warren has spoken beside leaders of countries all over the world including at the inauguration of the current President of the US, and is highly respected in the world. His influence has been witnessed via his Purpose-Driven ministry empire,which has influenced thousands of pastors and Christian leaders around the world with his best-selling book The Purpose-Driven-Church and his Purpose-Driven church growth seminars.

His latest foray is to target the man in the street with his latest New York Times bestseller, The Purpose-Driven Life. Millions of people have this book since its release in 2002. Churches in the tens of thousands of churches have either used this book in the past or are currently using this it and other Purpose-Driven materials during special campaigns called 40 Days of Purpose. The object of the book, which is divided into 40 chapters, is to explain in 40 days the five purposes of a persons life.

On first appearances he seems a sincere, down to earth, charismatic, charming, inoffensive and knowledgable pastor. He checks out on things like Jesus dying for our sins, John 3:16, only one path to God, being Saved as a requirement and even Gay Marriage he sides with the Bible.

He is known for extending out olive branches to other faiths in particular Islam and is known for his good deeds around the world via charitable causes.He has been criticised by some to have too great a “focus on poverty and world peace”, teaching methods, outreach efforts and making dreadful worship leader choices. These are of course all open to debate.

But if we dig deeper, is this hugely popular Pastor just another Wolf in Sheeps clothing and yet another False Teacher or is he actually the real deal and a Brother in Christ?

As they say you cannot judge a book by it´s cover. Someone's appearance and manner are not the basis on which we should judge truth. Warren might seem charismatic, but even Satan himself is charismatic, and thus Satan's ministers will also appear to be ministers of righteousness on the outside.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light: Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. " Corinthians 14:15

Introduction: Book and Sermon

We will take a look at Rick Warren in action at one of his Sermons at Saddleback Church, just the first ten minutes from a random video, the same as with all the Mega Preachers in the Mega Preachers Exposed series. We will also look at one of his books "A Purpose Driven Life" to give an introduction as to what he is all about which is looked at in much more detail later.

1. Rick Warren A Purpose Driven Life the Book

On the back cover of Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life, it states...

"This book will help you understand why you are alive and God's amazing plan for you both here and now, and for eternity... This is a book of hope and challenge that you will read and re-read, and it will be a classic treasured by generations to come...The Purpose-Driven Life is a blueprint for Christian living in the 21st century.

My only response is "Wasn't the Bible created for that purpose "a blueprint for a Christian living"..... a classic that is treasured for generations to come?



A Sermon from Rick Warren, one of many telling people how to recognise God´s voice and tell the difference between that and other voices that may not be Christian in nature. A good insight into his views on God. The title in all honesty gives the game away and is a non starter, as those in the faith will know, but the first 10 minutes are broken down into ten points.



1. You cannot have a relationship to God.....if you can´t hear God. If all you do is ever talk to him in prayer, and you never hear God speak to you, that´s a one way relationship, that isn´t much of a relationship. God wants to speak to you.

2. How do I know when it´s God? When I get an idea in my mind, how do I know where that idea came from, that impression...that thought, how do I know it didn´t come from the Devil, or it came from the bad Burrito I ate last night, or it came from my own thoughts, I just thought it up

3. It´s very easy to be confused......is God telling me to do this....or is this just something I want to do

4. Proverbs 14:12 What you think is the right road may lead to death Rick Warren Version (Bible Version Unknown)

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (KJV)

5. 1 John 4:1 "Don´t believe everything you hear just because someone says it is a message from God; test it first to see if it really is" Rick Warren Version

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. KJV

6. I want you to learn 7 ways to test an impression from the Bible.........so you know how you can test a message from God

7. The fact is one moment you can get an idea from God and the next you can get an idea from Satan.....in a split second

8. John 7:17 Jesus "Anyone who wants to do God´s will can test this teaching and know whether it is from God or whether I´m making it up" Rick Warren Version

John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. KJV

9. These 7 tests form a filter

10. Luke 21:23 Heaven and earth will pass away but my Words will never pass away Rick Warrens Version NIV

Luke 21:23 33. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. KJV

A 10 minute sampler from Rick Warren and this sermon gives a pretty good idea of the Rick Warren take on Christianity. Here´s an analysis of the 10 points raised from that 10 minute sampler.

Analysis

Points 1,2,3 and 6 are pretty much saying the same thing. How do I know when God is talking to me, it´s easy to get confused, how do I tell the difference between God and Satan speaking to me, or is it just my idea? If you are a truly Born Again "Saved" Holy Spirit Filled Believing Christian you will know when God is talking to you. You will have a personal relationship with him and if you pray in silence, (as most Christians do) the Devil hasn´t got the first idea what you are saying ....only God knows. You will get answers in various forms that are so specific to your prayers, they can only be from God, if they are not... something will not feel right, things will not line up and confusion will enter the fray. With the Holy Spirit comes the gift of discernment............there is no confusion and there is no testing! As I always say "Confusion is not of the Lord" which is what Rick Warren is trying to generate here by sowing seeds of confusion. I´ve only ever personally heard God directly twice, both were in extreme situations and just 4 words only (both times different) otherwise it has been signs, people, events or ideas suddenly appearing or dreams or visions. But every time there is never any confusion where that communication came from....ever!

Point 4. Slightly different translation, similar meaning...no issues there.

Point 5: Radically different Bible interpretaions here. Rick Warrens version says "don´t believe everything you hear" the KJV says "believe not every spirit, but try the spirits". Again this is a Holy Spirit given gift of discernment called "Testing the Spirits", if somebody is not of God and you are a Born Again you will know. The Rick Warren translation is way off the mark.

Point 7. This is true but again if you are a Holy Spirit filled believer you will be able to discern the difference between the two. If you are not a Born Again, then you are probably only getting ideas from yourself or Satan in the first place.

Point 8. Again vastly different translations but the meaning is similar.

Point 9. "These 7 tests form a filter". Again if you have the Holy Spirit then that is your filter, there is no 7 tests to form a filter??? A filter is a barrier between you and God.

Point 10 NIV and KJV versions are the same bar shall and will which is just old school and modern day grammar differences. Again no issues there.

In summary God gives you the Holy Spirit which gives you discernment to hear God´s voice in whatever form that will take. All Rick Warren is doing in this video is creating confusion and doing the classic preacher take, where he is acting as a mediator or interpreter to help you to hear God, when none is required if you are truly in the Christian faith. This video is about 1 hour long. Hearing God´s voice can be summed up in 1 Bible verse in 5 seconds. It really is that simple

John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me

If you are Born Again (Saved), that´s all you need to know and this video basically is a delete and one for the trash bin on your PC/Laptop/Device.

The Rick Warren 15 Versions of the Bible.

Apparently there are now 900 English translations of the Bible. Rick Warren by all accounts uses 15 Versions of the Bible including the NIV, New Century Version?, New Living Version and the Message Bible amongst many others. Doesn´t seem to be a fan of the KJV Bible for some reason which is a mystery. The sign of a False Preacher/Teacher is someone that teaches their word and tries to fit the Bible around their word. False Teachers in general are not keen on the King James Version of the Bible. Why...it´s about as close as you are going to get to the original Hebrew and Greek scripture. They will normally have THEIR special version of the Bible or twist the words of a better known more modern version, or quote for a large number of dubious versions flitting from one to another, whichever fits their theology.

So the question is, why does Rick Warren use 15 different versions of modern translations of the Bible? Is it to make it easier to understand for his congregation or is it to get a Bible Version to match what he is trying to teach and it takes 15 different versions to achieve that aim?

Rick Warren errantly states on page 325.of his Book The Purpose Driven Life..
"No matter how wonderful a translation, it has limitations. The Bible was originally written using 11,280 Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words, but the typical English translation uses only around 6,000 words."

This is true but in the KJV version the original meaning remains, whereas some of the modern versions the scripture is a translation of a translation of a translation............ the meaning gets lost or changed beyond belief.

Saddleback church Rick Warren purpose driven lies



Rick Warren and the Chrislam Allegations

Rick Warren is renowned for giving out an Olive Branch to other Religions including particularly Islam. Being understanding, showing love and being accommodating to all people of all faiths is a Christian trait. Many have said that Rick Warren is Pro Islam and integrates many teachings and sayings from the Quran and mix it with Christian Theology to arrive at something many call Chrislam. The problem is if you hand out an olive branch to other completely different religions what happens to the original olive tree, does it change as a result?

A fascinating insight video below that delves into what is being billed the "New Emerging Church" which is a blend of Christianity and Eastern Religions and New Age concepts which is proving remarkably appealing to the masses. Some say we are seeing the construction of the New World Order One Religion being built right under our very noses. Rick Warren is mentioned in this video especially in connection with Chrislam, an attempt to reach an understanding and some common ground with Islam. The problem is Christianity and Islam despite their initial appearances are fundamentally different to the core especially when it comes to Jesus and the Tri State as in Father, Son and Holy Ghost/Spirit. It´s another trying to mix oil and water scenario which just ends in a mess. This does raise serious questions as to where Rick Warren´s heart really is in regards to the pure Christian faith? This video is an eye opener and one to form your own opinion on.

Rick Warren, Emergents and Muslims



Rick Warren and the Bible

More Quotes from Rick Warrens Book a Purpose Driven Life with Page Numbers as reference

How to get Saved Rick Warren style

“If you are not sure you have done this, all you need to do is receive and believe. ... First, believe. Believe God loves you and made you for his purposes. Believe you’re not an accident. Believe you were made to last forever. Believe God has chosen you to have a relationship with Jesus, who died on the cross for you. Believe that no matter what you’ve done, God wants to forgive you. Second, receive. Receive his forgiveness for your sins. Receive his Spirit, who will give you the power to fulfill your life purpose. ... Wherever you are reading this, I invite you to bow your head and quietly whisper the prayer that will change your eternity.

‘Jesus, I believe in you and I receive you.’

Go ahead. If you sincerely meant that prayer, congratulations! Welcome to the family of God!” (The Purpose Driven Life, pp. 58, 59).

Notes:
Notice there is no repentance in that prayer, no mention of sin, no mention of the death on the cross and no phrase such as "please come into my life" or similar it´s "I accept you"....as if you decide. .

Quote 1 Message Bible v KJV

On page 70, Warren quotes Hebrews 11:7 from The Message.
“By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn’t see, and acted on what he was told ... As a result, Noah became intimate with God.”

In the dependable King James Bible, this verse says:
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”

Quote 2 Message v KJV

On page 20 of The Purpose Driven Life , Warren quotes 1 Corinthians 2:7 from The Message:
“God’s wisdom ... goes deep into the interior of his purposes ... It’s not the latest message, but more like the oldest--what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us.”

In the King James Bible, this says:
“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.”

Quote 3 Jeremiah:29:11 New Century Version V KJV

"Wonderful changes are going to happen in your life as you begin to live it on purpose. God says, ‘I know what I am planning for you ... I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.’ " (p. 31).

The KJV Version

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

This verse is not informing the believer that wonderful changes will happen in his life once he lives out his purpose. This text contains God's personal message to the Israelites who were enduring the Babylonian captivity.

Quote 4 Matthew 24:14 New Century Version v KJV

"Jesus will not return until everyone God wants to hear the Good News has heard it. Jesus said, 'The Good News about God’s kingdom will be preached in all the world, to every nation. Then the end will come ...’ " (p. 286).

KJV Version
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Matthew:24:14

Quote 5: A video quote. Pastor Rick Warren On Whether Gays Will Go To Hell

Quote 6 Exodus 34:14 New Living Translation v KJV

"That God would want me for a close friend is hard to understand, but the Bible says, 'He is a God who is passionate about his relationship with you’ " (p. 86). Exodus 34:14 New Living Translation

KJV
, "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is jealous, is a jealous God" These are the words that were spoken to Moses on Mount Sinai

People quoted in Rick Warrens Books

Several of Warren's quotes come from renowned people who were or are active opponents of Biblical orthodoxy. They include C. S. Lewis, Brother Lawrence, Mother Teresa, Billy Graham, Aldous Huxley, Albert Schweitzer, Madame Guyon and Anais Nin. These names include Hindu and New Age philoosphers, Roman Catholic mystics, Evangelists and an erotic literature novelist. Google them yourselves. Again people say "you are who you hang with". Jesus did  hang around with sinners, prostitutes, down and outs, alcoholics but that was for different reasons. Form your own opinion

A Rick Warren Interview

A good way to fathom these Mega Preachers is via TV Interviews. Sermons are rehearsed and carefully scripted but with interviews it´s difficult to pull the wool over peoples eyes.

Here´s an interview that is part of a long video exposing many Mega Preachers but Rick Warren is on the list and it starts at 15:40. Transcript below

Rick Warren "A purpose driven life Interview" Fox News. DEC 21 2012 via So4j

If you´ve got two doors

This one goes to life with eternity with God

And this one says Eternity without God

If I walk out the door that says Eternity without God....Do I Blame God fot That?......NO That´s my choice

And So I Choose..... To go to Hell you have to do almost the impossible

What you have to do....... you have to reject the Grace of Jesus Christ

Rick Warren and the  Bible less congregation at Saddleback Church

On my extensive travels researching Rick Warren a visitor to Rick Warrens  Saddleback Church stated they visited a service at Saddleback Church in 2003 and they stated this

"I observed that only a few people were carrying Bibles into the auditorium. The reason became clear when I saw the multiplicity of versions that were used in the preaching. It would be impossible to follow along in one’s Bible"

This is in reference to the 15 or so versions that Rick Warren uses in his preaching. Again as stated before why use this many, is he onto something divine in nature that mere mortals cannot comprehend or is he going down the confusion route that many false preachers use. Again you decide.

Rick Warren's views on Baptism
He is neutral or blase on the different forms of Baptism. He says pouring, sprinkling, or immersion are equally acceptable in his book The Purpose Driven Life.

Obviously, it would offend many readers if he were to present a truly Scriptural position on baptism as a burial in water, but what else would a true Bible believer and a true Baptist do?

Rick Warren on God's view on music

“God loves all kinds of music because he invented it all--fast and slow, loud and soft, old and new. You probably don’t like it all, but God does! ... Christians often disagree over the style of music used in worship, passionately defending their preferred style as the most biblical or God-honoring. But there is no biblical style! ... God likes variety and enjoys it all. There is no such thing as ‘Christian’ music; there are only Christian lyrics. It is the words that make a song sacred, not the tune. There are no spiritual tunes” (pp. 65, 66) of A Purpose Driven Life

This sort of Worldly view has enabled Worldly music to enter into Churches.Rockers describe their music as sexy, seductive, and hypnotic? So why is this style of music appearing on Sunday at Saddleback Church?

The Bible states quite clearly what form music should take in Churches

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” ( Ephesians 5:19 ).

Rock music is not exactly Psalms and Hymns?

Still not convinced?



Conclusions

Rick Warren is right up their in Mega Preacher territory. He has his own brand and style and has a huge following at his Church, online and via TV. On the surface he seems to be a Brother in Christ, comes across as neutral and harmless and the guy next door type.. So much so, on the first few minutes of research, this article  nearly ended up never coming into reality, but something (The Lord) kept me digging ever deeper and the cracks started to appear.

This article could have gone on to look at his fruits ( he has a net Worth of over 20 Million Dollars) and many other avenues but this to me proves quite enough what sort of Preacher he is. He is a tough one to label as a False Preacher because a lot of what he teaches makes sense even to a Christian. His core values with regard to Christianity are right there, but then so are Kenneth Copeland, The Osteen´s, Joyce Meyer and the rest according to their websites.

The first ten minutes of the first video analysis especially near the end it´s hard to disagree with but the whole topic is geared up to somebody that isn´t saved as in somebody that isn´t a Christian and here´s where the problems start.

Vid: A video featuring the owner of this website sheds some light titled 15 Signs of a False Preacher

The fundamental route to being saved is through belief, repentance and basically saying "Yes". The Rick Warren route seems to be some sort of shortcut that will deny you what you are looking for. You then become dependent on Rick Warren for him to explain how to hear God when he doesn´t tell you the proper route to get Saved in the first place, which he knows would ensure that you DO hear God, which obviously would leave him out of the equation and short of a few million book sales in the process. His "Jesus I Believe in You and I Receive You" prayer just doesn´t cut it, it smacks of the "Broad Way". It´s a half way there statement with no repentance and it´s saying that "You are the door" as in "I receive you" when in fact "Jesus is the door". We are Saved by Grace not by our own decisions or words.

John 10:9
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Acts 15:11
But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

The rear cover of his famous Book sounds like the very replacement for the Bible itself. The numerous and dubious Bible versions he quotes from also serve to confuse his followers even further. Probably none ever walk into SaddleBack Church with ALL 15 Bible Translations that Rick Warren uses especially the KJV. Just imagine it?. This is yet another red flag and is a crafty way of discrediting the Bible saying no one particular version is good enough to use in isolation or it´s not trustworthy. Also as is demonstrated from some of the quotes from his Book "A Purpose Driven Life" they are sometimes so far off the mark it really does make you wonder. Just don´t mention the closest thing to the original Hebrew and Greek Texts the KJV Bible! Rock music in a Church also sends out alarm bells?

Rick Warren denies the Chrislam (Christian mixed with Islam) connection and that has been left as an open ender for people to form their own opinion. But as the video "Rick Warren Emergents and Muslims" clearly demonstrates, there is a Chrislam agenda there, cleverly disguised, but it is there and that is a worrying trend. He seems to be weak on sin and repentance.

Watching him in various interviews he seems again one of these politician types and if a question is tricky he´ll turn the question upside down or answer it with another question or answer the question with an answer to a different question. This for me is not the sign of a Christian. Are you for Gay Marriage is a Yes or No answer with an explanation, not some marathon round the houses evasive not really answering the question but sounding like you are answering the question but confusing the issue totally style answer. This quote that has been tied to Alan Greenspan but some say it is not him sums Rick Warren up:

"I know you think you understand what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant"

A member of a forum or it may have been a blog comment section stated that they were a member of the Rick Warren Saddleback Church for 18 years or so and defended him saying he was a Brother in Christ. This goes to show how convincing some of these Preachers can be. It´s very difficult to leave a Church after 18 years even if it finally dawns on you that you realise you are not Saved and never will be as long as you stay at that Church.

For me the final nail in the coffin is the "To go to hell you have to do almost the impossible" line, that is the true heart of Rick Warren talking there. If that is not a False Preacher.... then heaven help us!

All Bible quotes in this article presented by this website are KJV

Bible Quotes:

Matthew 7:13-14
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Mark 10:26-27
And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?: And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

2 Corinthians 11:13
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

Mega Preachers Exposed Part 5. Joyce Meyer a closer look

A closer look at the famous Mega Preacher Joyce Meyer and continuing the Mega Preachers Exposed series.

Joyce Meyer who is a Pentecostal Preacher & Teacher, Pastor and Author and has been in Full-Time Ministry since 1980. Joyce and her: husband Dave, Family, & Ministry live outside of St. Louis, Missouri. She considers herself as a Practical Bible Teacher rather than a Televangelist and states she is Non Denominational. She´s up there with the big names such as Beth Moore and Oprah but has her own distinct style of delivery. She has a huge following and if you can believe it she is 73 years old. Joyce Meyer Ministries has 9 offices strategically located around the world, in Australia, Canada, South Africa, Russia, Ukraine, India, Uganda, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Germany, England, and the Middle East.

Twitter 4.05M Followers
Facebook 11M likes
Books Over 70 written

Check out her FAQ page from her website for further info

Introduction
Joyce Meyer has many famous quotes and the trademark of her sermons is to preach the word laced with some down to earth everyday humour. She´s a part Preacher part stand up comedian. Here´s a Famous Quote taken from an ABC Nightline Interview April 2010

"I tell people, and it's the truth, I could sit in my garage for a week and it won't make me a car," Meyer said. "And you can sit in church till your bottom is flat and that won't make you a servant of Christ."

Could not agree more and so very true.

Another famous quote

"I am not poor, I am not miserable, and I am not a sinner. That is a lie from the pit of hell"

The BIBLE would like to disagree

1 John 1:8-10
8. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

So we have some interesting facts and some conflict of interests here which prompts for a deeper delve into the world of Joyce Meyer.

How to test a Preacher that has videos online
The normal process I personally use when looking more closely at these Mega Preachers is to look at a picked or just random sermon that leaps out and watch a few minutes, maybe up to halfway if they are a bit tricky, if they are even more challenging the full sermon and look for alarm bells and red flags that say quite loudly "False Preacher". If nothing appears I then start looking at key areas that are the pillars of the Christian faith, such as a Testimony, their views on Jesus and/or God, Prayer and Fasting and Sin. Then I move onto things outside of a Sermon environment which will include interviews, lifestyle and most importantly that Preachers fruits.

1. A closer look at a random Joyce Meyer Sermon. A quick analysis
Looking at a typical sermon such as this one "Celebrate Your Progress Sermon" from July 29 2016 taken from her Enjoying Everyday Life held at Tulsa.



The general first observations is that she is confident, poised, has a powerful delivery and presence and lo and behold she actually handles a Bible and reads from it. Instead of doing the typical using the Bible just as an ornament on the lectern and reading from notes and then picking it up on occassion and waving it in the air as if it is a fashion accessory. She comes across crystal clear and it´s inspiring stuff. She actually uses the Bible. She teaches from the Amplified Bible which I have to say I have never heard of, the definition is below.

Amplified Bible Definition
The Amplified Bible (AMP) is an English translation of the Bible produced jointly by Zondervan (subsidiary of News Corp) and The Lockman Foundation. The first edition was published in 1965. It is largely a revision of the American Standard Version of 1901, with reference made to various texts in the original languages.

She admits that the King James Bible (KJV) scares her, she understands more the words from the Amplified Bible which I think will highlight our first problem right away. Here´s one example of a Bible quote she uses that appears at about 6 minutes into the vid that we can analyse.

Matthew 5:48 KJV: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. KJV

Matthew 5:48 Amplified Bible: You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Straight off here, I have an issue or issues, I´m starting to hear alarm bells and they are ringing loudly.

1. What is so confusing about Matthew 5:48 in the KJV Version. It really doesn´t get any simpler than that and is easy to understand. Surely anybody could understand that statement.
2. The amplified version is the modern day interpretation and the stuff outside the brackets is as near as you are going to get in the modern language to the KJV which is not a problem. It´s the stuff that is inside the brackets I have a problem with. Adding brackets doesn´t make it OK to add to the Bible, you are in effect rewriting and adding to it.. You are adding to God´s word to explain it and adding confusion and diluting the original meaning, when God´s word in this instance even in the KJV version really doesn´t need explaining. This is a major issue and one that most people take quite seriously.
3. Comparing the Amplified Bible quote on Matthew 5:48. God´s words number 11 (outside Brackets) and 17 man made words (inside brackets). It´s the classic watering down of God´s word as practiced by the Prosperity and Word of Faith Preachers.
4. Granted the KJV Version of the Bible especially in the Old Testament can be tricky at times but if you truly have the Holy Spirit that version even despite it´s old school language should speak to you pretty loud and clear regardless. If you are a Preacher/Pastor/Author of such stature as Joyce Meyer that has been in the faith for a considerable period of time, the KJV version or the slightly more modern versions should present no problems whatsoever.
5. No point 5 is needed!

That´s a series of red flags right there. Total time 6 minutes out of 28.

A bible quote to ponder over from the King James Version of The Bible

Deuteronomy 4:2 - Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. KJV

Moving away from the Sermon itself you start to realise if you are watching on You Tube you are hitting the Skip Ad link every couple of minutes. Don´t think I´ve actually ever done that with a Video that frequently. Advert at the beginning Yes, pop ups part way through that are easy to remove Yes, and maybe an Ad half way through but not every couple of minutes. If you are preaching God´s word, the emphasis should be on The Word and not on irritating and distracting advertsing that has nothing to do with Christianity. There is a blatant focus on money generation here at the expense of the preaching. This appproach to advertising is similar to the issues demonstrated by the Amplified Bible.

Joyce mixes Biblical Truth with Error— so it can be hard for one to Discern what is Sound Doctrine & What is Not.

I got to 11 minutes in this video and I saw enough and switched it off.

2. A Joyce Meyer Interview
Interviews are very good ways to reveal the personality of a person, how they answer questions, body language and obviously the answers themselves just like a job interview can speak volumes about a person. Joyce Meyer appeared on an interview on ABC Nightline way back in 2010 and was questioned about many things here´s one of her answers concerning her lavish lifestyle and how would Jesus travel if he was around today.

Nightline: So if Jesus were here, he'd have a corporate jet?

Meyer: He might today, they weren't available then, so.

Asked about her lavish lifestyle and recent expensive facelifts she had this to say

"I want to look my best for God," she said. "So many people have the attitude that if you're a Christian you've got to dress bad, wear an old color, not do anything to your hair, have nothing. It's no wonder that Christianity is not very attractive. I mean, how many people do you know in a Western culture that's going to go, 'Yeah, give me some of that'?"

Joyce Meyer Interview ABC Nighline Video


Joyce Meyer Interview ABC Nighline Full Interview

Moving swiftly on!

3. Controversies: The Joyce Meyer show withdrawal from KNLC Channel 24?
Joyce Meyer's show cancelled on Larry Rice's KNLC (Channel 24) way back in 2004. He also canceled contracts with Kenneth Copeland and Jesse Duplantis and considering cancelling all those who teach on the prosperity doctrine

According to the Cult Education Institute, Larry Rice said he had told Joyce Meyer two weeks previous that he was canceling her Sunday evening program and was considering canceling her weekday show when the ministry notified him Friday that it was pulling off the station. Rice said his actions were prompted by Meyer's lavish lifestyle and what he saw as teachings that often went "beyond Scripture."

Full Article at Cult Education Institute.

Moving swiftly On

4. Taking a closer look at the Fruits of Joyce Meyer.
Meyer, who owns several homes and travels in a private jet (currently a Gulfstream G-IV), has been criticized by some of her peers for living an excessive lifestyle. She responded that she doesn't have to defend her spending habits because "...there's no need for us to apologize for being blessed." Meyer commented, "You can be a businessman here in St. Louis, and people think the more you have, the more wonderful it is...but if you’re a preacher, then all of a sudden it becomes a problem."

Joyce Meyer Ministries was one of six investigated by the United States Senate inquiry into the tax-exempt status of religious organizations by Senator Chuck Grassley. The inquiry sought to determine if Meyer made any personal profit from financial donations, asking for a detailed accounting for such things as cosmetic surgery and foreign bank account . Information courtesy Wikipedia

Joyce Meyer states she has been "Blessed" by God with all these material things. Nowhere in the Bible does it state that material possessions are blessings from God.

More is revealed in the video below, much more on the lavish lifestyle of Joyce Meyer, the fruits of her Ministry and Preaching.



Moving Swiftly on

5. The False Teachings of Joyce Meyer
We all make mistakes and everybody should be given a chance. This looks much closer into some of the major teachings and quotes from over the years of the Sermons of Joyce Meyer and quotes from her numerous book. These have been lifted from an article at  SO4J, there are more, but these are the most telling and revealing statements from this Pastor and most are plain and simply Word of Faith and Prosperity heresy.

1. THE ATONEMENT - SHE SAYS THAT JESUS WAS THE "FIRST BORN-AGAIN MAN" (< this is HERESY!)
QUOTE from JOYCE MEYER: "Do you know something? The minute that blood sacrifice was accepted Jesus was the FIRST HUMAN BEING that was ever BORN AGAIN. Now that was real, it happened when he was in HELL."

2) JOYCE MEYER WRONGLY TEACHES THAT: JESUS PAID FOR OUR SINS IN HELL & NOT ON THE CROSS

3) JESUS STOPPED BEING THE SON OF GOD (< this is heresy)

4) JOYCE MEYER WRONGLY TEACHES "POSITIVE CONFESSIONS" & THAT YOUR WORDS HAVE POWER (< this is wrong!)

5) JOYCE MEYER’S WRONGLY TEACHES THAT: YOU NEED SPECIAL REVELATION FROM GOD AS GOD'S WORD

6) JOYCE MEYER WRONGLY TEACHES THAT: "WE ARE LITTLE GOD'S":

7) JOYCE MEYER WRONGLY TEACHES THE: PROMOTION OF THE UNBIBLICAL "SELF-ESTEEM & HEALTH & WEALTH 24/7 GOSPEL"

Further examples taken from an article at SO4J that includes further information and video examples.

The Teachings of Joyce Meyer analysed by the Christian Research Institute



In my humble opinion I've seen enough!

SUMMARY
Joyce Meyer has been around for a long time and she has amassed a fortune from her ministry. She has a huge following, predominantly women who relate to her troubled younger life and she has become a success story, a bit like Cinderella. Nobody would want to rain on that parade. Her sermons are energetic, feisty and she is charismatic in her delivery and watching her audiences they are clearly under her spell. Just like all Preachers that are of the False variety she tells her audience what they want to hear using her own version of the Gospel and taking the word of God and working it around it.

That´s not say that some of her preaching isn´t correct, some is correct BUT just like all False Preachers, the trademark signs are always there and although Joyce Meyer is no Joel Osteen or Victoria Osteen and is a completely different brand to the younger market preachers such as Carl Lentz and Paula White, the giveaways are there of Heresy, Twisting the Word to fit in with a theology, dilution of the word to the extent it loses it´s meaning or worse brings about a state of confusion. She mentions she is not New Age but quite clearly promotes the power of words to bring things into existence.........which is quite simply the Doctrine of Demons. Joyce is somebody that just like all other False Preachers pushes the Christian Giving line and that good old 10% Tithing quote that is in the Old Testament under the Old Covenant but is not in the New Testament under the New Covenant. All these False Preachers push it regardless as it is a nice little steady earner and of course tax free.

On the plus side the ministry does donate money to good causes but there is no doubt in anybodies mind, the main financial focus of the Ministry money is grandiose buildings for her church, mansion size property on vast estates and not just one, and expensive private jets and the expense of keeping such a jet, not to mention high dollar antiques and top of the range Mercedes and a pretty decenthigh end wardrobe to look the part?

When these Preachers are questioned about there excessive lifestyles and emphasis on materialism they merely state that living with just enough is like living defeated, or not realising your full potential or that you haven´t been blessed by the Lord. If you are a Christian reading this you will know the right answer.

As with all these Mega Preachers, and this is Mega Preacher 5 that a closer look has been performed, on first impressions it´s very difficult to tell that they are a False Preacher, but when you put them under the cold light of day and get that first red flag, you can guarantee there will be many others and much worse the more closely you look. Twitter follower count and huge Facebook likes does not guarantee that a Preacher is not False in fact I would say it is more a guarantee that they are false.

A video featuring the owner of this website sheds some light titled 15 Signs of a False Preacher

As always I feel sorry for the congregation who are quite literally lapping up these false teachings that are leading them further and further away from God and leaving their pockets and bank accounts progressively lighter and smaller respectively with little or no effect on their lives to show for it. The ultimate sadness, many when they do realise that the whole thing is just an elaborate con, they pay the ultimate price and lose their faith as well....never to return.

Bible Quotes:

2 Timothy 3:1-5
1. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3. Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4. Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

2 Peter 2:1-3
1. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

2 Corinthians 11:4
4. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

2 Corinthians 11:13-14
13. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

1 Timothy 6:3-5
3. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4. He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5. Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

1 Timothy 6:6-9
6. But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

Acts 17:11
11. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Mega Preachers Exposed Part 3. Victoria Osteen a closer look

Victoria Osteen classes herself at a Co Pastor at the Lakewood Church that her husband Joel Osteen preaches at in Houston Texas. The Church has a membership of 43,000 and the church venue can seat 16,000+

This article is a closer look at what Victoria Osteen preaches and we dig a bit deeper into her short (compared to Joel Osteen´s) sermons and see what Gospel is being preached and whether it is similar to her husbands. The services are broadcast on TV and are available online after the event.

First of all what is Lakewood Church all about and what are it´s beliefs?
Lakewood Church believes that the entire Bible is inspired by God, and the church bases its teachings on this belief. The church also holds in account the belief in the Trinity, as well as the recognition of the death of Christ on the cross and resurrection.

From the commands found in the Bible, the church practices the following:

Salvation: Each service offers an Altar call at the end in order for people to accept Christ as Lord and Savior.
Water Baptism: The church believes the bible asks for this symbol as a testimony to faith in Jesus Christ -in his cleansing power through his shedding of blood on the cross for us. Baptism is practiced every Saturday night in the church's Chapel.
Communion: The church believes the Bible asks for this act of remembering what Jesus did on the cross. It is offered once a month.
Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ: Lakewood believes that every believer should be in a growing relationship with Jesus by obeying God's Word, yielding to the Holy Spirit and by being conformed to the image of Christ.
Lakewood Church is known for its Word of Faith teaching. via Wikipedia

All sounds above board and wholesome stuff. Let´s get beyond the Church narrative and see what actually is said in practice by Victoria Osteen as part of this dual Pastor set up at Lakewood Church during one of their so called "services".

Video 1 Victoria Osteen | Do Good for your own self, Not for God | Billy Madison



Video 1 Analysis

Didn´t get that. Here´s the transcript.

So I just want to encourage every one of us to realise when we obey God, we're not doing it for God - I mean, that's one way to look at it - we're doing it for ourselves, because God takes pleasure when we're happy,"

"That's the thing that gives Him the greatest joy. So, I want you to know this morning: 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? Let's open our hearts to Him today."

This video went Viral for good reason way back in 2014 with Christians up in arms and the media had a field day. Victoria Osteen responds via The Blaze and defended her comments and suggested critics were misinterpreting her meaning.

"While I admit that I could have been more articulate in my remarks, I stand by my point that when we worship God and are obedient to Him we will be better for it," she said.

"I did not mean to imply that we don't worship God; that's ridiculous, and only the critics and cynics are interpreting my remarks that way"

"Every Lakewood member knows what I was talking about because they have experienced first hand the joy and victory of a Lakewood Church worship service, and the honor, reverence and gratitude we show God."

What do I Think?
I think even the most inexperienced Christian will realise something is not right here. Basically what she said in her sermon is put yourself first, make sure you are happy and then God will be happy. God is your Genie in a bottle. The Exaltation of self is being promoted. This is not a Christian value and is the exact opposite of meekness and humbleness and humility which are Christian virtues. In her response she states "I stand by my point that when we worship God and are obedient to him we will be better for it." Yes that´s very true and I´m in agreement but why wasn´t that said on the night concerned. There is no way that was inferred or remotely mentioned in her original statement in the sermon. Does "when we obey God, we´re not doing it for God" sound like "when we worship God and are obedient to him we will be better for it." Doesn´t matter which way you slice it. It does not. All she is doing here is preaching a lie and then defending it with another one. We could go on here but the point has been made and the damage has been done.

Headline: Victoria Osteen Replies to Critic

We all make mistakes, moving swiftly on

Video 2 With Our Words and Actions - Victoria Osteen 2 years later July 8 2016



Video 2 Analysis

This video is 2 years later after the disastrous sermon of 2014 that went viral. Things have changed....but have they. The Sermon is titled "With OUR Words and Actions" Here´s some statements from that sermon.

I´m going to help someone else, that will make God happy

I don´t just want to talk that talk I want to walk that walk God...I want to make you happy. See there is a profound affect that takes place when you change your thinking and you change your act of Gratitude and you express it in this way

We need to take the limits of God today, .... let´s dream for some big dreams, what could you do for your family they can´t do for themselves
"
This sounds a change from Video 1 where "You're doing it for yourself, because that's what makes God happy" we have now moved to "I´m going to help someone else, that will make God happy"

Check the wording on these 3 sentences, just like Joel Osteen the words I´m, I, You, Your, We..they are rampant. Statement 2 has these words of the Self mentioned 8 times. What is being preached here is pretty much the same as Joel Osteen. We change our thoughts and actions and God will bless us to bless others. It´s as if God is some sort of Supernatural tool we can use or a Genie in a bottle. Keep him happy and blessings will come. She mentions helping others or the family. The Bible says help those in need "Widows, Orphans, The Poor, The Naked, The Sick, The Homeless" No mention of those words in this sermon, no mention of the needy whatsoever. Change your thoughts and God will bless you so you can bless other people is pure self motivational talk and not Christianity and is promoting "Works". Sure God wants you to keep his statutes and commandments and do good deeds AFTER you have been SAVED but to earn Salvation this is done by faith and repentance of sin. Again three words absent in this sermon. What is being preached here is some sort of Salvation by Works and as we know Works will not get you saved "they are as filthy rags" as is stated in the Bible

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

If you are truly in the faith God Knows you are thankful, he knows your thoughts and that´s the reason for prayer. Helping somebody else is something most people do even if they are not Christians. Helping the old lady across the road is an example of works. God blesses those who have faith in God, not those who have faith in themselves and do good deeds to seek favour with God to get that warm glowy feeling being preached here.

Moving onto the next video

Video 3 Living in Shalom - Victoria Osteen



As long as we live on this physical earth there will always be something that is trying to steal our peace and try and take that Shalom

The Bible says we are to seek peace and pursue it Psalm 34:14

We have to seek it, maintain it and stay with it, pursue it and don´t let it get out of our sight

God says I have given you my peace and we have to pursue that peace in every area of our life

Jesus said before his crucifixion "My peace I give you" "Don´t let your heart be troubled I have overcome the world"

Peace has nothing to do with what´s on the outside but what is on the inside

You need to figure out why the peace has gone

I had the peace then talked myself out of it

Video 3 Analysis

I got to about 7 minutes of this video and had to turn this thing off!

Let´s talk about peace. If you are a TRUE Christian and have the Holy Spirit you will have the following qualities NO MATTER WHAT. These qualities will be meekness, kindness, patience, humbleness, humility, love, caring and PEACE amongst many others. You will have this peace no matter what, it´s an internal thing not an external one influenced by external factors.There is simply no confusion of this issue.

She quotes Psalm 34:14 "Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it" probably just plucked out of thin air as it fits in with the sermon. I was Born Again or Saved last October, before that I used to lose my temper on a daily basis, I mean really LOSE IT. After being "Saved" I haven´t lost my temper once ever since....that´s 9 months now. There is an inner tranquility I never had before. That´s PEACE. There is no figuring out if the peace has gone, nothing will steal your peace, there is no need to seek peace because you already have it,and because you have it internally, you don´t have to worry about it getting out of your sight.

She then states the only single truth of the whole sermon and if you´re not careful and you blink and you miss it that "Peace has nothing to do with what´s on the outside but what is on the inside" which is true. BUT there is no mention here of what it is on the inside and how it got there, a peace brought about by faith and repentance. All the other statements in this Shalom sermon bury that one line of half truth and leave you confused about what Peace really is. This is how False Teaching works by burying the truth, creating confusion and ultimately creating deception......keeping you away from ultimate goal of the Bible which is THE TRUTH.

Finally a person is know by their fruits?

Video 4 Civil jury finds victoria osteen did not assault flight attendant



This actual alleged attack took place way back in 2005 and the court case didn´t hit the headlines until 2008. The details are clear in the video but Victoria Osteen was found not guilty of attacking the flight attendant in FIRST CLASS and therefore no damages were payable. It´s not made clear whether it was "air Rage" or "Racism" or that nothing happened at all, but something must have happened otherwise why go through all this hassle with a court appearance. It is noted the flight attendant as stated in another video, had only one lawyer, Victoria Osteen had an army of them. Form your own opinion on this. Either way this is something that is stamped on her passport of life and unfortunately is one of her fruits.

BOOK: Love YOUR Life: Living Happy, Healthy, and Whole
Another fruit. Say no more!

$600K stolen from Lakewood Church (2014)??

Conclusions.
Victoria Osteen is yet another one of those preachers or Pastor´s that can tell a good story, throw in a few bible quotes and get you nodding your head in agreement thinking this is great stuff, why don´t other churches do this. On the surface everything looks wholesome, you are being told what you want to hear and you come away with a nice warm fuzzy glow, feeling all righteous and highly motivated ready to put those words into action into YOUR life with the blessing of God and ready for YOU and YOUR family to be a load of happy blessed bunnies. Not forgetting of course reaching deep into your pockets in appreciation for this amazing life transforming information gift that you have received. Got to be worth 100 bucks at least?

The problem is the Happiness, as in the smiling version with Brilliant White Teeth assured in the Age of Osteen, doesn’t last, cannot satisfy, and often is not even real. What´s wrong with the Victoria Osteen and her husbands theory on Christianity......... if you can call it that?

Vid: A video featuring the owner of this website sheds some light titled 15 Signs of a False Preacher

1. There is a watering down of the Gospel, a common tactic amongst Prosperity and Word of Faith preachers commonly known as False Preachers. It sounds good but there is no meat on the bones and therefore has little or no meaning.

2. There are no religious symbols in the Lakewood Church such as a Cross, Picture of Jesus or anything to do with Christianity, just some more business like looking logos and a massive rotating globe. You could be in a Business Conference Centre you wouldn´t know the difference.

Recent Interview on Patricia Sheridan she asked Victoria Osteen´s husband Joel Osteen why there are no religious symbols in his church and what is the Lakewood logo all about

Q: So why no religious symbols on the stage at Lakewood?

A: It's never been intentional. We believe in the cross and the resurrection. It stems back to when my father started the church. He was very mission-minded and wanted to spread the good news all over the world. He started with a map, then it turned into a globe and so we just continued it.

Q: And the symbol on the pulpit?

A: It is the Holy Spirit, and the flame and circle represents the globe and it's got the dove and it even has an "L" in it. You can kind of read different things into it. It's a little deeper than I am, but anyway that's what they tell me (laughing).

Basically the Lakewood Church and the Osteen Empire is a branded entity. A profit driven corporation disguised as a church and it is amazing how many are too ignorant to understand that. The logo is called the Lakewood lamp. It features the Eternal Flame. Fire or flames are the primary symbols used to represent Lucifer, the “bringer of light”. The eternal flame is representative of the Illuminati’s immortality. They see their organization as eternal and impossible to destroy. The Globe and Circle in the Logo are both representative of The New world Order. The Joel Osteen Ministries Logo is similar employing Illuminati symbolism used by many major Corporations, Hollywood and the Music Industry. If you look at the Lectern it´s an upside down pyramid another powerful and blatant Illuminati symbol.

3. Preaching "Make God Happy" and "Works Salvation" no mention of Faith, Repentance or Sin for Salvation. No mention of Suffering, Persecution , Hell or Satan either?

4. Look at the Congregation in the videos. Do these look like Christians to you or people at some sort of Motivation and Positive Thinking Business Lecture?

5. Apparently not much in the way of Holy Music, not even Gospel. They have a rock band that plays about 5 songs at deafening levels according to a visitor who left a review on a forum.

6. Check her hand signals. I´ve been to many churches and they just stand behind the lectern, some hold onto it throughout the sermon, you may see some hand motions occassionally to prove a point but they are a rarity and not this constant waving the hands around in different formations, some are quite difficult to do and look intentionally deliberate as in the still video grab photo of Victoria Osteen above proves. Something is not right here just like Paula White?

7. Here´s a review from somebody from a forum who´s faith is probably more traditional they had this to say
Good speaker but this is not really a church ... it's a motivational speaker platform, Dr. FeelGood (Osteen) only really speaks about worldly subjects. He very, very, very rarely even refers to Scripture or mentions Jesus, in a church that claims to be Christian in basis. (read the same for Victoria). If you like warm and fuzzy, then this is your place. An extraordinarily wealthy preacher and his wealthy wife who travel in first class while homeless.people live just blocks away. No charity. All about "me". That's not Christian and you won't find it at Lakewood.

8. She never seems to read from the Bible, she holds it up at the beginning, she reads from her notes instead, even Bible quotes?

9. Same Positive Mind preaching as Joel Osteen her husband, Motivational Speaking using watered down versions of Christian Teachings

10. Uses Objective Spiritual Confusion whilst promoting Prosperity Gospel mixed with a New Age Positive Mind focusing.... which does not promote Jesus with limited congregational participation.

11. They give you the truth in limited form, but with that truth comes a lie, it sounds sweet and people love it..... but it is Deception.

12. The preaching is about putting yourself first and developing your own kingdom, rather than putting GOD first and developing and promoting GOD´s kingdom. That´s what truly makes God happy not this "Good Deeds" nonsense to get that blessed feeling that anyone can do, believer or not.

13. The Osteen message does not differentiate between believers and unbelievers — certainly not in terms of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

14. Victoria Osteen’s comments fit naturally within the worldview and message she and her husband have carefully cultivated. The divine-human relationship is just turned upside down, and God’s greatest desire is said to be our happiness. Hence their massive success.

15 Didn´t even get as far as a testimonial. Didn´t need to!

Ending on a positive note.

PLUS POINTS

1. The Mega Preachers Joel and Victoria Osteen have been married for more than a Quarter of a Century, a fine and increasingly rare example to the institution of marriage, which it has to be said is an inspiration and commendable!

BIBLE QUOTES

John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Matthew 16:24
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

John 12:25
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; in s omuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

" Peter 2:1-3
1. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Chapter 20 Book of Revelation KJV

Chapter 20 Book of Revelation KJV. Angel from heaven casts Satan into the bottomless pit and seals him for a thousand years with the Beast and the false prophet. Souls of the beheaded that witnessed Jesus, they live and reign with Christ for a thousand years. The first resurrection. The judgement of God of the dead by their Book of Life and according to their works and the second death.

1. And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3. And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
4. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
7. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8. And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
10. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Chapter 19 Book of Revelation KJV

Chapter 19 Book of Revelation KJV. Rejoicing in heaven after the judgements of God. The marriage supper of the lamb. The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords o a white horse and his army riding upon white horses wages war against he Beast and the Kings of the Earth and their armies. The beast and the false prophet are taken and cast into the lake of burning fire with brimstone.

1. And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
2. For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.
3. And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.
4. And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
5. And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
6. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
7. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
8. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
9. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
10. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
11. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
17. And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
18. That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.
19. And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.
20. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
21. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

Chapter 13 Book of Revelation KJV

Chapter 13 Book of Revelation KJV. The beast rises out of the sea and power was given to him to reign 42 months. The arrival of the False Prophet and the Mark of the Beast

1. And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
2. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
3. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
4. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
5. And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
6. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9. If any man have an ear, let him hear.
10. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
11. And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
12. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
13. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
14. And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
15. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
16. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17. And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
18. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.