Help with Osteen followers...

[lyngraphics]

Okay, I will begin by saying I am not very good at witnessing- I love talking about God, but I don't believe that witnessing is one of my best gifts. I have been trying to work and pray on this, but this is my current situation I need advice on:

I have several (separate people) business acquaintances that attend Lakewood Church. They both seem so on fire for God and Jesus, but how can they follow Joel Osteen so closely when he is so wishy-washy about Christ? I used to watch him on television, and at first he inspired me, but that seemed to be the extent of it. It seemed his sermons were the same EVERY week! One of these acquaintances left his Catholic church to attend Lakewood- is this a sideways move?? I am so confused on how to approach them- there is also the business aspect that I don't want to offend as I run my own company and it would affect that as well (Is this selfish? My whole family depends on me financially right now...) I KNOW that Osteen is wrong, so I don't need any advice on that, mainly advice on how to approach these people... I am so confused!
I also do know that they both are saved. I did reiterate that being saved through Christ is the only true path to God. In fact, I found it easier to talk to the former Catholic about that...

[seekingtruth1]

they may indeed be saved but have little knowledge of scripture and JO sure wont be giving it to them.....I woudl just weave into the conversation with them and give them something to think about.....maybe send a few articles to them when u think they might be open to hearing about it -there are plenty here on JO

See if peopel are NOT pre mil I am noticing they are OBLIVIOUS to all this heresy - I think thats an interesting aside. Ask them what their eschatological stance is and see if you can explain how this is all part of the great apostasy.....

And get some MORE business contacts as we often lose relationships over the truth ...haha I know easier said than done.....right?

[lyngraphics]

they may indeed be saved but have little knowledge of scripture and JO sure wont be giving it to them.....I woudl just weave into the conversation with them and give them something to think about.....maybe send a few articles to them when u think they might be open to hearing about it -there are plenty here on JO

See if peopel are NOT pre mil I am noticing they are OBLIVIOUS to all this heresy - I think thats an interesting aside. Ask them what their eschatological stance is and see if you can explain how this is all part of the great apostasy.....

And get some MORE business contacts as we often lose relationships over the truth ...haha I know easier said than done.....right?

Thanks for the advice! I appreciate it!

I must also note that unfortunately, my business is in a very small town where everyone knows everyone else! This is a quandry!! One of these people advertise in my magazine...

[seekingtruth1]

I know I hear ya! I guess just pray about it and ask God to lead you in what to do.....I believe HE will take care of you but its so easy to say via cyberspace and so much harder when it is ones OWN reality! There are certainly costs to following Jesus - but trust HIS wisdom in thsi situation. If you come from a place of compassion people will often listen more and not bristle so.....

Many dont do that...some Christaisn get alittle arrogant in their approach....it certainly woudl turn anyone off....I think the fact yiu are asking shows you are a concerned and a good friend and 2) that you are open and therefore sensitive to how to best handle....
Good combo!!! :thumb



Thanks for the advice! I appreciate it!

I must also note that unfortunately, my business is in a very small town where everyone knows everyone else! This is a quandry!! One of these people advertise in my magazine...

[Rondaben]

Play the part of the confused Christian.

"I don't understand X, Y, and Z. Can you help me understand it?" If they are on fire "for Christ" they will of course jump at the opportunity. Ask them key questions that they will have to justify. If they have a good theology they will have no problems in doing this.

Otherwise, with carefully worded questions, you may just get them to think about it a little more than just the "happy feelings" they get from JO.

[Anddra]

Keep it simple and concentrate on the truth rather than on pointing out error.

[lyngraphics]

Thanks guys- you have given me several things to pray on!

[Betty]

Be prepared that even with your best effort they many not accept why you have to say. My sister in law would not. I am praying for God to open her eyes to the truth.
betty

[harvest]

Play the part of the confused Christian.

"I don't understand X, Y, and Z. Can you help me understand it?" If they are on fire "for Christ" they will of course jump at the opportunity. Ask them key questions that they will have to justify. If they have a good theology they will have no problems in doing this.

Otherwise, with carefully worded questions, you may just get them to think about it a little more than just the "happy feelings" they get from JO.

I don't think it's a good idea to be deceitful by "playing confused" to trick someone into seeing the truth. It's the work of the Holy Spirit that convicts someone. All you can do is pray that the Lord gives you the right words to say, and try to use scripture. You don't want to put down or bash JO because that will only create an arguement.
People might disagree with your opinion, but they can not disagree with God's word.

2 Tim 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

[Rondaben]

I don't think it's a good idea to be deceitful by "playing confused" to trick someone into seeing the truth. It's the work of the Holy Spirit that convicts someone. All you can do is pray that the Lord gives you the right words to say, and try to use scripture. You don't want to put down or bash JO because that will only create an arguement.
People might disagree with your opinion, but they can not disagree with God's word.

Point taken. Poor choice of words.

I was trying to not make it a decietful thing but more a method of getting them to explain their understanding of who Jesus is. The OP may already have a good understanding and answer to the probing questions that they could ask but the mere act of asking the question leads the other person to consider there answer and present their understanding. I guess leading questions would be a better choice of words.