Where did Joel Osteen get the saying "this is my Bible I can do what it says I can do"?
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This question is about the phrase 'this is my Bible I can do what it says I can do' and where Joel Osteen got it. We understand some folks do not approve of his theology but we ask that you stay on topic to focus on the phrase.
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What does the Bible say about the prosperity gospel?
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Asked August 13 2013
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Mary Jackson
Supporter
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Anonymous
I would be hesitant to fully take on what Joel Osteen claims as he teaches the Prosperity Gospel, which is not the gospel inherent in scripture. Osteen's Prosperity Gospel is, in summary, the claim that 'true' believers can find wealth and prosperity here on earth when following God's commandments and word, therefore, creating the false dichotomy that believers that are not prosperous must not be 'true' believers or that they are not believing enough. Imagine the deep despair this would create in the mind of the Christian who has struggles - financially, physically, or otherwise. That despair could then turn into disdain or discontentment or lowered self-esteem, in turn, 'proving' Osteen right - that is called confirmation bias, or self-fulfilled prophecy. No, the true gospel should be understood in the context of examples of true believers: martyrdom, difficulty, antagonism to the faith, and normal life hardships. It is a normal, if not required, life for the believer to suffer trials and tribulations to develop perseverance, patience, and long-suffering. Thus, I would always question Osteen's claims and cross-check them with the entirety of Scripture.
Seth Freeman
Supporter
I would hope that all Christians would accept completely that particular quote by Joel Osteen. As Scripture is inspired by God, I personally believe that anything Scripture says I can do, I can most certainly do. The issue is not the statement, but the person making the statement. The problem is that Joel Osteen doesn't actually understand what Scripture says he can (and cannot) do. If I were to imagine that in the next few months that Joel was shipwrecked, then stoned twice and left for dead at cities he visited, and then let's say he was imprisoned - do you still think he would be preaching health and wealth? Yet, this is what happened to Paul, and he gave us the book of Philippians which is seen as the book of joy. The problem isn't the quote. The problem is implications of the quote made by the person who doesn't understand what Scripture actually teaches.
Ron Stephens
Supporter
It seems simple to me. If the Bible says that I can "have dominion over sin" then I can. If the Bible says "ask and you shall receive" then I can. If the Bible says about my physical, earthly needs: "seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" then they will. Many seem to call this the "prosperity message". I call it living by faith.
Dr. Hachimenum Amadi
Supporter
I don't see anything wrong with that statement by Joel Osteen. The Bible says we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us. Again, the Bible says with men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible. That Osteen says that he can do what the Bible says he can do therefore means that he's reaffirming his faith in God and in His Word.
Elizabeth S
Supporter
Most of you have gone way off course expanding on a subject that was not presented in the question. Here is the complete quote the question refers to: "This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I can do what it says I can do. Today, I will be taught the Word of God. I boldly confess: My mind is alert, My heart is receptive. I will never be the same. I am about to receive The incorruptible, indestructible, Ever-living seed of the Word of God. I will never be the same. Never, never, never. I will never be the same. In Jesus name. Amen" I am not sure where he got this from but after some research I believe this is a confession he created. Whether or not you agree with the statements or the deliverer of them is totally a matter of opinion according to your faith. Remember, it's the origination of the confession that is being questioned and not the Pastor or his willingness or lack thereof to preach from the bible. Let's start a thread dealing with 'faith and prosperity' then you can go all in with scripture to support your beliefs (there were some really great points stated). In the meantime God continue to bless you all and a double portion to the faithful few who actually responded to the question.
Rosa Jones
Supporter
I believe what the scriptures of the bible says. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. regardless of my situation, circumstance or in convince I walk by faith, not by sight and I chose to believe the word over all of these things.
Craig Greatman
Supporter
I have never met Pastor Osteen, so I do not know truly, where he got "the saying." I do, however, believe that contextualizing what we read in The Bible, practicing rightly dividing the word of truth, is essential to each of us who profess faith in Christ Jesus. Many might call this being a Berean. Applying Scripture to our lives is apparently a tricky business, from what I read by many self-professing Christians. For instance, I hear and read of many Christians proclaiming Jeremiah 29:11 to be a "life verse." That verse can only be personalized if I take it out of its natural context. This verse is from a letter that Jeremiah sent "from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon." Jeremiah 29:1. It has nothing to do with me or any other person in the modern day. Although we can be quite sure, from a myriad of other biblical texts, that God does know the plans that He has for each of us, these plans for individuals within the body of Christ, are as varied as the people within the body. And while it is true that each of us will someday know the peace and prosperity of Kingdom glory, it may not be so true in this temporal realm. Frankly, I think it is quite sad that we seem to lack a coherent and cohesive hermeneutic in the American body of Christ. In Jesus Christ's prayer in John 17, we get a pretty clear view of what the Bible says what we are to do in this life, and that is bring unity to the body of Christ, be one as the Father and the Son are one. The rampant individualism of American Christianity inherently denies the unification of the body of Christ, and thereby misappropriates apparent blessings, and plays right into the schemes of the evil one. I am certain that when we see more clearly, beyond these earth suits, we will realize that many of the seeming individual blessings received were nothing more than distractions that kept us from immediacy and intimate communion within the body of Christ and with the Father and Son Himself, which would be a much greater blessing than anything in this temporal realm. Shalom & much grace - RLCC Pastor
Babatunde Lewis
Supporter
As believers, it is our responsibility to confirm whether a preacher's message lines up with what is contained in scripture. Faith is the Christian's "raison d'^etre"..."without faith, it is impossible to please Him..." Pastor Joel Osteen's opening brief only affirms the teachings of Jesus, including ..."all things are possible to him who believes..." If you believe that the promises of God contained in His word apply to you, you should have no problem confessing that you can do what the bible says you can do. It gives credence to your faith in the one who has called you. We have different gifts and we are called to carry out different assignments in His name. God's blessings should not be seen in material terms alone. They always align with the diverse needs of His children. Let us be more circumspect in voicing criticisms that pander to the flesh and engender no spiritual value.
Dawn Sullivan
Supporter
I think the most overlooked point is that God's will shall be done, not mine. If what I am asking for by faith does not line up with the will of God then His answer is going to reflect that. Sometimes the answer is no, not now, or not in the way you think.
Yo Soy
Supporter
For all of you who want to know about the opening statement, Joel Osteen learned it from his father John Osteen who was a great preacher, and Joel Osteen inherited Lakewood Church with all those thousands and thousands of members when his father John Osteen died in 1999. . See this link for your information. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Osteen
Ni Jay
Supporter
I think many of you are missing the point. Neither Jesus nor his disciples were prosperous on earth. Everything Jesus said was about the next world, not prosperity on earth. Whether we prosper or not on earth does not matter a bit. What matters is what we do with what gifts we have been given. God created each one of us in the world to be unique, a fact that was confirmed when science only recently with the discovery of the DNA. That uniqueness means each one of us have gifts in the form of skills, abilities, wealth, property that we can use to develop ourselves and others. A cook preparing delicious meals others enjoy and praising God for his gifts is prosperous. A teacher, a policeman, a doctor and other professionals performing their duties ethically and in praise to God for being able to do so is prosperous. A house parent who cares for her children's spiritual, emotional and physical welfare & upbringing and helping her community voluntarily with praise to God for being able to do so is prosperous. Each one to use the gifts they possess. In the US prosperity is measured in financial terms, wealth and material things individuals inherit, acquire, use and present. So any reference to the Bible as the way to reach prosperity is completely unfounded. In fact if you follow the Bible, prosperity on earth will be the last thing you will be concerned about. So we need to move away from this way of bible justification to develop prosperity of the soul and spirit as instructed by our Savior Jesus Christ. You will be amazed how relieved you will be when you are able to let go your attachments to all these that do not matter for your internal soul and spirits.
Eduardo Santos
Supporter
It depends on "why" I will do what the Bible says I can do. "So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). Why would we pick up snakes and scorpions and walk on water? If there is a real good reason for that, it will be possible to do.
Bryan Myers
Supporter
I live in Houston, Texas home of Lakewood church. I first recall hearing the "This is my Bible..." speech from his father John Osteen the founding pastor of Lakewood. This speech is an affirmation which is based upon a military rifleman's creed,"My Rifle," which can be heard in the movie "Full Metal Jacket". Joel Osteen has become quite popular with his feel good style, but he is not a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is a motivational speeker and a good one. But his views are worldly in doctrine and use verses taken out of their original context.
JOHN PERRY
Supporter
Mr. Osteen seems to be taking verses from scripture and interpreting them out of context. God's word should not be manipulated to benefit oneself's personal gain. For example "I can do all through Christ who strengthens me" doesn't mean I can lift a 500lb rock because I believe God wants me to so I can prove how strong my faith is. Or I believe God wants me to be rich or be healed from cancer. Thus when one try's these events and they fail because they've distorted God's teaching it results in disappointment and damages a believers faith and trust in God. You have to willing to accept a NO ANSWER from God when a request through prayer is made.
Earl Decker
Supporter
Joel may be trying to defend himself. Just because Joel says what he is preaching is ok that does not make it ok. Yes it is important what a preacher preaches and what the preachers view is. It has to do with preaching sound doctrine. ~ Why is sound doctrine so important?" Answer: Paul charges Titus, “You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). Such a mandate makes it obvious that sound doctrine is important. But why is it important? Does it really make a difference what we believe? Sound doctrine is important because our faith is based on a specific message. The overall teaching of the church contains many elements, but the primary message is explicitly defined: “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures [and] . . . he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This is the unambiguous good news, and it is “of first importance.” Change that message, and the basis of faith shifts from Christ to something else. Our eternal destiny depends upon hearing “the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Ephesians 1:3; see also 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). Sound doctrine is important because the gospel is a sacred trust, and we dare not tamper with God’s communication to the world. Our duty is to deliver the message, not to change it. Jude conveys an urgency in guarding the trust: “I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 1:3; see also Philippians 1:27). To “contend” carries the idea of strenuously fighting for something, to give it everything you’ve got. The Bible includes a warning neither to add to nor subtract from God’s Word (Revelation 22:18-19). Rather than alter the apostles’ doctrine, we receive what has been passed down to us and keep it “as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). Sound doctrine is important because what we believe affects what we do. Behavior is an extension of theology, and there is a direct correlation between what we think and how we act. For example, two people stand on top of a bridge; one believes he can fly, and the other believes he cannot fly. Their next actions will be quite dissimilar. In the same way, a man who believes that there is no such thing as right and wrong will naturally behave differently from a man who believes in well-defined moral standards. In one of the Bible’s lists of sins, things like rebellion, murder, lying, and slave trading are mentioned. The list concludes with “whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:9-10). In other words, true teaching promotes righteousness; sin flourishes where “the sound doctrine” is opposed. Sound doctrine is important because we must ascertain truth in a world of falsehood. “Many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). There are tares among the wheat and wolves among the flock (Matthew 13:25; Acts 20:29). The best way to distinguish truth from falsehood is to know what the truth is. Sound doctrine is important because the end of sound doctrine is life. “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16). Conversely, the end of unsound doctrine is destruction. “Certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord” (Jude 1:4). Changing God’s message of grace is a “godless” thing to do, and the condemnation for such a deed is severe. Preaching another gospel (“which is really no gospel at all”) carries an anathema: “let him be eternally condemned!” (see Galatians 1:6-9). Sound doctrine is important because it encourages believers.
Miller Harp
Supporter
I cannot understand why we would want to believe that we must have one or the other. Holiness, or prosperity. They are not mutually exclusive. The bible says "seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." The these things in this passage refer to material thing that we can have here on Earth. Jesus said that He came to give us life more abundantly, meaning that we can have abundance in all areas of our lives if we follow His example. 3 john 2 says "Beloved I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers." This speaks to whole life prosperity. God's willingness to prosper His people, if they are obedient, and follow His will, can be found throughout the bible, so why is it that we as Christians try to make holiness and whole life prosperity mutually exclusive. IJS
Nancy Sires
Supporter
I began attending Lakewood Church in 1995, when Joel's father, John Osteen was the pastor. This was our declaration before we would read The Word. We would all repeat in unison and standing out of respect for The Word of God being preached as we raised our Bibles. Joel learned this from his father. I attended Lakewood for 13 years. Ms. Dodie Osteen married me and my husband in front of the "old" Lakewood in the Northeast part of Houston. Under Pastor John's teaching, all referencing The Bible, many of us learned from him what other churches had failed to teach us -- in lay terms. My father being a minister himself, never gave as clear instruction as Pastor John did. He was an amazing, Godly man and it is a tribute to Pastor John that Joel (who was very shy and produced the services all behind the scenes), eventually stepped up as his father desired. There have been many naysayers over the years but Joel and Victoria, as well as the entire Osteen family, have been true to The Word of God. The Word clearly states that our words are more powerful that we realize...."Speak those things as though they ARE." What you speak is what you will get. Too many people judge Joel. If he is wrong, God will be his judge.
Dorcas Sitali
Supporter
It came from the understanding that the power of life and death are in the tongue proverbs 18: 21 and the scripture goes on to say that they that love it shall eat the fruit there of, just as pastor Joel Osteen is doing. The bible in james 3: 1-11 talks of the power of the tongue and likeness it to a fire and big ships being controlled by a small hem... From this portion of scripture i see that if one disciples themselves to not talk anyhow but what is in line with the Word of God that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us that the blessing of Abraham may come on the us who were gentiles gal 3:13 and 1 cor 3:21 all things are ours 2 cor 8: 9 declares that Christ became poor that we may become rich then, the all course of ones life will follow suite. If one keeps confessing wrong proverty, sickness and all bad things Christ redeemed us from then that is what will follow him/her. God has given pastor Osteen revelation into prosperity and health and that is what he preaches not just that but the whole gospel hence that is what we see in his life and ministry not to say he will not be tested
Chishamiso Mudenyanga
Supporter
I think we should also ask the question, "Can we be all that the Bible says we are?". I guess for most of us, the answer is NO. Then one would want to know why we believe half truths rather than the whole Bible. Raise the dead, cast out demons, heal the sick, preach the gospel, love your neighbour, flourish like the cedar of Lebanon, ask whatever you ask in my name, etc. The sad reality is that once someone is a believer and is poor, we say it is not true that God wants to prosper us; if someone dies after being sick and having been prayed for, we still say it is incorrect to say He heals all even though we have no Biblical proof that He can not heal all. You will not find Hindus or Moslems have such differences in their belief systems. God has empowered His church immensely but the church limits itself by doubt, facts, history and fear. This is the time to go all the way in serving Him and see oneself do exploits as promised in Daniel. God is love. He loves us and wants what is best for us. He has given us His word which defines who we are and what we can do. There is POWER in the Word of God and it transforms lives. I love the Bible. I believe all it says. I believe all it says I am and will be. I am a true son loved by his Father.
amboakwe ujogha
Supporter
Let us not get Osteen wrong. I think Osteen is not quoting the bible here. He is simply making a statement of faith confession like Apostle Paul in philipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me". By God's grace we can do that which He permits in his word. It is true. By faith we can work out success and victory. Faith is looking up to God for help, and the bible says with Him nothing is impossible.If we wait patiently on the Lord he will do that which he has promised in his word like Osteen.
Bryan Naidoo
Supporter
I see nothing wrong with this statement, sure it is not a scriptural statement but there are truths inside the statement. For instance "this is my bible"...we know the word of God is a lamp and a light, if one says this is my Bible, it is as good as saying this is my light of my salvation of whom shall I fear. We cannot argue with the word, the word is truth and only through the word you come you realize who you really are. The apostle Peter seeing the word (Jesus) on the boat, cried out "depart from me" I am a sinful man. As for the statement "I can do what it says I can do" can be read and understood differently. It is true we can do all things through Christ, this was the confession of apostle Paul. The all things he speaks of pertains to the Gospel of a Jesus Christ. There is one thing the bible commands us to to do, is to live a life of "Obedience". If that statement meant that you can live a live of obedience than it is true. If it meant that you will find Gods will for your life that is true. If it meant that you must abide in the word and the word will set you free that is true. If it meant that you life in the flesh can be crucified than it is true. If that statement refers to wealth, than we have missed the mark because any one who proclaim that "this is my bible" will never be in want. The Lord is his shepherd. He is content and satisfied. Christ has set him free. When one is free he is not in bondage. That person will not crave prosperity or wealth. He has something greater inside him....
Evans Kings
Supporter
Joel Olsteen's confession is totally in agreement with the gospel. To disagree with it is to disagree with scriptures. 1) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. -Philippians 4:13 2) Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; -2 Corinthians 3:5. That is not to say that there won't be challenges, problems, temptations and challenges must come but they are bread for us. They are called light afflictions (2Cor.4:16) The challenge with a lot of Christians is their comprehension of the gospel. 3) I am what God say I am, I am not what the devil says I am. 4) I am sufficient in Christ's sufficiency, able in his ability and competent in his competence. Don't join the camp of people whose hobby is to criticize, If you feel a man of God is in error then your responsibility is to pray for him. God bless you.
Charles Kachikoti
Supporter
Is Joel Osteen's declaration false in any respect? NO. The problem we have as Christians is scepticism, and it hides itself in finding historical and cultural context for every biblical teaching. Jesus said in Matthew 9:29, According to your faith be it unto you. I have been a born again Christian since June 1980, I know what it is to suffer loss, pain, deprivation, persecution and all that: it does not mean it is sinful to be joyful in Christ, as some responses here imply, or sinful to prosper, as some responses again imply. If the Bible says it, believe it and live by it: please do not explain it away. Joel's faith may be simple mustard seed faith, but today many of us are crippled because of preferring a scientific faith. What does it mean to BELIEVE? We are losing track of that.
Stephen Ventura
Supporter
Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all (KJV). To say that the Bible validates your behavior is the very seed that fosters sin.
Ronald Ingram
Supporter
As I read my bible I find many scriptures that tell me things I can do and things I can't do. I find in these times we live in Jesus is coming back sooner than we can imagine. When you listen to Joel Olsteen make his quote do you get that message, He may be just speaking to a select group, I cannot say he is wrong. When I have listen to him, he speaks of people in the bible in a way that comes across positive but I don't want to say anything negative about his Message. Just one thought my bible tells me do not lay up your treasures here on earth where they might be stolen, but store them up in Heaven. Hope this meets the guidelines
Salem Markus Purba
Supporter
Well, it is simply from the Bible itself; I can do good and I can do evil (Genesis 3: 22), I can obey it and I can violate it, I can be blessed and I can be cursed (Deuteronomy 28: 1-68) Man was created as an image of God (Genesis 1: 27). So, he has a free will and freedom of choice. It is a reflection of Joel Osteen's belief in God as David did in his Psalm 23.
samue thornton
Supporter
He bootlegged or borrowed that Bible Affirmation from other prosperity gospel preachers. He may have added a new verse but most of it, I have heard before at Full Gospel Christian Fellowship in Arkansas: This is my Bible. Its God's holy word. I have what it says I have. I can do what it says I can do. I will be taught. The word of the Living God. Because faith comes by hearing. And hearing by the Word of God. My mind will be transformed. My spirit will be renewed. I will never be the same. In Jesus name. Amen.
Ang C.
Supporter
Scripture reminds us that only God truly knows what is in a man’s (or woman’s) heart. We can take comfort that God will ultimately be the judge in the end of every person. In the meantime, what I find helpful is a pastor who can recite scripture in context, is unashamed to preach Christ crucified, the source of a believer’s hope, and who models God’s standards of living. Doing so brings brightness to one’s eyes, by dispelling darkness. Ultimately we can not serve both God and Money. One will overtake the other. May the God of the Bible give us discernment to recognize truth and take captive every thought against His Word. To this end it is to our own benefit to study Scripture well and to pray for discernment... “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”” 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.” 1 Chronicles 16:10 NIV ““And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” 1 Chronicles 28:9 NIV
Mark Juane
Supporter
Here is a link to a YouTube clip of Pastor JOHN Osteen making the declaration that his son, Joel, declares every week. The son got it from the father. https://youtu.be/ZL88_s1dgng
Barnabus Ssaabalwanyi
Supporter
I don't think whatever we (followers of Jesus Christ) do and say is derived from the Bible. I don't find any problem with the Pr. Joel Osteen's 'creed' so long as it is inspired by biblical teachings. Man can do anything by and with faith - and this is part of Osteen's creed. Isaiah 40:31, Matthew 21:21, Mark 11:23, Luke 10:19.
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