001///// NOW is all you have. The past is gone, the future is just a promise. No wonder you need to make it your best life. The well known pastor is a small thinker with little understanding.
@@eleo_b The above summary is a little misconstrued. The pastor's point was that our best life should be in heaven, not earth. The only way this could be your best life now is if you're going to hell (i.e. it's your best life now because your afterlife wont' be) ruclips.net/video/jDuDN2FtrIo/видео.html&t
I came back to Jesus when I was 28 after spending around 7 years in New Age and Occult practises. Walking into a Christian book store I was surprised how much material was actually New Age disguised in Christian speak. I was saddened how many Christians chased 'the prophetic' as I saw many false prophets. I was sickened at the Prosperity Gospel which is the opposite of the humble teachings of Christ. Having known the drakness, I was able to truly witness the Light of the World. It breaks my heart so many believers are decieved by shadows when they could have the real thing in Jesus.
ADS/// There is a clue there, that new age teachings are just good in general, not even necessarily religious. Joel Osteen is a good case in point. He successfully incorporates these teaching into Christianity. The bible teaches prosperity, or have you not noticed?
Andrea, I too dabbled in the occult, Crowley-ism, John Dee, Agrippa and all that crock. It deeply saddens me to see the same wolves dressed as Sheep preaching the Gnostic Gospel such as Osteen, teaching the same old serpent’s lie “We can be as Gods” in form of Claim It Grab It to millions of unaware lukewarm Christians who wont dive deep into the true Word of God. God bless you Andrea, am Glad to see brothers and sisters in Christ who were also rescued from the evil one.
@@adiblatif Thankyou Adib L!! I think there will be many more saved though I don't think the church as it is now is ready to recieve those coming out of New Age/Occult. Having been involved in those things spiritually opened my mind up to a lot of confusion and depression, while Jesus has healed me I had to get help outside of the mainstream churches to truly deal with things. This seeker friendly capitalist Christisnity doesn't have the depth in Christ to truly set the captives free. But I know God in His infinite love and grace has got a plan. It just saddens me to see Christians getting fat on milk when they should be ready for meat.
Prosperity preaching is a sore spot for me. I’m a mother of two and I don’t want an easy and comfortable life for my children, I don’t want them to suffer greatly but I do want them to grow a Godly character. I want them to learn to grow through struggle and to learn to ask God to help them through a struggle not over it. It hurts when your loved ones treat you like an ATM or a genie. Don’t do that to God.
Hi, I've been adhering to the prosperity doctrine for about 40 years, since i first became an ordained minister. I've never asked for a dime, well honestly I never asked more than 11 cents from anyone and that was only or my soap ministry Alyssa Michelle Soap. We do fairs and each soap costs us, me and my Alyssa Angel (killed in drunk driving high speed accident 2005) 50cents to make and so after about 8 years, 10,000 soaps made and given away (about $50K) no one donated a penny and I asked lot people, churches and government agencies and now we have covid-19, my point being that the prosperity gospel was the answer to an overwhelming majority of churches who preached God put sickness and disease on us to teach us lessons. Associate your children with the consequences of being derelict. I have the most Holy Cross in human history, i can share more with you if you want. I've been studying a lot of natural sciences the last 10 years, a lot of physics and philosophy. It's been a struggle to be sure, but if I didn't, I'd like to think God wouldn't have given me an aneurysm _because I didn't._ Kenneth Hagin is the Father of the Faith movement, he had an incurable blood disease and as I recall would have died as a child, but God miraculously healed him instead. The Admiral put me to work full time when I wasn't in school, The Admiral who fulfilled the Holy Bible, all of God's promises, put me to work full time at age 11. Obviously i don't know anything else, i can't compare my life to another's. For the last 8 years since Alyssa and I started the soap ministry, I've been trying to give people the Gift of Rapture. It's been working out so far, you know, excpet this covid-19 thing. My heart breaks when i see little children wearing masks, it's not directly my fault.
@@k0smon _"...A fiery hell is a fiction, as is much of the bible.. The eternal NOW... your only true possession. It should be the best you can make it."_ And another quote from a previous post: _"Joel and God are doing fine together ..."_ Since you apparently approve of Joel's book "Your Best Life Now:", I bet you have a supply of face masks. All you need to do is certify that you've been vaccinated. That way you'll have no problems with travel. The cash in your wallet has been handled by unknown people meaning cash could be a source of pathogens. The solution is to eliminate cash by replacing it with a touchless digital system. A digital ID system that could be scanned from a safe distance would solve both problems. Society would be normal again. I'm a Christian so I wouldn't be able to participate in this new system. It's coming, the Bible said so.
I would love to have Osteen tell Christian in the Middle East who are tortured, killed, and worship in secret about “God’s want them healthy and wealthy.”
The fact that these kind of books sell like hot cakes speaks of the condition of Christianity today. People who claim to be Believers need a good slap and a reality check.
The reality is that every time anyone wants to admonish those who are astray they get rebuked by those who are in fact astray and even cursed and called names because they who are rebuking are "unloving".
In 2 Tim 4, Paul tells us, "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable]. But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry (2 Tim 4:1-5, Amp)." What really sticks out to me is the statement that people will want their ears tickled and seek out teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear. In many regards, I see that happening all around, even in many churches that claim to get all authority from the Word of God.
I read the book a long time ago, but my takeaway from The Prayer of Jabez was a prayer asking for my life to have a bigger impact for the kingdom--increase my territory and keep me from paining others.
I read it, and it seemed to me to be addressing the self-doubt that can manifest itself as God-doubt in our hearts. We don't think God is willing or able to do mighty things through us, so we don't ask or expect him to. Pray big!
I think it just blew up way more than anticipated. Wilkinson had written some pretty good material prior to that, but the publisher saw it as one of those "pray this" formula type books and promoted the heck out of it. :/ (Not saying it was a particular "good" book, because it wasn't, but it's still not a bad prayer - if praying to give glory to God. If praying to "get" something, yeah, it's bad.)
I never understood why people think that God cares about our "prosperity". This life is a meaningless blip compared to the big picture. "He who loves his life will lose it. "
DNW ...You can stop wondering. You just used the Internet ...and invention by a God inspired Prosperous country...to send out your dilemma to every person on God's green earth.
I used to listen to Glenn Beck because I enjoyed him exposing socialism and other evils. But he would always be promoting this type of garbage on his show. I could tell he wanted so badly to share his Mormon faith with his audience, no doubt convinced that the LDS church would one day be shown to be the one true church.
@@imawordgirl I can see from reading my post why you thought I associated the two things. He did promote the drawing circles book and other nonsense. He also would talk about Mormon topics, like the episode where he discussed the mound builders and new mound discoveries.
If you look into the one story apparently he was stabbed because he would use his circle praying power to help the Maccabees defeat their enemy. There is a little bit more about him in Josephus I believe.
Fair point. Safe to say the guy who drew the circle wasn't into witchcraft though. He's more similar to Jacob telling God his conditions. Funny thing is, when God chooses you, He doesn't care how big of a bonehead you are, He still has you.
My brother died on the operating table in 1992 and had a personal encounter with God after leaving his body; God showed my brother amazing things, told him it wasn't his time and allowed him to come back and live. The doctors told our family he would not survive 72 hours; later they said if he survived, he would never walk and that he would be in hospital for about one year. My brother is alive today in 2020, was released from hospital after 3 months and walks. All glory to God!
I have "Jesus Calling". It was given to me. I've had it for ages and have yet to read it. I think I'll keep it that way. BTW, it holds the other books I have up nicely as a bookend. :)
In the 90's, I reviewed Embraced by the Light by Betty Eady, who claimed to have met Jesus in Heaven. She immediately knew she was "worthy to be in his presence". This book was on the NYT bestseller list for 40 weeks, while she got celebrity genius treatment on talk shows. That it is possible to fool so many Christians so much of the time speaks to our shallow culture and willingness to be fooled rather than judge teachings by scripture.
I read that book. I actually had a religious experience because of it. I had been seriously depressed to the point of wanting to die. I decided to read that book before I went. I had a dream or something and because of that experience I woke up, free of depression and came off my medication. I lived in bliss for a long time. Not giving the book the credit but that's what I was reading before the experience. It would take another twenty years before I became a Christian. (2021)😊
@@witness4Him My only objection is that the book was considered a "Christian bestseller" but it wasn't Christian. That should have been obvious to other Christians but it wasn't for some reason.
*Prayer challenge* I'm calling out all Christian's to plead with your god, to end all new Covid19 cases by end of June. Something that would be a tremendous gift to humanity! Something that would bring so many new souls to Christ. Can anyone argue against this prayer? If there are any new cases on July 1st...only *three* things could be true: 1. Not a single Christian prayed to end the pandemic...making you vile immoral monsters! 2. Your God said "No"...making HIM a vile immoral monster! 3. You god doesn't exist!!!!! Unless there are no more cases after the end of this month...your religion is truly fkd! I'm spreading this post all over YT. This will seal your fate. We'll finally get to see, without a shadow of a doubt, just how disgusting you Christian's are...or just how disgusting your god is! Tick tock.....
@@jesussweetbabyjesusbabyswe2610 Sure!!! God Himself will argue against such a prayer of which the intent is to allow rebellious God hating mankind, such as yourself, to continue to live in their complacent and self-indulgent state. It is judgment time for planet Earth and all those who do not honor and worship the One True God. Hang on to your ass fella. Things are only going to get worse, much much worse! Tick tock...you are right there, time is running out for the likes of you. Your actions are going to seal our fate....man if that is not the epitome of arrogant self-righteousness, and from one so pointless and weak.
My all time favorites are 1. "Knowing God" by J. I. Packer. 2. "Desiring God" by John Piper 3. "The Knowledge of the Holy" by AW Tozer 4. "The Pursuit of God" by AW Tozer 5. "The Holiness of God" by RC Sproul These books are worth reading time and time again. They focus on God, not man.
I believe Tozer was the most important messenger of God in the 20th century. He came along at a time when there was a major shift taking place not only in Western culture but in the church. He saw this long before it happened. The cultural revolution of the 60's was a revolution to destroy Christian influence in America and it succeeded. Tozer warned against this time and again in his books. The Body of Christ must guard against the influence of the world and should be influencing the world around it. Tozer knew God in a way that few men have. His expertise with the English language and his ability to communicate broad deep thought in a few sentences that others take books to expound witnesses to the work of the Holy Spirit in his life to communicate Gods character and will to His people. I believe the Knowledge of the Holy is probably the most important theological work of the 20th century because it is concise, readable by the laymen yet profound enough to cause the learned theologian to contemplate the nature of God. Another testament to the work of the Divine in Tozer's life was the fact that he never went to college. While Tozer's works are largely acknowledged by many to be profoundly beneficial, sadly, his message fell of deaf ears.
1-The Prayer of Jabez 2-The Circle Maker 3-Your Best Life Now 4- "Heave Tourism Books"- 90 Minutes in Heaven/Heaven is For Real/ The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven 5- Jesus Calling/God Calling & other devotionals by Sarah Young (You're Welcome😉)
90 minutes in heaven is about a man who had a wreck and went to heaven and had a long recovery I love that book Heaven is for Real really happened I love that book. This list is stupid
@Samuel Lewis The born again Christian who gave it to you to read may not have been a "seasoned" Christian. Many brand new believers have just started to learn about Jesus and the faith...and many go down wrong paths of influence and doctrine until they read more of the Bible and grow in knowledge of the scriptures. It happens to all of us once we become saved...we then are on our journey to become sanctified in Christ...which means we will make any mistakes, fall into sin, and search for truth and understanding. For some of us it takes a long time of trial and error until we finally find pastors and Bible teachers who have sound doctrine to help us find truth.
@@sseltrek1a2b they have a female version too, don't remeber it's name but I read both. As a book they are not that bad, but as a "christian" book, well thats another story...
I stopped patronizing my local "Christian book store" when I entered and saw a huge display for "The Shack"---I walked out disgusted. Plus they had a nauseating amount of those Amish harlequin novels that seemed to be so popular...I remember trying to have a conversation with a family member about God and the Bible and they cited, "Oh yea, we saw that movie about God, you know the ""Heaven is For Real" "movie??? I get all I need to know about heaven from the Holy Bible---it says all I need to know....the rest of these charlatans---NOPE!!!! Basically if it sells to the world (best seller lists) today, it is usually not from God...The world has no love for God's things....just things that "tickle their ears"....
@@Theskybluerose I began reading "Purpose Driven Life" at the request of a coworker. In a nutshell, the book attempts to replace grace with works. Bible verses from cherry-picked translations are taken out of context to "support" the author's thesis. Some referenced verses do not mean what the author claims, and other verses say something completely different than they do in other, more common, translations. My two cents.
HIM. KENNETH. BENNY, PAUL (ALREADY GONE), BILLY THE ECUMENIST FROM HELL SINCE CIRCA 11950 WHEN SOMEBODY CAUGHT HIM DIPPING HIS WICK PROBABLY JESUITS CAUSE THAT'S WHO HE SOLD OUT TO...ORAL, NASAL, VAGINAL ( HE SISTER) AND INESTINAL ROBERTS THE FAMILY DBESEIGED BY 800 FOT JESUES WHO THHEATEN TOO KILL HIM IF HE DON'T RAISE ??? MILLION DOLLARS? ..AT 85 YRS OLD....I WOULD'A SAUD *NO*! JUS SO I COULD JUS G HOME? ORAL WAS NO SAVED I FEAR NOT PAUL, JAN, JESSE DUPLANTIS AND THA UNGLODLLY PREDATORY MIKE MURDOCK WHO HAD PEOPLE SHOWING UP SAYING GOD OLD ME O BUY YOU A 10K CAR, 50 K CAR, 25 K CLOTHESS.....NEVER EVER HAVE I HEARD HE WORLD JESUS COME FROM HIS MOUTH, RON PARSLEY FROM COLUMBUS OHIO....ROBERT SCHILLER (SHILL)...PUSHING GODS CADILLAC DEALERSHIP BUT NOBODYN HAS FOUND IT YET....TREY SMKH ROBBED HIM FROM BEING HIS FRIEND AND HE ELLS A LO ABOU MISTER MURDOCK AND HID GREED AND BLASPHEMY AGAINST GOD....GOLD MELTS AT HIGHHEAT....DON; YOU KNOW THAT MIKE? RON IS UST A DUMBELL FLEECING POOR DUMB INNERCITY PEOPLE LOOKING FOR THAT DIVINE ADILLAC ANY DAY NOW.....SO SAD THE NAMES THEY WILL KEEP FROM THE BOOK OF LIFE THROUGH THEIR FALSE TEACHINGS...BILLY GRAHAM SAID A BUDDHIST NO KNOWING THE NAME JESUS CAN BE SAVED IF ""GOD ALLS HIM".....WHAT? HOW WILL GOD CALL HUNDUS WHEN THEY DON'T KNOW HIM? HE SOLD EVERYBODY OUT WHO BELIEVES HE WORD FOR RAINGS SO LARRY KING ET AL WOULD NOT GET OFFENDED AND CALL HIM INTOLERANT.HE SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THE ENEMIES GAME BY NOW! *WHEN THE LORD OMES, WILL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH? I AM DISAPOINTED IN MOS ALL OF THEM...I'M SURE GOD IS TOO....I DON;T HONESLY KNO WHERE TO OICURE THEM SO GREAT WAS HEIR DEPARTURE FROM HIS WORD AND THAT'S EVIDENT O LAYMEN SINNERS LIKE ME.....COPELAND BRAGGS ABOU BEING A LITLE GOD, A BILLIONAIRE AND I HINK 1 CESNA ITAIONS + OTHER PLANES YET HS CNGREGATION, I AM SURE SOME GO WITHOUT SO THAT HE CAN TAKE THE GOSPEL ACROSS THE OCEAN, AROUND THE WORLD TO THE ORLD WIH HIS BILLION DOLLAR AIR FORCE...I'LL BET HE AIL EVEN GOTEN O THE PACIFIC YET..SPREAD ACROSS HE WORLD? WHA A LIAR...JOYCE MEYER HAD SPEN AS MUCH ON THE GOSPEL AS PLASTIC SURGERY FOR HER 75 YR OLD FAT ASS ESHE WOULD'A DONE SOMETHNG FOR THE KINGDOM...THE FACTS AND THE TRUTH HURT SMEIMES AND I DON' THINK GO ARES IF YOU EXPRESS I STRONGLY......PEACE OUT...I'MA LITLE GOD I'MA LILE GOD I'MA LITLE GOD...PAUL CROUCH, WELL KNOWN TO BE GAY UNDERCOVER CLAIMED THAT AS JAN WAS A BIMBO ALWAYS KEEPING HER BOYTOY CLOSE...A GRANDCHILD WAS FIEED AND EXCOMMUNICATED OF SORTS CAUSE SHE REPORED A MOLESTER ACTUALLY AACKING HER AT THE PTN HEADQUARTERS...LOOK T UP....APOSTACY FROM HELL PURPORTING TO LEAD THE BLIND....HAVE THEY NOT FELL INO A DITCH?*GODS* CHURCH IS STARVING TODAY ON THIS WORLD....STARVING O DEAH...CARS DON' MAKE O TO HEAVEN OR SURVIVE HELL NOR PLANES, SHIPS, GIAN HOUSES AS THE PALACES OF DAVID NEBUCHADNEZZAR, HEOD..NO PALACE FROM BIBLICAL IMES SURVIVES TODAY...NEIITHER WILL THESE MANSIONS AND HOUSES OF GREED SURVIVE THE SECOND COMING AND ALL THAT PRECEEDS IT...AT LEAST JIMMY SWAGGART AND JIM BAKKER REPENTED...LOOK AT THE PREACHERS LISTED AT "APOSTACY WATCH" GAY CHILDMOLESTER PREACHERS, WW.STOPBAPTISTABUSENOW.COM? HE RCC...IF *HE* DON'T COME SOON WILL ANY OF US BE LEFT?
We are close to seeing Christ coming on the clouds. Things are going to get worse, don't dis-pare, keep your eyes on the clouds looking for Christ. The following is an observation, I don't know exactly how things are going to transpire. We do know that Christ said when you see these things happening know that I Am right at the door. In the last days it will be like the days of Noah. Today we know what the days of Noah were like. Any more things are happening almost hourly. Matt. 24 talks about wars, earthquakes, famine, pestilence and it is all happening. Worldwide devil worshiping, human sacrificing fools, and the leaders are Hollywood. Half time shows at the Super bowl all Illuminati. Opening ceremonies at Winter Games all Illuminati. People don’t even know what gender they are. Muslims want to be king of the world along with the World Bank, the Pope. Even though things look out of control, God is in full control. For all the non-believers, those who want to deny Jesus Christ, should do a little research. You have no excuse, with the push of a button on a computer key board all kinds of info will pop up on your monitor. In my day all I had was encyclopedias and history book, the most important was the Holy Bible. Jesus Christ is real and the proof is there if you ask and look. He is the only God-man that has made the claims He made, HE is the only God-man that was resurrected and there is proof of that. You should at least look and listen to what He said. There are many prophecies in the Bible that prophesizes the end times. Ezekiel, Isaiah, Daniel, Revelation, and many other parts in the Bible give you the end in detail. Ezekiel 37, 38 talks about those dry bones being brought back to life. May 10 1948 Israel was reborn a nation and the Jew’s would be gathered back to their homeland from all 4 corners of the earth. Never before has a nation been reborn after 2000 years. Just in the past 100 years archeology discoveries have been staggering. Christ Himself said, even if you keep my disciples quiet the stones themselves will shout. The 3rd Temple would be built just before or during the beginning of the 7 year tribulation, at some point the Rapture happens. None of this could happen until Israel was a nation again. Just before the Tribulation the 3rd Temple will be built. The Jewish people announced about a year ago they have all the necessary things for the 3rd Temple; they just have to figure out where it goes. Within the past 15 years they found another so called myth, just another story in the Bible according to the skeptics, King David's city. They now think they have found a part of King Solomon's Temple. Christ says when you see these things happening know I Am at the door. One other thing that will happen is Damascus will be completely destroyed. This city is the longest lasting city in human history. Sorry Justin Trudeau I didn't say people kind history. It will be a sea of glass to Persia, today we know it as Iran. How did Ezekiel know this stuff 2700 years ago? Wake up you non-believers. You people have no excuse. I believe Saddam Hussein sold his weapons of mass destruction to the Syrian president 7 months before his war began for $50 million. They converted passenger jets to transport this stuff. If Syria hits Israel with a chemical weapon I think Israel will respond by taking Damascus out with nukes. And then Russia, Iran and the rest of the Islam nations will come into Israel just like the prophecies say. God Himself will cause, I think 7 out of 8 to die on the spot. The bodies will be piled up to a horses buckle and it will take 7 months to clean them up. I believe this is when the Anti-Christ will establish his kingdom and the world will be willing to sign a peace treaty. Islam will be reduced to nothing; they will have no power to take on anyone. George Soros and his evil buddies will be the World Bank, the Pope will be the one world religion, and the Anti-Christ will be head of it all. Peace will last for 3 ½ years then the devil will kill the church. Read Revelation and many seals are opened up at this point; God pours His wrath upon the earth. At the end of the 7 years Jesus Christ returns and He will end it all and His kingdom will last forever. Romans chapter 1 God says He put a piece of Himself in each one of us, we have no excuse. Millionaires try to fill that spot with money, there are many ways people try to fill that spot. There is only one way, Jesus said: “I Am the way, no one comes to the Father but through me.” The gate is narrow, the road is narrow and few are those who find it. The gate is wide; the road is wide that leads to destruction and many are those who will find it. You have a body soul and spirit, your soul and spirit have the same attribute as God, they live forever. Every human has wondered in their life, what lies beyond? God set His redemption plan in operation many thousands of years ago sense the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. God has not lost control and He will not. He is God Almighty, He is the God of love mercy and compassion and he does not chop people’s heads off or sacrifice children. These things happening in the world today must happen, the redemption plan is almost finished and the wicked will be done for once and for all. The devil will be cast into the Lake of Fire and God will have His creation as He planned from the beginning. It’s your choice if you want to spend eternity in heaven, or in hell. Luke 17:19-31 makes it clear there are no spirits walking around scaring people, there is a great divide between heaven and hell you do not just cease to exist.
Millard......first, drop the capital letters. Second, use PUNCTUATION. If you don't jnow English well, learn about English grammar. It will help you. Your long post is almost IMPOSSIBLE to read. Buy a book on English Grammar, it's uses along with punctuation.
Summed up in Jeremiah 14:14 "Then the Lord said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds."
And that book is autobiographical and a true story of love, faith, sacrifice, and suffering for Christ. It is amazing...so is the movie that was made from the book.
Yes that is a great book.. Mme. Guyon "Experience the Depts of Jesus Christ" One of the greatest books of all time you will feel the presents of God strong reading that book. Also God Calling just because someone used it to write another book and didn't cultivate hearing Gods still small voice doesn't mean God calling was a false book..On the contrary everyone that I loaned the book out to said it was a great great book.
I was at a new church that was known to be 'Seeker Friendly' so I that should have been my first clue. I joined a 'group study' (not Bible Study because they did not have one). The group coordinator assigned us the book 'The Circle Maker' to study and have group discussion. Upon a simple cursory review before the group study even began I called the group coordinator and expressed my concern that this book was using as an example of God's 'Blessings' the incident in Numbers 11 where the people complained about not having meat. God became angry and told Moses: "say to the people, ‘Purify yourselves, for tomorrow you will have meat to eat. You were whining, and the LORD heard you when you cried, “Oh, for some meat! We were better off in Egypt!” Now the LORD will give you meat, and you will have to eat it. 19And it won’t be for just a day or two, or for five or ten or even twenty. 20You will eat it for a whole month until you gag and are sick of it. For you have rejected the LORD, who is here among you, and you have whined to him, saying, “Why did we ever leave Egypt?”’ I explained to the group coordinator that this was a CURSE on the people, not a blessing and I asked who would assign such a book for study. He answered "I did!" And THAT is the problem; Leaders in many churches have no discernment because they do not read the bible OR they have not understood what they have read. "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. " - 2 Timothy 2:15
I bought one of his books, couldn't finish reading it, not sure why, I gave it away I think, probably to goodwill? I should have thrown it away. I also stopped watching him. I hear what Good Bible believing Pastors are saying, they don't name names, but it is obvious which Pastor's or Motivational speakers they are speaking of, Thank you for enlightening me. Blessings.
@@johng482 Actually we have that conversation by proxy from the 1500's in the debate between Martin Luther and Desiderius Erasmus. The Luther/Erasmus debate was a celebrity level debate between the leader of the Reformed movement and what some would say is the greatest secular humanist to draw a breath. At least Erasmus was a highly educated intellectual. If Luther dueled Osteen, Luther would be taking on an unarmed man.
Sorry, guy. I was with you until you hit the heaven tourism bit. I also had a heaven experience after surgery, in the recovery room, and for several days as I literally lay dying before the doctor allowed the nurses to give me a blood transfusion because my O2 level was at 19!!! I kept slipping back and forth. I saw my father, aunt, grandparents and a son I had lost come to greet me, all aglow with the love of God. And for the very first time, I actually felt the love of God for ME! You may not know how to reach people for Him, but God does and He meets them where their needs are ar. You do not know more than God. That Heaven experience drew me closer to God than I can describe. You have no idea what it's like so you shouldn't knock it. I know the Bible - been reading it faithfully since I was seven years old, went to Bible college, am translating the book of John from the oldest Greek text I could find (Greek was my first language so - not that difficult) - yet that experience of God's love drew me closer to God than all my reading of the Bible. The Bible is God's love letter to us - but how much nicer it is to meet the Author of those letters! (and no, I did not 'see' Him, but I knew He was there for His love surrounded and infused me and ministered to me. It was there that I truly understood that God IS Love and Love IS God. God is the very essence of Love. Since then when atheists say they don't believe in God because they can't see Him, I tell them that they cannot see Love, either, but no one doubts its existence, for we see the effects of Love everywhere. So it is with Christ). A person's experience of Heaven does not detract from the Bible, it enhances it. And everyone's experience is different because every person is different. God leapt from black and white pages to a vibrant, luminous force of Perfect Love. If you ever experience Heaven before you are actually called home, write it out for me and I'll read it. I agree that many Heaven experiences were revealed not to be authentic, but the kid's was, the preacher who spent 90 minutes in Heaven was, and mine was. And it changed my life for the better forever. It was truly a healing from past trauma.
Circle Maker was encouraged by our pastor - when elders brought up issues they had with it we were told that we just needed to separate the meat from the bone and “throw the bones out”. Can’t mix darkness and light, though!
Katherine McChesney yes, I absolutely agree that it is not a Biblically based book! He didn’t mispeak - I did not quote him exactly but should have, in retrospect, to be succinct. He really meant to “eat” what wasn’t thrown out - because he was obviously recommending the book for our consumption.
Sister Heidi I left my church of over 20 years because of Batterson, The Shack , The Message Bible and I have not found a church since they all need an autopsy , I was Assembly of God I taught children loved it but when I had to deal with unteachable adults that why I flew the Chicken Coop ! Now wonderful hubby and I read the Word together Pray Together , Take Communion ( grape juice ) and bread , we are happier than we have ever been and we can't wait for the Lords Return . I am A Watchman , I watch ,Wait, and Warn . God Bless .
Brenda Girard God bless you, too! You both sound lovely. We’ve been homeschooling for 16 years and our last is 4 so we have quite a few years to go :). So, I wasn’t saved until my mid 20s and God has used my responsibilities to teach my children His Word as a way to teach me in the process. Really a blessing. Hope you find like-minded people in your life to share your faith with and that God sends to you people who need your loving kindness.
This is fantastic. I have a family member who thinks "Jesus Calling" is the most wonderful thing, and buys cases of the books to hand out to people. As a lifelong Christian, the book sounded hokey to me from the very first. Thanks for exposing the author's original inspiration. Also, can I add "the Shack" to this list?
Someone gave me Jesus Calling as a gift. I read maybe 2 pages and immediately knew it was heresy. I felt so strongly about that, that I didn’t even throw it away, I burnt it. As for The Shack. Oh my goodness. All my friends were reading it and talking about it, which for some reason put my “spidey sense” on full alert. Being one who does due diligence, I read the book so that I could refute it in specifics. I was shocked that women I considered true, strong followers of Christ defended it with vigor.😞. That book ended up on the charcoal grill😊
I have sat under Mr. Wilkerson's Bible teaching. He does not teach a prosperity - get-what-you-wish-for gospel. It is entirely consistent with The Prayer of Jabez, that God may set your life on a path of suffering. It teaches that we let God define what it means to have one's borders enlarged. To ask God to enlarge your borders is taught more in the heart of D.L. Moody - recognizing that the world has yet to see what God will do with the man who is completely given to God and His purposes. There can be no greater blessing than to be living every moment at God's direction and agreement with His will. It was never a formula for wealth, comfort, earthly power, or health. Just pray that God will use you fully for His own glory. That's what I got from Jabez' Prayer.
I didn't hear a single word from Mr. Challies about a vital relationship with Him. All of his objections were legalistic. Full discolosure - I only made to 6:33.
Tim Charlie’s I personally have been very blessed by Joel Osteen‘s book your best life and the prayer of Jabez. Tim I think you should quit knocking these wonderful pastors and teachers that have written in their books, maybe you’re the one that’s having problems with prosperity thinking. A lot of Christians believe that Christians should be poor, I for one think we should be wealthy so that we can help all those in need in our world who so are desperately crying out for help. This is only your perception you don’t really know what these people went through who wrote those books on 90 minutes in heaven
While in my local Christian bookstore one day, I spent a fair amount of time in the middle of the "Prayer of Jabez" display, thumbing through the book, reading the blurbs, and wondering if this was something I should spend some time reading. In the end, I decided it was a bunch of hooey, and figured I would take the risk of living my life without the wisdom the book was hyped to contain. So far, so good.
I too would add "The Shack". However, thankfully a book title "tearing down the shack" was published. The Shack movie was pure misguidance and sacrilege.
Maybe if you had been abused by an abusive Christian father in the name of God you might see and experience it differently. It wasn't written as theology, but for therapy and he never intended for it to go outside his own family but it helped so many others that it went viral. www.thesanctuarydenver.org/sermons/paul-youngs-testimony/
WG//// It tells you in the OT that it is OK to beat your slaves and kill your disobedient kids. It says that a perfect God has human failures, as jealousy, wrath and hatred. It says to take up your cross and follow Jesus. Since he has ascended, is this an invitation to suicide? It says to sell all and give to the poor. Then you would become one of the poor. Some interpret the bible as saying we go to sleep when we die and don't wake up till the 'second coming'. We know that is wrong because of the experience of those who have had NDEs. It intimated that God is a psychopathic maniac who provides an eternal torture chamber for some. It manufactures nonexistent entities such as Satan, demons and a fiery hell. The bible is a quagmire of truth and fiction, and as itself says, must be 'rightly divided'.
“It tells you in the OT that it is OK to beat your slaves and kill your disobedient kids. It says that a perfect God has human failures, as jealousy, wrath and hatred. It says to take up your cross and follow Jesus. Since he has ascended, is this an invitation to suicide? It says to sell all and give to the poor. Then you would become one of the poor. Some interpret the bible as saying we go to sleep when we die and don't wake up till the 'second coming'. We know that is wrong because of the experience of those who have had NDEs. It intimated that God is a psychopathic maniac who provides an eternal torture chamber for some. It manufactures nonexistent entities such as Satan, demons and a fiery hell. The bible is a quagmire of truth and fiction, and as itself says, must be 'rightly divided'.”I did some research (all of which you could do easily online, or by speaking with others familiar with Christianity and the Bible) and found a few answers. 1. I don’t have an answer about beating slaves. Killing slaves was prohibited by law.2. There’s no evidence that anyone killed his kids. Permitting doesn’t mean encouraging.3. What you call failures is a misinterpretation. God’s jealousy is the jealousy of someone who’s fiercely protective of the ones He loves. His wrath isn’t losing His temper, it’s wrath against those who have openly and stubbornly defied Him. As the Creator, He has the right to establish His laws, etc. Anyone who doesn’t accept this has the right (but not the ability) to create his own universe and all it contains.4. Your question about committing suicide is a non sequitur. Jesus’ sacrifice was voluntary. Nothing in Scripture suggests this. In fact, suicide is murder, prohibited in the Ten Commandments. 5. Selling all and giving the money to the poor isn’t a blanket command, but is directed at people whose idol is money. Joseph of Arimathea was rich but not condemned. 6. What does it matter whether we go to sleep? This is nitpicking, legalism. NDEs aren’t well understood and aren’t evidence for anything except that we don’t understand the mind as well as we think.7. Calling God a psychopath implies that you have a judgment standard. What is it? As far as His providing an eternal torture chamber, Scripture is ambiguous about its nature. All we can say is that God doesn’t send anyone there. It’s a place for people who want nothing to do with him, who adamantly refuse to love Him. He won’t force anyone into His presence, so Hell is the alternative.I left you a few points to see if you can figure out how to resolve them. If you’re sincere with your questions, find a Christian friend/acquaintance, or a Christian minister for more detailed answers. Check Amazon for books Christian apologetics. Do your research.
I will say, I read Sarah Young’s “Jesus Calling” in a very sad and hurtful time in my life and each section I read spoke a kind of relevance into my situation. I felt God was keeping me assured that He understood exactly what I felt and where I was while reading it. The only problem I ran into was I was clinging more to Mrs. Young’s work for assurance and less to God Himself, through prayer and immersion into His Word. But really, this is simply a problem with myself than Young’s work itself. My life has had moments of wrongly clinging to what was created over the Creator, with identity on football teams, to devotional books, to music, to codependent relationships, to even church. It’s easy to abuse anything to neglect the Spirit. Just don’t confuse Truth with abuse.
Similarly, when I first read the book I found encouragement daily, when I moved to a better place with the Lord, I found the book shallow, and non-spiritual. There was no reference to the Lord.
Hi Seth , I believe God uses many different ways to grow up and heal his sheep. That being I also believe we are accountable for what we know. Would you please type on you tube this man's name ...Warren Smith , he is an ex- new age follower and he will clearly help you understand about the Jesus Calling Book Deception . I saw Warren about 7 years ago on Lion and Lamb Ministries with Host David Reagan . This is an excellent you tube channel to this day. I watch it all the time . I'm 66 years old in July I been saved since I was 24 yr. Old. I'm not only a servant but a Watchman for the Lord . God Bless You. Jesus is coming sooner than it was yesterday. 🙏🎺🎺🎺🎺🙏. 😉💕🎺🎺✨✨.
Seth, I am going to try to make this response as sensitive as I can (I tend to be very blunt and insensitive, so I apologize ahead of time if I say anything offensively). The fact is that those times of pain, fear, sadness, and difficulty are the times believers grow the most in their faith and walk. In addition, as Lucifer means "bringer of light" and we know from the Bible that demons can masquerade as angels, it seems to me quite likely that your comfort did not come from God, but could very well have hindered the growth God meant for you. I hope and pray that I am wrong, but with the contradictions between the Word of God and "Jesus Calling", I would be very suspicious of any spiritual benefit received from such a source. As fleshly, sinful people, we often cannot see when something that appears beneficial is actually harmful spiritually.
Brenda Girard Thank you so much for this post. I read it 2 days ago and spent almost the whole time since watching Warren Smith videos. My granddaughter and I tore up Jesus Calling and threw it away. Our new motto: We don’t do fake Jesus in this family. 🥰
He's not a preacher, he's a motivational speaker. Anyone that won't preach on hell because he doesn't want to depress people is not a Christian leader. Jesus himself spoke on hell 3x more than heaven. Osteen is just tickling itching ears!!!
Samuel Raj Yes! I first heard of him when I read an interview in TableTalk Magazine. I read his stuff often, but lately I hadn’t seen anything from him. If I remember correctly, he developed a problem with his hands which affected his ability to write articles, so now he’s moved to videos.
@@firmware-jh5vk He is quite good, in fact. Good at Biblical exposition, and Christian discernment. No one is infallible, of course, so we need to weigh his words carefully.
Sadly, we cant trust tim anymore, dont know where it was, but when he was asked whether same sex attraction/homosexuality is sin, he couldnt answer it. That to me is cowardice and giving in to the spirit of the age.
@@jesussaves7973 yes sadly, i used to read tims articles and enjoyed them, but, in a recent q and a, (dont know where it was, but if you google "Tim challies cannot define homosexuality as sin" you should find articles, video has been removed) he said "homosexuality is a recent challenge to the church, and he doesnt know enough about it !?!?! Tim, open your bible. But he has been praising ed shaw and sam allbury of the christian gay but celibate crowd lately. Its obvious he has joined the "liberal" christian crowd on this issue anyways
Very worrying. There's dilly-dallying with homosexuality, the Bible is EXPLICIT, it's an abomination and defiles our humanity. No Christian should be confused about such an issue.
Well, that makes me less worried about my using the Jesus Calling book in my quiet time. Before I read this, I was going to try to give it some defense, I will now. I do not have a first edition and yes, what she wrote in that introduction is concerning, however, when I read JC I also read every scripture reference at the bottom of the page. Thus far, I have not seen anything in her text that is out of line with scripture. My husband feels it is questionable per John McCarthur's critique, but he trusts that I will use discernment in my reading. I can't say for sure, but maybe Sarah realized her error in the first edition introduction, so she changed it. To me, Jesus Calling is the same thing as reading scripture, receiving the message God wants for you ( that is in line with scripture), writing that down, and sharing it with others. Just today, I began to rewrite her text in my journal but changing the first-person pronouns to third person. I will try to continue to be discerning. I just found Tim's videos today. I am very disappointed in his lack of a stand on homosexuality. It makes me wonder if this is something he struggles with personally ???
I think he meant aside the obvious. He meant books Christians should read. The Bible is a book Christians MUST read if they consider themselves truly Christian.
I enjoyed the shack as a work of fiction with biblical symmetry much like the works of CS Lewis or even other so called fiction. It is a shame that Christian Producers who made a wholesome movie like the shack had to compete with Christians going to see wolverine slaughter people with his adamantium claws,from Hollywood elite who hate the God you serve.
Amen brother! Your statement at the end about using discernment especially when we read Christian books is especially poignant. We expect non-Christian media to convey unbiblical worldviews, so it is relatively easy to pick out bad philosophy through a Biblical lens. But take a look at the Barnes and Noble 'Christian' section, and you will find a lot of bad mixed in with some good, with TD Jakes sitting beside Tim Keller, or Joel Osteen beside John Piper. It sows confusion, Satan's most convenient weapon.
You obviously interpret the bible from your particular "evangelical" standpoint. I too am an evangelical and I dare say that my 60 years of Bible study is not necessarily inferior to yours! I would be careful therefore how I speak against little Colton in "Heaven is for Real," for example. You just don't know your own heart when you criticize certain NDE experiences (are you seeking publicity like you claim others are doing?). True, we should discern what is scriptural. However, you ought not to be so brazen as to announce to the public that you have an edge over others on whether Colton was lying, or was primed by his dad, and so on. You seem like a good guy. However, be careful not to Judge other Christians on issues that your theology cannot take on board, lest you fall under the judgment of God. James
Rachel...just keep praying for discernment, the Holy Spirit will give it to you. Sounds to me like you want the truth. The Best way for a preacher to teach the Bible is the Expository method, which basically means to start with a particular verse, and open it up and explain and then go to the next verse and continue. The Topical method should be used rarely. To many false preachers such as Joel Osteen want to use a Topical method, if they use any method at all! One way to check, Is there head down reading scripture over and over. I highly recommend John MacArthur, Allister Begg, David Platt, Tim Challis, Sinclair Ferguson. and even tho he passed away a long time ago...Charles Spurgeon. Hope this helps Rachel, I have been studying false movements in Christianity for several yrs now because I have family in it. I spent the first year in the faith just devouring the Bible w/o a pastor or church, and I had just spent a month in the false 7th Day Adventism. I think God was letting me learn JUST from Him!
Chris, please apply the discernment you speak of to the Bible. Does Genesis 1 offer a plausible account of our origins? Does your conscience find the stoning of non-virgins and rebellious children acceptable? Is it righteous and just to sentence the majority of the earth's population to eternal torment for disbelief in a story written 2000 years ago? Please use critical thinking when reading the Book you revere most.
I personally know Alex Malarkey and I am appalled that Mr. Challies would joke on his name even when it’s become well-known that he recanted that story and is a baptized believer in Jesus Christ. He is an incredible young man with a passion for God’s glory and faithfulness to the Word. The son should not be condemned for the sins of the father. I humbly ask Mr. Challies to investigate Alex’s testimony and remove the slanderous “bonus fact” about Alex.
The bonus fact was not slanderous. It indicated the son had a conscience. Its popularity, even within groups that knew better, is a great reason to include this book. Maybe amend the bonus fact, but it is a short video.
I agree Mr Jones. Even if we find something unsuitable for us, we have to be careful about what we criticise. I refused to read The Shack for 3 years for the same reason hundreds of people on here have slagged it off, but when I eventually read it, God blessed me immensely. I am learning to be careful what I read, but at the same time, be careful what I criticise because God can use many things to draw us closer to him. I'm happy to say that The Shack IS a God-inspired book, despite the crazy references to him being depicted as an African American women and such. Plus, some people HAVE been to Heaven because their message points to Jesus and warns about the dangers of living a lukewarm life. So I'm glad you had the courage to stick up for Alex. If every single one of us who commented on here wrote a Christian book, thousands of brothers and sisters would find something wrong with it and be slagging us off too. Yes, we need discernment, especially for those like Osteen, but we also need grace. It's a fine balance.
In the intro of the book “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young, clearly says “the Bible is only infallible, inerrant Word of God, she goes on to say she uses the “I”, “Me” and “Mine” to help readers feel more personally connected. In addition she Admits that some of the words are plagiarize and some quoted indicated in italics, at the bottom of each page per “day” she includes the scripture book & verse to back up her writing. On many occasion I have challenged her writing by looking up the scripture, and she hits the mark. I believe The Bible is the one and only true word of God, however there are other books on the shelf worthy of reading but with less credence, I include my study Bible ie: the NIV commentary, God did not write the commentary therefore it serves as more of a helper to understand. I should mention as a christian The Holy Spirit dwells in me along with many gifts one being the gift of discernment. I’m sure you know “the tongue is a two edged sword” As I watch & listen to other pastors trash each other with the untamed tongue, how about trying the Biblical way of confrontation. I’m happy to explain exactly how to confront as is written in the Bible. I say this with love & conviction. John
@@ventriloquistmagician4735 No she felt sorry for them because they were being deceived. She knew that the prosperity gospel was a false teaching. She spent a lot of time helping people who would listen to the Bible and believe the word of God.
Not into tv prosperity preachers, but does God want you broke and in poverty? Galatians 3:13 says we are redeemed from the curse of the law, that being 1-Spiritual death, 2-Poverty and lack, 3-Sickness and disease.
@@douglasboyd8475 G_d could care less of your personal comfort i.e. Jesus in the wilderness, Paul in prison, Stephen going to his martyrdom, the saints in the arena. G-d is more concerned about your eternal destination and current applications of His Holy Word to your life in bringing sinners to redemption. Cushy, fat, spiritually anemic fed Christians who sit up under the greedy prosperity teachers are about as useful to the kingdom as the cushions they sit on. Address if you would the plight of Joni Ericson Tada, Corrie Ten Boom, the children whose parents are crying for their children in St. Jude's? No, My Father is not at all into this demon gospel of Jets and mansions as he is into the poor and prisoner who need THE MEAT of the TRUE UNCOMPROMISING GOSPEL.
Dear Matthew, I agree that the Bible is one of the most important books to read, BUT I strongly recommend that you also read a good book on Physics and a good book on Chemistry too. Most of my Christian brothers and sisters - God bless them - are woefully ignorant of the way the world works, i.e., the way the Lord designed it to work, and thus they get drawn in and deceived by all sorts of snake-oil salesmen. The Bible tells us to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and all your MIND, and all your strength. Note "all your mind ..." Unfortunately, too many Christians leave their brains parked at home when they start talking about the Lord. So I say again to all Christians, "Do read your bibles, but also read reliable text books and learn about how the world works too."
I understand what you mean, and i agree that it doesn't hurt to know how "things" works out. However, you are talking about apple and orange. The book of "physics and chemistry" are science and professionalism which have nothing to do with faith and personal salvation.
Re "The book of "physics and chemistry" are science and professionalism which have nothing to do with faith and personal salvation." Yes, I know that. But the facts are that in the world in which we live I need to make decisions every day about what I will buy or what I will eat and I need to be able to decide if it is safe or not. I need to know whether the warnings I am bombarded with every day are real or whether they are exaggerations promoted by scare-mongers who are just trying to spread their fears to everyone who will listen to them. I think Jesus tells us that knowledge casts out fear? Or was it Paul in one of his epistles. Those of us who live in the USA live in a world where we are taught to fear almost everything, but most of us don't need to live in such fear. And as an engineer I need to know that the things I build will be safe for people to use. I would not be forgiven if I ignored physics and chemistry and allowed my workforce to be exposed to a hazard that killed somebody. In Jesus
What batterson teaches sounds more like witch craft to me . That’s how witch craft does the circle thing in fact they work their spells in circle really .
The circles are a metaphor! There's a lot of true Biblical principles in the Circle Maker and it clearly states inside, that God doesn't have to grant our wishes. I found it helpful in encouraging me to pray according to my maker rather than according to my circumstances.
I disagree my friend. Your summary may be honest from where your walk with Christ is, but it's also missing context. I can speak to the 1st 2 books that I have challenged against Biblical texts, and found them drawing me closer to Christ. Neither book supports the prosperity gospel. Please be careful to not be a distraction to how God works.
I love Heaven is For Real. As a mother of young children, it makes sense. And according to the logic mentioned in reference to this book, it's sillier than the false books. It's like saying we should throw out all money just because there is fake money as well.
I love it too. This child had no prior knowledge of certain facts and hadn't developed the ability to conjure up detailed deception. I've come to view these stories as similar to the task of the 12 spies. Go get a preview of the coming Promised Land (Heaven) and return to give glimpses. They are able to give us encouraging reports. Of course everything has to follow scripture, and like everything be tested by the Word. It doesn't surprise me that there are varied, unique and personal differences in their accounts, because Heaven will be far greater, more creative, with endless interesting characteristics than we can currently dream of. When Colton says, "Heaven is for real, and you're gonna like it", I believe is an understatement. As good as that expression is, and it thrills my heart, it's still an understatement. Heaven is beyond our ability to describe, but I appreciate these attempts and the encouragement it gives.
The apostle John saw things of heaven and was told not to write them down. Why would anyone think some kid would be allowed to do what the apostle John wasn't allowed? The book is complete fiction.
@@christthekingchurch9723 please provide a link or an article reference. I would understand that when turning a story into a Hollywood script some artistic license is necessary to have better formation. The Father was having troubles as the head pastor before this event. Personal struggles and church politics etc.
Joel Esteen really bothers me. He scares me actually. His message of self-affirmation is not biblical. Jesus didn't tell yourself to look in the mirror and tell yourself "I am successful, I am wealthy, I am beautiful, I am smart." No, He said "take up your cross and follow Me."
Adding to my comments below--there is GREAT writing to be found in Christian apologetics--consider C.S. Lewis (if we can tolerate his sometimes brutal honesty--confronting his own soul, face to face....his capacity for love and grief....Annie Dillard for another--HOLY THE FIRM--a short book, a reflection on pain and salvation.) Let's use the brains and discernment God gave us, folks.
True. But the God of the Bible was/is NEVER manipulated into doing so. These books that provide formulas for getting your prayers answered are heretical.
Yes he does but we do not get everything we ask for just as a loving parent would not give their child whatever they wanted ...but we can completely trust God to do what is best for us and that us believers everything that happens to us is in His will and ultimately for our good.
I sincerely hope that many people came to Christ because of those books. At the same time, they paint an unrealistic picture of what the tribulation will look like. It MIGHT start with the ezekiel 38 war but that is speculation. When you read ez38 all the way thru you might see why i don't hold that view. Secondly, the pretrib rapture is a new idea. Before the 1800’s it was unheard of and it was pretty much agreed that we will have to go thru the tribulation. What happens when christians suddenly realize they are in the tribulation and weren't raptured out? If that part isn’t true, they will think, maybe none of it is true, then they quit. Of course, some will decide to get into the Bible and seek the truth and grow. But so many will not. Third, people think they know what it will look like, but when it doesn't fit their preconceived notions they are likely to not even notice for a while. Let’s be clear: It will happen EXACTLY like God says. But it won’t look anything like we expect. The prophecy about the Messiah happened as written. Did the Pharisees accept Him? Was He the conquering Messiah they expected? The birth of Christ was unnoticed by most (although there were remarkable events associated with it). They overlooked or misunderstood many prophecies that also came true. Are we any different? We are told to watch and be ready. Jesus warned in Matthew 25 to beware of deception. It was the first thing He said in this passage, and also the last. It will be a time of great deception. Problem is, so many will seek their truth in books like this instead of the Bible. God Bless
I didn't even think about those. Interesting to bring them up. Not sure what I think . Easy to disagree with something someone has to say about the end times, silly to think we have all the answers.
@@yestfmf, Thank you for your comments. I have always been of the opinion that the great falling away spoken of in scriptures happens because Western Christians put their hope in a a false pretribulation Rapture enstead of in Jesus Christ of Nazareth's teachings. I often wonder what will happen to these prosperity minded when they realise we are in the tribulation. The persecuted church all over the world knows how to endure to the end through scripture reading, memorization, fasting,service to others,sacrificial giving, praise and prayer. So many Western Christians want to argue the fine points of a Rapture position that has no basis in scripture and is not the historical teaching of the Christian church.. I ask them " What colour horse do you think is riding now?" It is clear that they are not in the Word, or are avoiding prophecy and have taken up with teachers who tickle their ears. False teachers do this to line their pocketbooks and bank accounts. By their fruits ye shall know them. Joel Olsteen would not open his church building up for the homeless or poor during a recent disaster. And he never speaks of sin or the cleansing blood of Jesus. His Sunday talks are watered down New Age Prosperity motivational coaching lectures. Designed not to offend anyone and to ensure his collection plates are full. It is no wonder that his books are full of popular fluff. Pablum for the masses. Sadly our Lord told us that many would come in His name. Many false teachers would arise. And that many would be deceived. I choose to read the Word of God and to tell as many as possible about the true gospel of Jesus. The thief comes only to kill, to steal and destroy. Jesus comes to bring LIFE and that abundantly. The thieves are at the door. And my greatest sorrow is seeing Christians allow the thieves into their hearts and minds and to line their bookshelves in their homes and churches. How will they stand up to the coming Antichrist? They overcame by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of their testimony. Our Lord told us, If it were not for the grace of God, even the very elect would be deceived. I am sending love and hugs from Washington State, USA, Jeanne of In Loving Hands Counseling and ASMR.
I'm reading The Circle Maker now and love it-and it isn't that if we circle our prayers we will get it-Mark Batterson has told about how at times he was praying for something and he did not get it-you would have to read the book to understand what it is saying. The circle part is just a physical act to make what we are praying for important to us-not to God-for example praying for your child's salvation-it is of utmost importance to us-so we circle it (like we mark things in your Bible that is of importance to you) I think this book and it's sequels can really help a person in their prayer life-to pray with boldness and give praise in everything-
The Circle Maker is all about focusing on what you are praying for. Continuing to pray. The Jewish Rabbi was merely an illustration of someone who prayed without ceasing. Great Book.
Many years ago while serving in the Army I met a soldier who was into the occult to some degree. One of the things he practiced is called automatic writing or spirit writing. You sit in a comfortable chair with a tablet on the armrest or a table near the chair while you hold a pen or pencil in your writing hand like you are going to write. You clear your mind of all thoughts and open yourself to the spirits to write through you. it is practiced by psychics. It sounds as though Sarah Young is a practitioner of automatic writing.
Philippians 1: 15-18. Why can't the Christian community just live in peace instead of criticize one another? Why can't we count it all joy that Christ is being preached? Where is your trust that God will reach those who sincerely seek Him? Please use your platform to preach Christ. Only God is the discerner of the heart, mind and motive of others.
that is true because i know I hear Gods still small voice within me. He speaks through water he speaks through many waters. Ecclesiastes water stand for the spirit. He speaks through his word, He speaks through people, He speaks through signs, God speaks many ways to us and the one way He speaks to us is the still small voice like a thought that you just know its God. Added later.. But you have to cultivate it, you really don't cultivate it you cultivate yourself to listen to it.
Would a loving Father in Heaven stop speaking to his children? Why then do many Christians refuse to listen for His Holy Spirit in their own lives? There is no way that God would refuse to speak to His children in almost 2000 years. Please don't rule anything out until you have prayed to know for yourself whether a thing is true. He told us Himself to ask and it shall be answered.
He hasn’t stopped speaking. The scripture is living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword. Scripture also says not to be taken in by false prophets, or wolves in sheep’s clothing. There are lots of current, good, Christian authors, but none of them claim to be the voice of God.
I find it interesting that you talk about the importance of books aligning with the Bible, a book that is full of people who hear for God directly for themselves. Yes, the Bible does have many references to particular scripture passages within it, but it is chock full of people who hear from God directly or via consultation of a prophet... for their own particular life and situation. But then when a particular author like Sarah Young claims to have heard directly from God for her own particular life... from this same God who never changes, who does this throughout the Bible, again and again, with those who follow Him... then you claim that she's out of alignment with the Bible. The Bible never says that God isn't going to speak directly to people any more in this era (don't try to claim that 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 is claiming that, because we definitely haven't gotten there yet; knowledge has not ceased), and in fact Paul tells us to pursue prophecy, which is God speaking directly to us. The idea that God no longer speaks directly to His people sounds like the type of doctrine that demons would love to propagate, in order to disempower the body of Christ. We need the Holy Spirit, and we need to be sensitive to His leading in every part of our life. Certainly He can speak to us through scripture, but us expecting Him to limit His communication to that method is like a wife expecting her husband to only speak to her through quotes of his previously-published autobiography. That would be a ridiculous way to go through a marriage, and God wants more in His relationship with His bride, too.
The scripture they would point to is more likely to be Heb 1:1-2. A few things: there's a difference between "thus saith the Lord," and "I think God is telling/teaching me this." God may give supernatural guidance if we're choosing between two good things (e.g. having your own kids or adopting, or both), but when the question is "is this right or wrong?" or "am I being obedient to God?" or something similar, scripture is where we have to turn. Anything that is, or seems to be, revealed to us by God must not contradict scripture. If anyone gets a voice affirming sin in their mind, that voice is not from God.
Yeah, I no doubt that if God wanted to talk to someone he could.. be it a burning bush, or a donkey... but.. problem is not the talking.. but rather.. 'who's" talking?? remember... satan can do the same thing as an angel of light.. if God tells some thing to someone.. it should be in aliment of the Bible.. nothing else. It's nothing but Pride to think that a person/s would think they get "new info" from above... Peace
@@jamersbazuka8055 - absolutely. God is not going to contradict himself. But there are interesting situations like when God communicated with Peter through a trance and told him to eat foods that Peter considered unclean (based on the law of Moses, which was also God's word). If Peter hadn't listened to the Holy Spirit in that situation, and had just fallen back on what he knew from Scripture, it might be the case that none of us gentiles would know God at all now. So I'm really, really glad that Peter had the discernment to know that he could trust God's voice in that situation, in spite of the seeming contradiction with scripture. What I'm saying is that knowing the word of God in scripture is important, but having a vital relationship with the Holy Spirit is even more important: it's vital, in fact.
@@statesrights01 - no, it's not just pride. It's learning the ways of God from what we read in the Bible. Mary had an angel appear to her and give her new information. Thankfully she took it seriously. Joseph had an angel appear to him, and he listened. Zacharias had an angel appear to him, and he listened (well, after being made mute, anyway). If they had dismissed the new information from these angels, who knows where we would be today? Jesus said these things in John 10: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” John 10:1-5 NASB bible.com/bible/100/jhn.10.1-5.NASB Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:25-30 NASB bible.com/bible/100/jhn.10.25-30.NASB If we are His sheep, we will know His voice. We will not follow the voice of a stranger. Jesus isn't just talking about reading the Bible there. He's talking about us being able to discern between His voice and the voice of a stranger, even when the stranger is speaking sweetly. So we need to spend time in His presence, learning His ways and His voice for ourselves, so that we know it better than we know the voices of our loved ones on earth.
@@dagman85 I appreciate your thoughtfulness to this issue. It is true that God has spoken through direct revelation, such as dreams, visions, theophanies, etc. Christians debate whether God is still speaking this way to individuals now that the fullness of his plan has been revealed in Christ and the canon of Scripture completed. I personally agree that there is not strong evidence in Scripture to say that he is not or cannot still speak this way to people. The problem of the books on this list, like Jesus Calling, that is being highlighted is NOT that they believe prophetic revelation continues, but that: 1) They are not saying what the Bible says - that any supposed revelation from God is to be tested by the church according to the Scriptures (1 Thess 5:20-21, 1 John 4:1). 2) They are PRESCRIBING this as a way to seek God and guidance from him. God never promises to speak to anyone through direct revelation and throughout the Bible and church history is has been the exception, not the norm. Usually, when direct revelation happens in the Bible it is a key moment in God's redemptive plan, not just normal everyday guidance. The Bible never prescribes seeking general revelation for guidance or "new" information from God. Instead, it always tells us to seek God's guidance through the Scriptures which are all that we need for life and godliness, able to equip us for EVERY good work. We should not EXPECT or RELY on supernatural guidance, but let God's Word be a light to our path. We should also not despise prophecies, but test them according to God's Word. Books like Jesus Calling are asking the reader to seek God's voice outside the Scripture by "listening" for special revelation that God does not promise the believer. Instead, the believer should be instructed to seek God's voice through His Word and prayer. IF you have an experience that you believe is God speaking to you (a dream, vision, prophetic word, etc.), bring it to others in the church and test it according to the Scriptures. Otherwise, there is no way to know if that experience is your imagination, the big burrito you had giving you crazy dreams, a demon, or the Holy Spirit. God is not a God of confusion. If he does speak, he will confirm it with his Word through a faithful church.
The Story of Jabez is indeed a jewel hidden in the genealogies. There are a number of these tucked into passages that go on like Abner begat Shabner, Shabner begat Shuppim, Shuppim begat Huppim etc. Suddenly there is a brief pause for a beautiful little story. These are very precious stories. Jabez, a kid who had a non-promising start, named Sorrow, because his mama bore him with sorrow. It is an example of ask & ye shall receive also. I don't know about the book, but the Bible story itself is very edifying.
Wake Wake Up Church Burn those Books ! I been saved since 1978 I'm 65 and my King James Bibles have tape on their bindings , I admit when I first started my walk with Jesus Christ my Lord I read a couple of books , you know couple Billy Grahmans, Joni Earekson, David Wilkerson but after about 10 years after that I picked up my Bible and never read anymore books . Amos 8 says one day their will be a famine of Gods Word , Let the Lord Teach Guide You in his Word that's all you need .
The prayer Jabez IS A POWERFUL PRAYER. DAVID WILKERSON NEVER SAID IN THAT BOOK THAT GOD WOULD GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU WANT GOD'S PROMISES TO PROVIDE FOR OUR NEEDS THE JABEZ PRAYER WAS SMALL HE ASKED GOD TO INCREASE HIS TERRITORY GOD DID THISTHE KEY TO HIS GETTING MORE THAN THAT WAS OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S
So right .... actually by way of the reach of influence & what's currently being peddled in Christianity today e.g universalism .... these should be number 1,2 and 3 .... good call .... Amen & God Bless !
Seeing this video made me realize I’m glad I’ve never purchased those books. Unfortunately, I did buy “The Shack” and once I learned about the heresy I stopped after the second chapter, and then the movie itself, oh boy was I fooled.
Where was the heresy? Because it portrayed as God the father as a female that could change his appearance or that God the Father appeared at all? It was a fantasy.
Bad theology is bad theology to support these unbiblical books is dangerous and stupid. Context,contex,context the three rules of understanding God's intentional message . Itching ears is about listening to what you want to hear over what scripture REALLY says. We can't make up our own Godly promises and the tell God YOU PROMISED! ! Doesn't work that way ..study to show yourself approved.
@@jamesbuffer4120 I read the prayer of Jabez and didn't find any bad theology. He is doing exactly what he accuses the author of doing. He takes one line out of the book and criticized it.
@@jamesbuffer4120 " But when, in faith, you start to pray for more ministry, amazing things occur. As your opportunities expand, your ability and resources supernaturally increase, too. Right away you’ll sense the pleasure God feels in your request and His urgency to accomplish great things through you." It's all about the heart of your prayers. I never read the book even as a child in the understanding that God wanted to bless me with earthly goods. And I never got the inclination that the author was trying to promote that idea.
Thank you for highlighting these "junk" books. My friends were hocked on Young's book "Jesus Calling", and I have warned them about the underlying grey teachings.
This has to be a western construct. How do we account for the persecution of Christians throughout the world today? They don’t follow Christ for an easy life, in fact many die for their faith. So I’d ask, what’s in it for them?? How do they live in a world of suffering and yet still feel the joy, love and peace of Christ?......are they missing something or are we? Is our peace and joy dependant on our circumstances? How many of us feel close to Christ when life treats us well and apart from him when it doesn’t?
I wonder about this as well. How does the prosperity gospel work in the third world or middle east where there is so much injustice, poverty, famine, religious persecution, etc.? How can Christian believers "LIve Their Best Life Now" when they get arrested or worse for going to church or risk their lives trying to just get food or go to work? I admit I have read and enjoyed Osteen's books but I do wonder how applicable are his principles to those living under dire and dangerous conditions...Thanks!
NELL ...previous generations fought and died for the Prosperity we enjoy. This is not special dirt we live on. Anyone can do this...and almost every country is Older than we are, and should be ahead of us.
barb rarick ...since you are against Prosperity Preaches, you and most others on the airplane will attack the Prosperity Preacher. Yes...to him you are acting like Demons so he is factual, not condescending to the fellow fliers. Also, Celebrities are continually bothered in public... Restaurants, Autographs, Pictures... Whose fault is that? That is why they Have to put up barriers. God gives us the desires of our Hearts. Not everybody wants a lot of things. Fine... I always ask folks, if you discovered a Gold Mine in your Backyard, would you stay at your Janitorial Job? No...you would live comfortably ( just as the other rich do:/ Everyone does the same thing as the Rich if they could.
You're incorrect about The Prayer of Jabez. You need to watch Wilkinson's video series on his book. He never said that God would give you what you want. He said God would give to you according to His will when saying that prayer, but not to be discouraged if it's not what you expected. Here is what the passage says: And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, 'Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.' When asking God to bless you and enlarge your territory, you're requesting that He allow for windows of opportunity where you can shine His light in a fallen world, while in your own city. When saying that you want His hand to be with you, that means you're wanting Him to guide your steps daily. When asking that He keeps you from evil, it means you want Him to lead you away from what may cause you to stumble in your walk. Tell me how any of that equates to greed? Are you saying that Christians should not seek God's instruction for daily living, and to not lean on Him for provision and wisdom?
It's easy to tear down other peoples' works. Personally I enjoy finding nuggets of inspiration in most Christian writing even if I don't agree with everything that's said.
Sylvia Pack I agree. I just watched this little video, and I was thinking, wow, you are absolutely the authority on everything Christian. It takes very little talent to tear other people down. And that behaviour is not biblical either. This guy is no hero. I have read a couple of these books, and didn’t need his expertise to tell me that they were not good books.
Donna Hayes I would urge you to continue listening to Tim Charlies, and check out what he does. Tim reads almost every book that comes out, and when he puts out a list, you can take it to the bank. I agree that this list is not particularly deep or difficult, but it’s accurate and important nonetheless. His counsel is solid and his grasp of theological orthodoxy is excellent.
On one hand, you have a pile of excrement, on the other you have mountain full rich veins and precious stones. You would rather search through the excrement in the hopes of finding a single nugget of gold, rather than mine the mountain and have more gold and precious stones than you can imagine. Why?
@@patrickmcdonnell2067 ..its like having a bottle of poison and at the same time saying I am just going to take 2 drops hoping that I don't get poisoned, , That's how ridiculous it is and some wouldn't learn...
@Sylvia Pack I agree. God communicates to His dearly beloved children knowing our differences. I have been in multiple denominations through my life, each with a slightly different nuanced approach though agreeing on essentials. I trust the Spirit to tell me when something is not for me -- as He just did with this channel!
Definitely read the book. He shares vivid details about his experience yet he also shares sooo much Scripture about Hell (it all matches 😉) and the best part is, his foremost desire is not that you believe him or his story, but that you take the Gospel to heart & give your life to the Lord.
Natalie Arlene very true, it doesn’t mention demons as torturers Hell...but I don’t think it has to. It also doesn’t give us exclusive details about Heaven, or angels, or other various topics, probably because they are facts not necessary for salvation or our Christian growth. On the note of demons torturing Hell’s prisoners, Bill makes the point that a couple times God poured out His wrath on earth by means of “executioners” and “serpents” (Job 33:22 & Deut. 32:24) and suggests why wouldn’t there be similar yet worse punishment in Hell?
@@noahmlong The Lake of Fire is a place of punishment for the Devil, the Beast, the Prophet, and all those that follow them. It doesn't make sense that one set of prisoners being punished would be in charge of inflicting punishment on another set of prisoners, especially if the first set or prisoners might find some enjoyment in the process.
You tell me you've heard God's voice. I rejoice with you (possibly depending on the situation and extras). You tell everyone God talks to me always in this way and He'll do the same for you if you copy me then the church should judge that, they will judge angels.
It sounds to me like you don’t believe in the gift of prophecy, or that the Holy Spirit still speaks to His beloved just as in Acts and as prophecied by the prophet Joel. People who don’t believe in the gifts of the Spirit tend to become the “false prophet” policemen of the world. Thumbs down to that.
Good list. You can add Purpose Driven Life, The Shack, and God-Chasers as some best selling Christian books that were questionable or just plain awful. The re-editing of the intro to Jesus Calling is one of the biggest attempts to sell a book by hiding Sarah Young's questionable inspiration, a book called "God Calling." I actually saw a copy of this book in an old bookstore and skimmed through it; very new age and not Christian at all. I might also add, many popular books for Christian women are questionable because they stress emotions more than doctrines, many times using the Bible as an add on to a woman's version of their best life now.
James, the Purpose Driven Life is a very subtle form of pragmatism where Rick Warren teaches that God has a purpose for everyone in the respect that God would bless, guide, and direct them in search of their ultimate dreams. He doesn't come right out and say "name it and claim it," but he makes the church a place where good works and a good life equate to salvation. He also preaches a very soft gospel message, indulges in world peace plans, and has church growth programs that aren't completely Biblical. His book is perhaps the most dangerous because of the subtlety of it. He does what Sarah Young does in Jesus Calling, he uses enough Bible verses and language to make you think it's Christ-centered, but in reality it is more "me" centered. In addition, when a pastor of a major megachurch has problems calling certain sins sin, we have a recipe for problems. When I was a believer for about two or three years, some people at my job were doing the Purpose Driven Life. I never heard of it. I joined the group and found, out of eight of us there, only three of us were believers in Christ. When I introduced myself and gave my testimony, the guy leading the study politely told me this wasn't the place for that. Whenever unsaved people can take principles from the Bible to improve their lives, we have serious problems because those folks are sinners (Romans 3:10-18, Ephesians 2:1-3, Jeremiah 17:9, etc.) that don't understand spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:14). The Purpose Driven Life and Purpose Driven Church are seeker-friendly and will do anything to get people in the pews or to buy the book regardless if they've been born again or not. God is not a genie to make my dreams come true, even if they're social issues or have a good intent. Google some of the reviews of this book, pro and con, and examine it if you get a chance. Unfortunately, we have many of these types of books out here that use the Bible or God as an add-on to their hopes, dreams, and desires instead of presenting the gospel (Romans 1:16) and teaching believers to live set apart holy lives (Ephesians 5:6-11, 1 Peter 1:15-16). Again, please do some research on this book and Rick Warren; don't just take my word for it because anyone can make comments on a RUclips video. I'd rather have you check out my assertions than just believe it outright. Thanks for reading.
Yes, Karen, the inspiration behind Jesus Calling isn't Christian at all. Sarah Young may have good intent, but she likes to "speak" for Jesus in her book, but her revelation of Him "speaking" is based on the same methods from the new age authors of God Calling. I know it is a very popular book (along with 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp), but these types of books try to sound spiritual without lining up with scripture. It tugs on the emotions of women, but the theology is bad. And someone gave my wife a copy of the Voskamp book and while some of it wasn't completely awful, much of it had little Biblical reference and one chapter described love for Jesus like a woman longing for a physical relationship with a man. It was very creepy to read. Suffice it to say, I am not a big fan of many of the modern women speakers that write books/Bible studies for women (Sarah Young, Joyce Meyers, Beth Moore, etc.) because it's more about stroking the emotion, telling stories, and slapping Bible verses on top of it (or some of these women getting direct "revelation" from God). I recommend to women more sound teaching from someone like Martha Peace or Susan Heck. I know Sarah Young may not seem awful on the surface, but a deeper study of her book and its origins fleshes out some very suspect things. But like I wrote in another post; please don't just take my word for it; do your prayerful due diligence and look up many of these books for yourself to get an idea if it's something that will point you to grow and truly understand God or not. God bless.
I have read Purpose Driven Life. It has some good points, but who does not want to live with purpose? It is motivational but a little weak on Christianity.
I was wondering why The Shack was not one of the worst but given what he explained about all the books he posted in the video, I would then suppose that The Shack was just a novel very loosely based on God.
@@jtoms3 I received that book at a white elephant exchange. I read it and threw it away afterward. Garbage! If you read the author's current beliefs he isn't a Christian.
My last gf was reading that while we were dating. When she talked about it, I got uncomfortable vibes. The whole message of "when you kiss someone or have sex with someone, you lose a part of yourself" is just really damaging to people. She stopped reading it after a little while. I still have a strong hatred towards most Christian dating books. The theme always seems to be "don't have fun, don't be vulnerable, no romance, wait until marriage to have a relationship"
Though Joshua Harris has gone away from his faith, he wrote the books while he was following the Lord. I found it helpful. People do not protect their hearts and bodies before marriage and end up bringing baggage into their relationships. And sex is meant for marriage, unless you are unaware of what fornication means. Anyone also knows kissing opens the door to a more physical relationship. Unmarried christians are to protect one another's purity(heart, body, and soul.) The Bible addresses the idea of purity many times.
Momma Joy for many, including myself, it skewed the notion of understanding why we get married and made its main focus of marriage on sexual satisfaction.
With sincere respect for Pastor Challies, he so greatly misrepresents 'The Prayer of Jabez' that he must not have done more than (very) lightly skim the book. The heart of the book is contained in these two paragraphs: "Notice a radical aspect of Jabez's request for blessing: he left it entirely up to God to decide what the blessings would be and where, when, and how Jabez would receive them. This kind of radical trust in God's good intentions toward us has nothing in common with the popular gospel that you should ask God for a Cadillac, a six-figure income, or some other material sign... Instead, the Jabez blessing focuses like a laser on our wanting for ourselves nothing more and nothing less than what God wants for us. "When we seek God's blessing as the ultimate value in life, we are throwing ourselves entirely into the river of His will and power and purposes for us. All our other needs become secondary to what we really want -- which is to become wholly immersed in what God is trying to do in us, through us, and around us for His glory." (p.24) Pastor Challies entirely misses the point of the book, which is about asking God to entrust us with more ministry for His Kingdom.
I agree with you! My pastor gave a message on Joshua and Caleb when they were entering the promise land and talked on how Caleb asked boldly for a specific piece of land. There is a difference between your relationship with God hinging on how well He answers your requests versus the fact that we are instructed by God to boldly ask Him for help, for good things, for specific things- there is not fault in that, the only fault is in a person's heart if they ask amiss or become bitter when He doesn't deliver.
He left out the part where the author makes up a great story and attributes it to Jabez when we have no way of knowing how much of it is true because the Bible doesn't say. Yes, Challies did that. Perfectly acceptable. Also, the book only came in 5th. Not worst mention. Worth being on the list due to the type of people who read it (those in love with Jesus) versus the type who read Live Your Best Life Now (those in love with themselves). The point about it being wrong to make a short descriptive point into a long prescriptive point is incredibly educational. All the other books on the list didn't need explanation for why they were there. It was obvious.
The Prayer of Jabez... The Circle Maker... Your Best Life Now... 90 Minutes in Heaven... Heaven is For Real... Jesus Calling... All of these have a secret method or secret knowledge to offer. They are carnal books that appeal to our carnal flesh. Great video.
I would not waste my time reading anything written by Joel Osteen.
Me either! It wouldnt be good for our spiritual health. Nothing but toxic garbage spewed out of the mouth of demons.
It's all about the money.
Jim//// His messages are sound and helpful, sort of the Tony Robbins of religion. It is your ego that does not want you to read anything helpful.
@@adamgoodword7888 //// So much hyperbole. Osteen's information is sound.
@@RainDance4550 //// What money?
One should never spend more time reading Christian books than the Bible itself!
AMEN !!!
Jews///// So then you can be just as confused as the bible is. As Bart Ehrman describes it, a book full of contradiction, discrepancy and error.
I'm not even Christian, but I totally agree.
Amen!!!
k0smon well if Bart Ehrman says so, I guess that’s all the thought I need to put into the subject!
A well known pastor out here in Southern California said "If your best life is now, then you're going to hell."
001///// NOW is all you have. The past is gone, the future is just a promise. No wonder you need to make it your best life. The well known pastor is a small thinker with little understanding.
Mr John M. That was a good sermon :)
That's a very broad statement.you can't preach that from a platform,only to some individuals that fit a negative description.
I don’t even understand what that means.
@@eleo_b The above summary is a little misconstrued. The pastor's point was that our best life should be in heaven, not earth. The only way this could be your best life now is if you're going to hell (i.e. it's your best life now because your afterlife wont' be)
ruclips.net/video/jDuDN2FtrIo/видео.html&t
1: the prayer of Jabez 0:45
2: the circle maker 2:52
3: your best life now 4:40
4: Heaven is for real 6:20
5: Jesus calling 8:37
Man I was waiting to hear about how that love language book. It caused a lot of problems in people’s lives that I know.
Thanks for providing the (value-added) time-stamped index, brother. 😀
Thank you!
thank you for the list
jeremy144713 thanks!
My favorite "Christian" book is the Bible.
It's pretty funny that you say that, because the Bible is a Jewish book lol
My least favorite book is the Bible
Which version , my favorite is kjv
My favorite "Christian" book is John.
Amos Gonzalez The Old Testament is , New Testament is Christian,the Jews don’t acknowledge the New Testament
I came back to Jesus when I was 28 after spending around 7 years in New Age and Occult practises. Walking into a Christian book store I was surprised how much material was actually New Age disguised in Christian speak. I was saddened how many Christians chased 'the prophetic' as I saw many false prophets. I was sickened at the Prosperity Gospel which is the opposite of the humble teachings of Christ. Having known the drakness, I was able to truly witness the Light of the World. It breaks my heart so many believers are decieved by shadows when they could have the real thing in Jesus.
ADS/// There is a clue there, that new age teachings are just good in general, not even necessarily religious. Joel Osteen is a good case in point. He successfully incorporates these teaching into Christianity. The bible teaches prosperity, or have you not noticed?
ADS that is very well put.
@@k0smon Sorry K0smon, not sure if your being serious or sarcastic with your comment. Feel free to elaborate.
Andrea, I too dabbled in the occult, Crowley-ism, John Dee, Agrippa and all that crock. It deeply saddens me to see the same wolves dressed as Sheep preaching the Gnostic Gospel such as Osteen, teaching the same old serpent’s lie “We can be as Gods” in form of Claim It Grab It to millions of unaware lukewarm Christians who wont dive deep into the true Word of God.
God bless you Andrea, am Glad to see brothers and sisters in Christ who were also rescued from the evil one.
@@adiblatif Thankyou Adib L!! I think there will be many more saved though I don't think the church as it is now is ready to recieve those coming out of New Age/Occult. Having been involved in those things spiritually opened my mind up to a lot of confusion and depression, while Jesus has healed me I had to get help outside of the mainstream churches to truly deal with things. This seeker friendly capitalist Christisnity doesn't have the depth in Christ to truly set the captives free. But I know God in His infinite love and grace has got a plan. It just saddens me to see Christians getting fat on milk when they should be ready for meat.
Prosperity preaching is a sore spot for me. I’m a mother of two and I don’t want an easy and comfortable life for my children, I don’t want them to suffer greatly but I do want them to grow a Godly character. I want them to learn to grow through struggle and to learn to ask God to help them through a struggle not over it. It hurts when your loved ones treat you like an ATM or a genie. Don’t do that to God.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Truth. Thank you
Hi, I've been adhering to the prosperity doctrine for about 40 years, since i first became an ordained minister. I've never asked for a dime, well honestly I never asked more than 11 cents from anyone and that was only or my soap ministry Alyssa Michelle Soap. We do fairs and each soap costs us, me and my Alyssa Angel (killed in drunk driving high speed accident 2005) 50cents to make and so after about 8 years, 10,000 soaps made and given away (about $50K) no one donated a penny and I asked lot people, churches and government agencies and now we have covid-19, my point being that the prosperity gospel was the answer to an overwhelming majority of churches who preached God put sickness and disease on us to teach us lessons. Associate your children with the consequences of being derelict. I have the most Holy Cross in human history, i can share more with you if you want. I've been studying a lot of natural sciences the last 10 years, a lot of physics and philosophy. It's been a struggle to be sure, but if I didn't, I'd like to think God wouldn't have given me an aneurysm _because I didn't._ Kenneth Hagin is the Father of the Faith movement, he had an incurable blood disease and as I recall would have died as a child, but God miraculously healed him instead. The Admiral put me to work full time when I wasn't in school, The Admiral who fulfilled the Holy Bible, all of God's promises, put me to work full time at age 11. Obviously i don't know anything else, i can't compare my life to another's. For the last 8 years since Alyssa and I started the soap ministry, I've been trying to give people the Gift of Rapture. It's been working out so far, you know, excpet this covid-19 thing. My heart breaks when i see little children wearing masks, it's not directly my fault.
@@trustinjesus1119 //// The bible teaches prosperity. It is not evil. What is the 'gift of rapture'?
Wise Mum
"Your Best Life Now" is 100% accurate IF you're going to hell.
True
🤣
FE///// A fiery hell is a fiction, as is much of the bible.. The eternal NOW... your only true possession. It should be the best you can make it.
@@k0smon _"...A fiery hell is a fiction, as is much of the bible.. The eternal NOW... your only true possession. It should be the best you can make it."_
And another quote from a previous post: _"Joel and God are doing fine together ..."_
Since you apparently approve of Joel's book "Your Best Life Now:", I bet you have a supply of face masks. All you need to do is certify that you've been vaccinated. That way you'll have no problems with travel. The cash in your wallet has been handled by unknown people meaning cash could be a source of pathogens. The solution is to eliminate cash by replacing it with a touchless digital system. A digital ID system that could be scanned from a safe distance would solve both problems. Society would be normal again.
I'm a Christian so I wouldn't be able to participate in this new system. It's coming, the Bible said so.
@@awaitingthetrumpetcall4529 ///// Immunity will solve the problem. Money does not spread viruses (that we know of). The bible is "fake news".
I would love to have Osteen tell Christian in the Middle East who are tortured, killed, and worship in secret about “God’s want them healthy and wealthy.”
Boom. Mic Drop Joshua Cox!!
Its all gimmicks.
Josh///// God does want them healthy and wealthy, but their government does not.
Exactly Josh, worse still, North Korea..these books are all poison.
Cox///// You act like being dead is some awful thing. Have you not read anything about heaven? That is where the good life is.
The fact that these kind of books sell like hot cakes speaks of the condition of Christianity today. People who claim to be Believers need a good slap and a reality check.
it is coming Adam as persecution is on the horizon.
And the reality is?
The reality is that every time anyone wants to admonish those who are astray they get rebuked by those who are in fact astray and even cursed and called names because they who are rebuking are "unloving".
Jesus said "many false prophets shall arise and deceive many''.
In 2 Tim 4, Paul tells us, "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable]. But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry (2 Tim 4:1-5, Amp)."
What really sticks out to me is the statement that people will want their ears tickled and seek out teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear. In many regards, I see that happening all around, even in many churches that claim to get all authority from the Word of God.
Jesus is a prophet too
Almighty god created Jesus
Jesus was and he is a Human
I read the book a long time ago, but my takeaway from The Prayer of Jabez was a prayer asking for my life to have a bigger impact for the kingdom--increase my territory and keep me from paining others.
Wow revolutionary
I read it, and it seemed to me to be addressing the self-doubt that can manifest itself as God-doubt in our hearts. We don't think God is willing or able to do mighty things through us, so we don't ask or expect him to. Pray big!
I think it just blew up way more than anticipated. Wilkinson had written some pretty good material prior to that, but the publisher saw it as one of those "pray this" formula type books and promoted the heck out of it. :/ (Not saying it was a particular "good" book, because it wasn't, but it's still not a bad prayer - if praying to give glory to God. If praying to "get" something, yeah, it's bad.)
Me too.
I never understood why people think that God cares about our "prosperity". This life is a meaningless blip compared to the big picture.
"He who loves his life will lose it. "
DNW ...You can stop wondering. You just used the Internet ...and invention by a God inspired Prosperous country...to send out your dilemma to every person on God's green earth.
Oswald Chamber's, "My Utmost For His Highest." My favorite devotional book.
I thought you were gonna say ridiculous book and I was gonna cry
One of mine too
Uncle Oswald - good bloke
Wonderful book for serious Christians.
Absolutely! Wish they’d come up with an app.
Also, drawing circles and standing inside is a common witchcraft practice.
I used to listen to Glenn Beck because I enjoyed him exposing socialism and other evils. But he would always be promoting this type of garbage on his show. I could tell he wanted so badly to share his Mormon faith with his audience, no doubt convinced that the LDS church would one day be shown to be the one true church.
@@truthbebold4009 drawing circles has nothing to do with the LDS church.
@@imawordgirl I can see from reading my post why you thought I associated the two things. He did promote the drawing circles book and other nonsense. He also would talk about Mormon topics, like the episode where he discussed the mound builders and new mound discoveries.
If you look into the one story apparently he was stabbed because he would use his circle praying power to help the Maccabees defeat their enemy. There is a little bit more about him in Josephus I believe.
Fair point. Safe to say the guy who drew the circle wasn't into witchcraft though. He's more similar to Jacob telling God his conditions. Funny thing is, when God chooses you, He doesn't care how big of a bonehead you are, He still has you.
My brother died on the operating table in 1992 and had a personal encounter with God after leaving his body; God showed my brother amazing things, told him it wasn't his time and allowed him to come back and live. The doctors told our family he would not survive 72 hours; later they said if he survived, he would never walk and that he would be in hospital for about one year. My brother is alive today in 2020, was released from hospital after 3 months and walks. All glory to God!
That is amazing! Praise God!
God is good 🙏🙏🙌🙌🙏🙌🙌. Praise God
No glory for the doctors?
Was his name Don Piper?
@@leonardsimon1520 God do not share His glory with no one...the doctors had no hope...remember?
To be honest, I have the last 2 books you talked about. But thankfully, the Lord has opened my eyes to the truth.
And what is truth Becca?
I have "Jesus Calling". It was given to me. I've had it for ages and have yet to read it. I think I'll keep it that way. BTW, it holds the other books I have up nicely as a bookend. :)
Me too. They're going into the rubbish bin!
Becca///// So you are no longer a Christian?
Thanks for this. Christians stop seeking the next best book about the Bible and start studying the Bible.
The tickling of ears is everywhere.
Amen!
Good advice . You can't go wrong with the holy bible✝️
Amen. .its the only book that the author speaks to you directly ....ponder !
In the 90's, I reviewed Embraced by the Light by Betty Eady, who claimed to have met Jesus in Heaven. She immediately knew she was "worthy to be in his presence". This book was on the NYT bestseller list for 40 weeks, while she got celebrity genius treatment on talk shows. That it is possible to fool so many Christians so much of the time speaks to our shallow culture and willingness to be fooled rather than judge teachings by scripture.
Whenever someone "knows their worthy" is when you know not to trust anything they say.
And thank you, Shirley McClain and later, Oprah, for making yhis garbage acceptable.
Embraced by the Light is very Buddhist..❤
I read that book. I actually had a religious experience because of it. I had been seriously depressed to the point of wanting to die. I decided to read that book before I went. I had a dream or something and because of that experience I woke up, free of depression and came off my medication. I lived in bliss for a long time. Not giving the book the credit but that's what I was reading before the experience. It would take another twenty years before I became a Christian. (2021)😊
@@witness4Him My only objection is that the book was considered a "Christian bestseller" but it wasn't Christian. That should have been obvious to other Christians but it wasn't for some reason.
God promised He would answer prayer. He didn't promise His answers would always be to our liking.
.... Joe Pesci .... 50 / 50!
dustyrusty musty Ain't that the truth!!!
Yeah, when you break it down there are four possible answers:
1: No.
2: Yes.
3: Yes, but not yet.
4: Yes, but not in the way you expect.
*Prayer challenge*
I'm calling out all Christian's to plead with your god, to end all new Covid19 cases by end of June.
Something that would be a tremendous gift to humanity! Something that would bring so many new souls to Christ. Can anyone argue against this prayer?
If there are any new cases on July 1st...only *three* things could be true:
1. Not a single Christian prayed to end the pandemic...making you vile immoral monsters!
2. Your God said "No"...making HIM a vile immoral monster!
3. You god doesn't exist!!!!!
Unless there are no more cases after the end of this month...your religion is truly fkd!
I'm spreading this post all over YT.
This will seal your fate. We'll finally get to see, without a shadow of a doubt, just how disgusting you Christian's are...or just how disgusting your god is!
Tick tock.....
@@jesussweetbabyjesusbabyswe2610 Sure!!! God Himself will argue against such a prayer of which the intent is to allow rebellious God hating mankind, such as yourself, to continue to live in their complacent and self-indulgent state.
It is judgment time for planet Earth and all those who do not honor and worship the One True God. Hang on to your ass fella. Things are only going to get worse, much much worse! Tick tock...you are right there, time is running out for the likes of you.
Your actions are going to seal our fate....man if that is not the epitome of arrogant self-righteousness, and from one so pointless and weak.
My all time favorites are 1. "Knowing God" by J. I. Packer. 2. "Desiring God" by John Piper 3. "The Knowledge of the Holy" by AW Tozer 4. "The Pursuit of God" by AW Tozer 5. "The Holiness of God" by RC Sproul These books are worth reading time and time again. They focus on God, not man.
Drop John Piper off the list and I completely agree
Piper should be on the list.
Tozer's Knowledge of the Holy was a deep blessing when someone I did not know sent it to me in 1971. It still is!
I believe Tozer was the most important messenger of God in the 20th century. He came along at a time when there was a major shift taking place not only in Western culture but in the church. He saw this long before it happened. The cultural revolution of the 60's was a revolution to destroy Christian influence in America and it succeeded. Tozer warned against this time and again in his books. The Body of Christ must guard against the influence of the world and should be influencing the world around it. Tozer knew God in a way that few men have. His expertise with the English language and his ability to communicate broad deep thought in a few sentences that others take books to expound witnesses to the work of the Holy Spirit in his life to communicate Gods character and will to His people. I believe the Knowledge of the Holy is probably the most important theological work of the 20th century because it is concise, readable by the laymen yet profound enough to cause the learned theologian to contemplate the nature of God. Another testament to the work of the Divine in Tozer's life was the fact that he never went to college. While Tozer's works are largely acknowledged by many to be profoundly beneficial, sadly, his message fell of deaf ears.
Agree!
1-The Prayer of Jabez 2-The Circle Maker 3-Your Best Life Now 4- "Heave Tourism Books"- 90 Minutes in Heaven/Heaven is For Real/ The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven 5- Jesus Calling/God Calling & other devotionals by Sarah Young (You're Welcome😉)
Winnie P thank you ☺️
Nikki Schumacher Official Ha ha! Ditto Nikki - skip skip skip...
90 minutes in heaven is about a man who had a wreck and went to heaven and had a long recovery I love that book Heaven is for Real really happened I love that book. This list is stupid
Melanie Barksdale I haven't read these books but I'm one who would rather be known for the things I love than the things I hate.
Winnie P, thank you!
I'm surprised "the shack" didn't make it.
He would need to make a five hour video to list all the horrible "Christian" books out there on the market.
I would have expected it to be number one...
@@deliamihai8859 And I would have thought anything Joel Osteen wrote would have been number one...LOL.
True! That story was terrible!!!
@Samuel Lewis The born again Christian who gave it to you to read may not have been a "seasoned" Christian. Many brand new believers have just started to learn about Jesus and the faith...and many go down wrong paths of influence and doctrine until they read more of the Bible and grow in knowledge of the scriptures. It happens to all of us once we become saved...we then are on our journey to become sanctified in Christ...which means we will make any mistakes, fall into sin, and search for truth and understanding. For some of us it takes a long time of trial and error until we finally find pastors and Bible teachers who have sound doctrine to help us find truth.
List should be expanded to include Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life", and William Young's "The Shack".
i think "Wild at Heart" could be in this list as well...
@@sseltrek1a2b they have a female version too, don't remeber it's name but I read both. As a book they are not that bad, but as a "christian" book, well thats another story...
I stopped patronizing my local "Christian book store" when I entered and saw a huge display for "The Shack"---I walked out disgusted. Plus they had a nauseating amount of those Amish harlequin novels that seemed to be so popular...I remember trying to have a conversation with a family member about God and the Bible and they cited, "Oh yea, we saw that movie about God, you know the ""Heaven is For Real" "movie??? I get all I need to know about heaven from the Holy Bible---it says all I need to know....the rest of these charlatans---NOPE!!!! Basically if it sells to the world (best seller lists) today, it is usually not from God...The world has no love for God's things....just things that "tickle their ears"....
Can I ask what problem you have with “Purpose Driven Life”? I’ve never read it myself but I have many friends who have.
@@Theskybluerose I began reading "Purpose Driven Life" at the request of a coworker. In a nutshell, the book attempts to replace grace with works. Bible verses from cherry-picked translations are taken out of context to "support" the author's thesis. Some referenced verses do not mean what the author claims, and other verses say something completely different than they do in other, more common, translations. My two cents.
Dr. John MacArthur says about Your Best Life Now, Joel must not be expecting to go to heaven if this is his best life now.
HIM. KENNETH. BENNY, PAUL (ALREADY GONE), BILLY THE ECUMENIST FROM HELL SINCE CIRCA 11950 WHEN SOMEBODY CAUGHT HIM DIPPING HIS WICK PROBABLY JESUITS CAUSE THAT'S WHO HE SOLD OUT TO...ORAL, NASAL, VAGINAL ( HE SISTER) AND INESTINAL ROBERTS THE FAMILY DBESEIGED BY 800 FOT JESUES WHO THHEATEN TOO KILL HIM IF HE DON'T RAISE ??? MILLION DOLLARS? ..AT 85 YRS OLD....I WOULD'A SAUD *NO*! JUS SO I COULD JUS G HOME? ORAL WAS NO SAVED I FEAR NOT PAUL, JAN, JESSE DUPLANTIS AND THA UNGLODLLY PREDATORY MIKE MURDOCK WHO HAD PEOPLE SHOWING UP SAYING GOD OLD ME O BUY YOU A 10K CAR, 50 K CAR, 25 K CLOTHESS.....NEVER EVER HAVE I HEARD HE WORLD JESUS COME FROM HIS MOUTH, RON PARSLEY FROM COLUMBUS OHIO....ROBERT SCHILLER (SHILL)...PUSHING GODS CADILLAC DEALERSHIP BUT NOBODYN HAS FOUND IT YET....TREY SMKH ROBBED HIM FROM BEING HIS FRIEND AND HE ELLS A LO ABOU MISTER MURDOCK AND HID GREED AND BLASPHEMY AGAINST GOD....GOLD MELTS AT HIGHHEAT....DON; YOU KNOW THAT MIKE? RON IS UST A DUMBELL FLEECING POOR DUMB INNERCITY PEOPLE LOOKING FOR THAT DIVINE ADILLAC ANY DAY NOW.....SO SAD THE NAMES THEY WILL KEEP FROM THE BOOK OF LIFE THROUGH THEIR FALSE TEACHINGS...BILLY GRAHAM SAID A BUDDHIST NO KNOWING THE NAME JESUS CAN BE SAVED IF ""GOD ALLS HIM".....WHAT? HOW WILL GOD CALL HUNDUS WHEN THEY DON'T KNOW HIM? HE SOLD EVERYBODY OUT WHO BELIEVES HE WORD FOR RAINGS SO LARRY KING ET AL WOULD NOT GET OFFENDED AND CALL HIM INTOLERANT.HE SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THE ENEMIES GAME BY NOW! *WHEN THE LORD OMES, WILL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH? I AM DISAPOINTED IN MOS ALL OF THEM...I'M SURE GOD IS TOO....I DON;T HONESLY KNO WHERE TO OICURE THEM SO GREAT WAS HEIR DEPARTURE FROM HIS WORD AND THAT'S EVIDENT O LAYMEN SINNERS LIKE ME.....COPELAND BRAGGS ABOU BEING A LITLE GOD, A BILLIONAIRE AND I HINK 1 CESNA ITAIONS + OTHER PLANES YET HS CNGREGATION, I AM SURE SOME GO WITHOUT SO THAT HE CAN TAKE THE GOSPEL ACROSS THE OCEAN, AROUND THE WORLD TO THE ORLD WIH HIS BILLION DOLLAR AIR FORCE...I'LL BET HE AIL EVEN GOTEN O THE PACIFIC YET..SPREAD ACROSS HE WORLD? WHA A LIAR...JOYCE MEYER HAD SPEN AS MUCH ON THE GOSPEL AS PLASTIC SURGERY FOR HER 75 YR OLD FAT ASS ESHE WOULD'A DONE SOMETHNG FOR THE KINGDOM...THE FACTS AND THE TRUTH HURT SMEIMES AND I DON' THINK GO ARES IF YOU EXPRESS I STRONGLY......PEACE OUT...I'MA LITLE GOD I'MA LILE GOD I'MA LITLE GOD...PAUL CROUCH, WELL KNOWN TO BE GAY UNDERCOVER CLAIMED THAT AS JAN WAS A BIMBO ALWAYS KEEPING HER BOYTOY CLOSE...A GRANDCHILD WAS FIEED AND EXCOMMUNICATED OF SORTS CAUSE SHE REPORED A MOLESTER ACTUALLY AACKING HER AT THE PTN HEADQUARTERS...LOOK T UP....APOSTACY FROM HELL PURPORTING TO LEAD THE BLIND....HAVE THEY NOT FELL INO A DITCH?*GODS* CHURCH IS STARVING TODAY ON THIS WORLD....STARVING O DEAH...CARS DON' MAKE O TO HEAVEN OR SURVIVE HELL NOR PLANES, SHIPS, GIAN HOUSES AS THE PALACES OF DAVID NEBUCHADNEZZAR, HEOD..NO PALACE FROM BIBLICAL IMES SURVIVES TODAY...NEIITHER WILL THESE MANSIONS AND HOUSES OF GREED SURVIVE THE SECOND COMING AND ALL THAT PRECEEDS IT...AT LEAST JIMMY SWAGGART AND JIM BAKKER REPENTED...LOOK AT THE PREACHERS LISTED AT "APOSTACY WATCH" GAY CHILDMOLESTER PREACHERS, WW.STOPBAPTISTABUSENOW.COM? HE RCC...IF *HE* DON'T COME SOON WILL ANY OF US BE LEFT?
We are close to seeing Christ coming on the clouds. Things are going to get worse, don't dis-pare, keep your eyes on the clouds looking for Christ. The following is an observation, I don't know exactly how things are going to transpire. We do know that Christ said when you see these things happening know that I Am right at the door.
In the last days it will be like the days of Noah. Today we know what the days of Noah were like. Any more things are happening almost hourly. Matt. 24 talks about wars, earthquakes, famine, pestilence and it is all happening. Worldwide devil worshiping, human sacrificing fools, and the leaders are Hollywood. Half time shows at the Super bowl all Illuminati. Opening ceremonies at Winter Games all Illuminati. People don’t even know what gender they are. Muslims want to be king of the world along with the World Bank, the Pope. Even though things look out of control, God is in full control.
For all the non-believers, those who want to deny Jesus Christ, should do a little research. You have no excuse, with the push of a button on a computer key board all kinds of info will pop up on your monitor. In my day all I had was encyclopedias and history book, the most important was the Holy Bible. Jesus Christ is real and the proof is there if you ask and look. He is the only God-man that has made the claims He made, HE is the only God-man that was resurrected and there is proof of that. You should at least look and listen to what He said.
There are many prophecies in the Bible that prophesizes the end times. Ezekiel, Isaiah, Daniel, Revelation, and many other parts in the Bible give you the end in detail. Ezekiel 37, 38 talks about those dry bones being brought back to life. May 10 1948 Israel was reborn a nation and the Jew’s would be gathered back to their homeland from all 4 corners of the earth. Never before has a nation been reborn after 2000 years. Just in the past 100 years archeology discoveries have been staggering. Christ Himself said, even if you keep my disciples quiet the stones themselves will shout. The 3rd Temple would be built just before or during the beginning of the 7 year tribulation, at some point the Rapture happens. None of this could happen until Israel was a nation again.
Just before the Tribulation the 3rd Temple will be built. The Jewish people announced about a year ago they have all the necessary things for the 3rd Temple; they just have to figure out where it goes. Within the past 15 years they found another so called myth, just another story in the Bible according to the skeptics, King David's city. They now think they have found a part of King Solomon's Temple. Christ says when you see these things happening know I Am at the door.
One other thing that will happen is Damascus will be completely destroyed. This city is the longest lasting city in human history. Sorry Justin Trudeau I didn't say people kind history. It will be a sea of glass to Persia, today we know it as Iran. How did Ezekiel know this stuff 2700 years ago? Wake up you non-believers. You people have no excuse. I believe Saddam Hussein sold his weapons of mass destruction to the Syrian president 7 months before his war began for $50 million. They converted passenger jets to transport this stuff. If Syria hits Israel with a chemical weapon I think Israel will respond by taking Damascus out with nukes. And then Russia, Iran and the rest of the Islam nations will come into Israel just like the prophecies say. God Himself will cause, I think 7 out of 8 to die on the spot. The bodies will be piled up to a horses buckle and it will take 7 months to clean them up.
I believe this is when the Anti-Christ will establish his kingdom and the world will be willing to sign a peace treaty. Islam will be reduced to nothing; they will have no power to take on anyone. George Soros and his evil buddies will be the World Bank, the Pope will be the one world religion, and the Anti-Christ will be head of it all. Peace will last for 3 ½ years then the devil will kill the church. Read Revelation and many seals are opened up at this point; God pours His wrath upon the earth. At the end of the 7 years Jesus Christ returns and He will end it all and His kingdom will last forever.
Romans chapter 1 God says He put a piece of Himself in each one of us, we have no excuse. Millionaires try to fill that spot with money, there are many ways people try to fill that spot. There is only one way, Jesus said: “I Am the way, no one comes to the Father but through me.” The gate is narrow, the road is narrow and few are those who find it. The gate is wide; the road is wide that leads to destruction and many are those who will find it. You have a body soul and spirit, your soul and spirit have the same attribute as God, they live forever. Every human has wondered in their life, what lies beyond? God set His redemption plan in operation many thousands of years ago sense the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. God has not lost control and He will not. He is God Almighty, He is the God of love mercy and compassion and he does not chop people’s heads off or sacrifice children. These things happening in the world today must happen, the redemption plan is almost finished and the wicked will be done for once and for all. The devil will be cast into the Lake of Fire and God will have His creation as He planned from the beginning.
It’s your choice if you want to spend eternity in heaven, or in hell. Luke 17:19-31 makes it clear there are no spirits walking around scaring people, there is a great divide between heaven and hell you do not just cease to exist.
Millard Fillmore- Can you translate that babble into English??
B. Willy It would be funny if it wasn't tragic :/
Millard......first, drop the capital letters. Second, use PUNCTUATION. If you don't jnow English well, learn about English grammar. It will help you. Your long post is almost IMPOSSIBLE to read. Buy a book on English Grammar, it's uses along with punctuation.
Summed up in Jeremiah 14:14 "Then the Lord said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds."
No Joyce Meyer book, or Kenneth Copeland book? You could cite any name it claim it preacher on TBN as being after your money. Filthy lucre.
Besides the Holy Bible the most inspirational Book I have ever read is The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom.
And that book is autobiographical and a true story of love, faith, sacrifice, and suffering for Christ. It is amazing...so is the movie that was made from the book.
Melissa Hyberger A Tramp for the Lord also written by Corrie, wonderful book as well.
@@sandyschutt6132 I don't know that book. Thank you for mentioning it. I will check it out!
yes! the best!
Yes that is a great book.. Mme. Guyon "Experience the Depts of Jesus Christ" One of the greatest books of all time you will feel the presents of God strong reading that book. Also God Calling just because someone used it to write another book and didn't cultivate hearing Gods still small voice doesn't mean God calling was a false book..On the contrary everyone that I loaned the book out to said it was a great great book.
I was at a new church that was known to be 'Seeker Friendly' so I that should have been my first clue. I joined a 'group study' (not Bible Study because they did not have one). The group coordinator assigned us the book 'The Circle Maker' to study and have group discussion. Upon a simple cursory review before the group study even began I called the group coordinator and expressed my concern that this book was using as an example of God's 'Blessings' the incident in Numbers 11 where the people complained about not having meat. God became angry and told Moses:
"say to the people, ‘Purify yourselves, for tomorrow you will have meat to eat. You were whining, and the LORD heard you when you cried, “Oh, for some meat! We were better off in Egypt!” Now the LORD will give you meat, and you will have to eat it. 19And it won’t be for just a day or two, or for five or ten or even twenty. 20You will eat it for a whole month until you gag and are sick of it. For you have rejected the LORD, who is here among you, and you have whined to him, saying, “Why did we ever leave Egypt?”’
I explained to the group coordinator that this was a CURSE on the people, not a blessing and I asked who would assign such a book for study. He answered "I did!"
And THAT is the problem; Leaders in many churches have no discernment because they do not read the bible OR they have not understood what they have read.
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
" - 2 Timothy 2:15
Most mainstream evangelical books aren't worth the paper they're printed on. Those books were waaaay better off left as trees.
Yes, save the trees, ban these new age evangelicals from writing books. ;)
Jesse//// What a perfect description of the bible.
Lol.
I just watched this to make sure that any garbage that Joel Osteen wrote made it on to the list 😂😂😂
Bingo...
Joel osteen the serpent
@Judy Hinterlong May I ask why you don't like Rick Warren?? I have never read anything from him.
@Judy Hinterlong /// Does Rick prophesy?
I bought one of his books, couldn't finish reading it, not sure why, I gave it away I think, probably to goodwill? I should have thrown it away. I also stopped watching him. I hear what Good Bible believing Pastors are saying, they don't name names, but it is obvious which Pastor's or Motivational speakers they are speaking of, Thank you for enlightening me. Blessings.
I think Olsteen and Dietrich Bonhoeffer would have an interesting conversation.
bonhoeffer would shake his head so much doing that meeting he would have a headache
Martin Luther and Osteen would be great too: adam4d.com/luther-vs-osteen/
@@johng482 Actually we have that conversation by proxy from the 1500's in the debate between Martin Luther and Desiderius Erasmus. The Luther/Erasmus debate was a celebrity level debate between the leader of the Reformed movement and what some would say is the greatest secular humanist to draw a breath. At least Erasmus was a highly educated intellectual. If Luther dueled Osteen, Luther would be taking on an unarmed man.
Wearing a noose doesn't fit Osteen's comfortable life.
@@Gablesman888 Luther and Eck. Much more interesting to watch.
Sorry, guy. I was with you until you hit the heaven tourism bit. I also had a heaven experience after surgery, in the recovery room, and for several days as I literally lay dying before the doctor allowed the nurses to give me a blood transfusion because my O2 level was at 19!!! I kept slipping back and forth. I saw my father, aunt, grandparents and a son I had lost come to greet me, all aglow with the love of God. And for the very first time, I actually felt the love of God for ME! You may not know how to reach people for Him, but God does and He meets them where their needs are ar. You do not know more than God. That Heaven experience drew me closer to God than I can describe. You have no idea what it's like so you shouldn't knock it. I know the Bible - been reading it faithfully since I was seven years old, went to Bible college, am translating the book of John from the oldest Greek text I could find (Greek was my first language so - not that difficult) - yet that experience of God's love drew me closer to God than all my reading of the Bible. The Bible is God's love letter to us - but how much nicer it is to meet the Author of those letters! (and no, I did not 'see' Him, but I knew He was there for His love surrounded and infused me and ministered to me. It was there that I truly understood that God IS Love and Love IS God. God is the very essence of Love. Since then when atheists say they don't believe in God because they can't see Him, I tell them that they cannot see Love, either, but no one doubts its existence, for we see the effects of Love everywhere. So it is with Christ). A person's experience of Heaven does not detract from the Bible, it enhances it. And everyone's experience is different because every person is different. God leapt from black and white pages to a vibrant, luminous force of Perfect Love. If you ever experience Heaven before you are actually called home, write it out for me and I'll read it. I agree that many Heaven experiences were revealed not to be authentic, but the kid's was, the preacher who spent 90 minutes in Heaven was, and mine was. And it changed my life for the better forever. It was truly a healing from past trauma.
Thank you for sharing. It means a lot to me. There is “more” than what we can read and see.
Circle Maker was encouraged by our pastor - when elders brought up issues they had with it we were told that we just needed to separate the meat from the bone and “throw the bones out”. Can’t mix darkness and light, though!
I think he mispoke. The sayin gis to eat the meat and throw the bones out. But you pastor suggested a book about witchcraft.
Katherine McChesney yes, I absolutely agree that it is not a Biblically based book! He didn’t mispeak - I did not quote him exactly but should have, in retrospect, to be succinct. He really meant to “eat” what wasn’t thrown out - because he was obviously recommending the book for our consumption.
Sister Heidi I left my church of over 20 years because of Batterson, The Shack , The Message Bible and I have not found a church since they all need an autopsy , I was Assembly of God I taught children loved it but when I had to deal with unteachable adults that why I flew the Chicken Coop ! Now wonderful hubby and I read the Word together Pray Together , Take Communion ( grape juice ) and bread , we are happier than we have ever been and we can't wait for the Lords Return . I am A Watchman , I watch ,Wait, and Warn . God Bless .
Brenda Girard God bless you, too! You both sound lovely. We’ve been homeschooling for 16 years and our last is 4 so we have quite a few years to go :). So, I wasn’t saved until my mid 20s and God has used my responsibilities to teach my children His Word as a way to teach me in the process. Really a blessing. Hope you find like-minded people in your life to share your faith with and that God sends to you people who need your loving kindness.
Oh, that makes me laugh. Strangely enough I've heard the same saying. 15 years later and now I know to strongly rebuke anyone saying it.
This is fantastic. I have a family member who thinks "Jesus Calling" is the most wonderful thing, and buys cases of the books to hand out to people. As a lifelong Christian, the book sounded hokey to me from the very first. Thanks for exposing the author's original inspiration.
Also, can I add "the Shack" to this list?
Someone gave me Jesus Calling as a gift. I read maybe 2 pages and immediately knew it was heresy. I felt so strongly about that, that I didn’t even throw it away, I burnt it. As for The Shack. Oh my goodness. All my friends were reading it and talking about it, which for some reason put my “spidey sense” on full alert. Being one who does due diligence, I read the book so that I could refute it in specifics. I was shocked that women I considered true, strong followers of Christ defended it with vigor.😞. That book ended up on the charcoal grill😊
I have sat under Mr. Wilkerson's Bible teaching. He does not teach a prosperity - get-what-you-wish-for gospel. It is entirely consistent with The Prayer of Jabez, that God may set your life on a path of suffering. It teaches that we let God define what it means to have one's borders enlarged. To ask God to enlarge your borders is taught more in the heart of D.L. Moody - recognizing that the world has yet to see what God will do with the man who is completely given to God and His purposes. There can be no greater blessing than to be living every moment at God's direction and agreement with His will. It was never a formula for wealth, comfort, earthly power, or health. Just pray that God will use you fully for His own glory. That's what I got from Jabez' Prayer.
I didn't hear a single word from Mr. Challies about a vital relationship with Him. All of his objections were legalistic. Full discolosure - I only made to 6:33.
Dan Mortenson
I totally agree with you, I also got that🙏🏻
Tim Charlie’s
I personally have been very blessed by Joel Osteen‘s book your best life and the prayer of Jabez. Tim I think you should quit knocking these wonderful pastors and teachers that have written in their books, maybe you’re the one that’s having problems with prosperity thinking. A lot of Christians believe that Christians should be poor, I for one think we should be wealthy so that we can help all those in need in our world who so are desperately crying out for help. This is only your perception you don’t really know what these people went through who wrote those books on 90 minutes in heaven
While in my local Christian bookstore one day, I spent a fair amount of time in the middle of the "Prayer of Jabez" display, thumbing through the book, reading the blurbs, and wondering if this was something I should spend some time reading. In the end, I decided it was a bunch of hooey, and figured I would take the risk of living my life without the wisdom the book was hyped to contain. So far, so good.
I too would add "The Shack". However, thankfully a book title "tearing down the shack" was published. The Shack movie was pure misguidance and sacrilege.
Maybe if you had been abused by an abusive Christian father in the name of God you might see and experience it differently. It wasn't written as theology, but for therapy and he never intended for it to go outside his own family but it helped so many others that it went viral. www.thesanctuarydenver.org/sermons/paul-youngs-testimony/
@@edeancozzens3833 homeeducatingmumof2.blogspot.com/2009/10/shack.html
Actually, "The Shack" has a very useful purpose. By folding the corners properly you'll find that it perfectly fits the bottom of a bird cage ;)
WG////// You also are using it for toilet paper. When it runs out, use your bible, as there is some really bad stuff in that book.
Care to give some examples?
WG//// It tells you in the OT that it is OK to beat your slaves and kill your disobedient kids. It says that a perfect God has human failures, as jealousy, wrath and hatred. It says to take up your cross and follow Jesus. Since he has ascended, is this an invitation to suicide? It says to sell all and give to the poor. Then you would become one of the poor. Some interpret the bible as saying we go to sleep when we die and don't wake up till the 'second coming'. We know that is wrong because of the experience of those who have had NDEs. It intimated that God is a psychopathic maniac who provides an eternal torture chamber for some. It manufactures nonexistent entities such as Satan, demons and a fiery hell.
The bible is a quagmire of truth and fiction, and as itself says, must be 'rightly divided'.
“It tells you in the OT that it is OK to beat your slaves and kill your disobedient kids. It says that a perfect God has human failures, as jealousy, wrath and hatred. It says to take up your cross and follow Jesus. Since he has ascended, is this an invitation to
suicide? It says to sell all and give to the poor. Then you would become one of the poor. Some interpret the bible as saying we go to sleep when we die and don't wake up till the 'second coming'. We know that is wrong because of the experience of those who have had NDEs. It intimated that God is a psychopathic maniac who provides an eternal torture chamber for some. It manufactures nonexistent entities such as Satan, demons and a fiery hell. The bible is a quagmire of truth and fiction, and as itself says, must be 'rightly divided'.”I did some research (all of which you could do easily online, or by speaking with others familiar with Christianity and the Bible) and found a few answers. 1. I don’t have an answer about beating slaves. Killing slaves was prohibited by law.2. There’s no evidence that anyone killed his kids. Permitting doesn’t mean encouraging.3. What you call failures is a misinterpretation. God’s jealousy is the jealousy of someone who’s fiercely protective of the ones He loves. His wrath isn’t losing His temper, it’s wrath against those who have openly and stubbornly defied Him. As the Creator, He has the right to establish His laws, etc. Anyone who doesn’t accept this has the right (but not the ability) to create his own universe and all it contains.4. Your question about committing suicide is a non sequitur. Jesus’ sacrifice was voluntary. Nothing in Scripture suggests this. In fact, suicide is murder, prohibited in the Ten Commandments. 5. Selling all and giving the money to the poor isn’t a blanket command, but is directed at people whose idol is money. Joseph of Arimathea was rich but not condemned. 6. What does it matter whether we go to sleep? This is nitpicking, legalism. NDEs aren’t well understood and aren’t evidence for anything except that we don’t understand the mind as well as we think.7. Calling God a psychopath implies that you have a judgment standard. What is it? As far as His providing an eternal torture chamber, Scripture is ambiguous about its nature. All we can say is that God doesn’t send anyone there. It’s a place for people who want nothing to do with him, who adamantly refuse to love Him. He won’t force anyone into His presence, so Hell is the alternative.I left you a few points to see if you can figure out how to resolve them. If you’re sincere with your questions, find a Christian friend/acquaintance, or a Christian minister for more detailed answers. Check Amazon for books Christian apologetics. Do your research.
WG Bader • Best comment award!
I will say, I read Sarah Young’s “Jesus Calling” in a very sad and hurtful time in my life and each section I read spoke a kind of relevance into my situation. I felt God was keeping me assured that He understood exactly what I felt and where I was while reading it.
The only problem I ran into was I was clinging more to Mrs. Young’s work for assurance and less to God Himself, through prayer and immersion into His Word. But really, this is simply a problem with myself than Young’s work itself. My life has had moments of wrongly clinging to what was created over the Creator, with identity on football teams, to devotional books, to music, to codependent relationships, to even church. It’s easy to abuse anything to neglect the Spirit. Just don’t confuse Truth with abuse.
Similarly, when I first read the book I found encouragement daily, when I moved to a better place with the Lord, I found the book shallow, and non-spiritual. There was no reference to the Lord.
Hi Seth , I believe God uses many different ways to grow up and heal his sheep. That being I also believe we are accountable for what we know. Would you please type on you tube this man's name ...Warren Smith , he is an ex- new age follower and he will clearly help you understand about the Jesus Calling Book Deception . I saw Warren about 7 years ago on Lion and Lamb Ministries with Host David Reagan . This is an excellent you tube channel to this day. I watch it all the time . I'm 66 years old in July I been saved since I was 24 yr. Old. I'm not only a servant but a Watchman for the Lord . God Bless You. Jesus is coming sooner than it was yesterday. 🙏🎺🎺🎺🎺🙏. 😉💕🎺🎺✨✨.
Thank you for your testimony.
Seth, I am going to try to make this response as sensitive as I can (I tend to be very blunt and insensitive, so I apologize ahead of time if I say anything offensively). The fact is that those times of pain, fear, sadness, and difficulty are the times believers grow the most in their faith and walk. In addition, as Lucifer means "bringer of light" and we know from the Bible that demons can masquerade as angels, it seems to me quite likely that your comfort did not come from God, but could very well have hindered the growth God meant for you. I hope and pray that I am wrong, but with the contradictions between the Word of God and "Jesus Calling", I would be very suspicious of any spiritual benefit received from such a source. As fleshly, sinful people, we often cannot see when something that appears beneficial is actually harmful spiritually.
Brenda Girard Thank you so much for this post. I read it 2 days ago and spent almost the whole time since watching Warren Smith videos. My granddaughter and I tore up Jesus Calling and threw it away. Our new motto: We don’t do fake Jesus in this family. 🥰
When I am at the bookstore & I see Osteen, I turn the book around lol.
Lol! I have done this, too!!!
That's funny we should all make that a habit
Lol that just makes it stand out more, while also making it intriguing. Probably boosts sales, I bet Osteen loves you guys.
He's not a preacher, he's a motivational speaker. Anyone that won't preach on hell because he doesn't want to depress people is not a Christian leader. Jesus himself spoke on hell 3x more than heaven. Osteen is just tickling itching ears!!!
Me too!
Hey! This guy is actually quiet good. He knows how to describe apostasy and very clear explanation. This is good stuff.
Samuel Raj Yes! I first heard of him when I read an interview in TableTalk Magazine. I read his stuff often, but lately I hadn’t seen anything from him. If I remember correctly, he developed a problem with his hands which affected his ability to write articles, so now he’s moved to videos.
no he’s not good one person can’t discern if all these authors are right or wrong which is what he tries to do
You're him, aren't you?
@@williammclaren5285 Your good...! I know self-praise is universal disgrace. But I couldnt help it.
@@firmware-jh5vk
He is quite good, in fact. Good at Biblical exposition, and Christian discernment. No one is infallible, of course, so we need to weigh his words carefully.
I thought that "THE SHACK" would be up on this list...where is it?
pegleg09able, good question!
I had the same question!
I was waiting for it, too! Part 2, anyone?
The shack was about forgiveness!!!!! I do get the God was a black women thing was not good !!!
@Roxanne Tomlin God isn’t a woman at all!
Any Osteen, TD Jakes or Joyce Meyer books r trash
Ben/// They are self-help books, and you need them desperately.
Wow Benjamin, really feelin the love!!
He's not wrong. They are extremely unbibilical and heresy leaning
@@jennifermcculloch5324 //// And you need them too.
@@k0smon I have the bible..I'll be alright. Thank you for your concern though
Sadly, we cant trust tim anymore, dont know where it was, but when he was asked whether same sex attraction/homosexuality is sin, he couldnt answer it.
That to me is cowardice and giving in to the spirit of the age.
Oh my
@@jesussaves7973 yes sadly, i used to read tims articles and enjoyed them, but, in a recent q and a, (dont know where it was, but if you google "Tim challies cannot define homosexuality as sin" you should find articles, video has been removed) he said "homosexuality is a recent challenge to the church, and he doesnt know enough about it !?!?! Tim, open your bible.
But he has been praising ed shaw and sam allbury of the christian gay but celibate crowd lately. Its obvious he has joined the "liberal" christian crowd on this issue anyways
How sad: it makes everything else he says come into question: the Bible is VERY clear about same sex relationships
Very worrying. There's dilly-dallying with homosexuality, the Bible is EXPLICIT, it's an abomination and defiles our humanity. No Christian should be confused about such an issue.
Well, that makes me less worried about my using the Jesus Calling book in my quiet time. Before I read this, I was going to try to give it some defense, I will now. I do not have a first edition and yes, what she wrote in that introduction is concerning, however, when I read JC I also read every scripture reference at the bottom of the page. Thus far, I have not seen anything in her text that is out of line with scripture. My husband feels it is questionable per John McCarthur's critique, but he trusts that I will use discernment in my reading. I can't say for sure, but maybe Sarah realized her error in the first edition introduction, so she changed it. To me, Jesus Calling is the same thing as reading scripture, receiving the message God wants for you ( that is in line with scripture), writing that down, and sharing it with others. Just today, I began to rewrite her text in my journal but changing the first-person pronouns to third person. I will try to continue to be discerning.
I just found Tim's videos today. I am very disappointed in his lack of a stand on homosexuality. It makes me wonder if this is something he struggles with personally ???
Mr. Challies, could you possibly do a top 5 best Christian books? It would be great to see your choices.
Was about to comment the same thing
I will give you what I believe would be most Christian's choice: Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. I will let you choose the fifth..
Top 5
1. The Bible
2. The Bible
3. The Bible
4. The Bible
5. The Bible
:)
I think he meant aside the obvious.
He meant books Christians should read.
The Bible is a book Christians MUST read if they consider themselves truly Christian.
Derek in Sydney. Good one brother! From NZ.
Just seeing Osteen's photo on the cover gave me "don't trust that guy" vibes.
Osteen is, in my opinion, a snake oil salesman.
He reminds me of a con-artist.
Yeah, Osteen's fake smile gives me the creeps.
Has Olsteen ever read Job?
Olsteen clearly sold him his book, that's why the 2nd half of Job's life was twice as prosperous as the first.
Olsteen has probably never read the Bible!!
Good point! I don’t think so ☹️
I figured it would be the entire Left Behind series. I read every one of those books rapturously. >giggle< See what I did there?
You didn't mention the Shack, a blasphemous travesty that denies what the Bible says.
Jay Sexton exactly, I thought that would be at the top of the list.
I enjoyed the shack as a work of fiction with biblical symmetry much like the works of CS Lewis or even other so called fiction. It is a shame that Christian Producers who made a wholesome movie like the shack had to compete with Christians going to see wolverine slaughter people with his adamantium claws,from Hollywood elite who hate the God you serve.
I was going to say the same thing!
Jay Sexton how? Lol not trying to argue just genuinely want to know why you think that?
Jay///// Because the bible is wrong!!!!!
Amen brother! Your statement at the end about using discernment especially when we read Christian books is especially poignant. We expect non-Christian media to convey unbiblical worldviews, so it is relatively easy to pick out bad philosophy through a Biblical lens. But take a look at the Barnes and Noble 'Christian' section, and you will find a lot of bad mixed in with some good, with TD Jakes sitting beside Tim Keller, or Joel Osteen beside John Piper. It sows confusion, Satan's most convenient weapon.
You obviously interpret the bible from your particular "evangelical" standpoint. I too am an evangelical and I dare say that my 60 years of Bible study is not necessarily inferior to yours! I would be careful therefore how I speak against little Colton in "Heaven is for Real," for example. You just don't know your own heart when you criticize certain NDE experiences (are you seeking publicity like you claim others are doing?). True, we should discern what is scriptural. However, you ought not to be so brazen as to announce to the public that you have an edge over others on whether Colton was lying, or was primed by his dad, and so on. You seem like a good guy. However, be careful not to Judge other Christians on issues that your theology cannot take on board, lest you fall under the judgment of God. James
What did Lazarus say, he was dead three days
Kenny Adams don't know, but someone will "find" it and write a book
Rachel...just keep praying for discernment, the Holy Spirit will give it to you. Sounds to me like you want the truth. The Best way for a preacher to teach the Bible is the Expository method, which basically means to start with a particular verse, and open it up and explain and then go to the next verse and continue. The Topical method should be used rarely. To many false preachers such as Joel Osteen want to use a Topical method, if they use any method at all! One way to check, Is there head down reading scripture over and over. I highly recommend John MacArthur, Allister Begg, David Platt, Tim Challis, Sinclair Ferguson. and even tho he passed away a long time ago...Charles Spurgeon. Hope this helps Rachel, I have been studying false movements in Christianity for several yrs now because I have family in it. I spent the first year in the faith just devouring the Bible w/o a pastor or church, and I had just spent a month in the false 7th Day Adventism. I think God was letting me learn JUST from Him!
Chris, please apply the discernment you speak of to the Bible. Does Genesis 1 offer a plausible account of our origins? Does your conscience find the stoning of non-virgins and rebellious children acceptable? Is it righteous and just to sentence the majority of the earth's population to eternal torment for disbelief in a story written 2000 years ago? Please use critical thinking when reading the Book you revere most.
I personally know Alex Malarkey and I am appalled that Mr. Challies would joke on his name even when it’s become well-known that he recanted that story and is a baptized believer in Jesus Christ. He is an incredible young man with a passion for God’s glory and faithfulness to the Word. The son should not be condemned for the sins of the father. I humbly ask Mr. Challies to investigate Alex’s testimony and remove the slanderous “bonus fact” about Alex.
I read something about Alex not ever wanting for the story to be told because it wasn’t true. He felt it was wrong from the beginning.
The bonus fact was not slanderous. It indicated the son had a conscience. Its popularity, even within groups that knew better, is a great reason to include this book. Maybe amend the bonus fact, but it is a short video.
I agree Mr Jones. Even if we find something unsuitable for us, we have to be careful about what we criticise. I refused to read The Shack for 3 years for the same reason hundreds of people on here have slagged it off, but when I eventually read it, God blessed me immensely. I am learning to be careful what I read, but at the same time, be careful what I criticise because God can use many things to draw us closer to him. I'm happy to say that The Shack IS a God-inspired book, despite the crazy references to him being depicted as an African American women and such. Plus, some people HAVE been to Heaven because their message points to Jesus and warns about the dangers of living a lukewarm life. So I'm glad you had the courage to stick up for Alex. If every single one of us who commented on here wrote a Christian book, thousands of brothers and sisters would find something wrong with it and be slagging us off too. Yes, we need discernment, especially for those like Osteen, but we also need grace. It's a fine balance.
In the intro of the book “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young, clearly says “the Bible is only infallible, inerrant Word of God, she goes on to say she uses the “I”, “Me” and “Mine” to help readers feel more personally connected. In addition she Admits that some of the words are plagiarize and some quoted indicated in italics, at the bottom of each page per “day” she includes the scripture book & verse to back up her writing. On many occasion I have challenged her writing by looking up the scripture, and she hits the mark. I believe The Bible is the one and only true word of God, however there are other books on the shelf worthy of reading but with less credence, I include my study Bible ie: the NIV commentary, God did not write the commentary therefore it serves as more of a helper to understand. I should mention as a christian The Holy Spirit dwells in me along with many gifts one being the gift of discernment. I’m sure you know “the tongue is a two edged sword” As I watch & listen to other pastors trash each other with the untamed tongue, how about trying the Biblical way of confrontation. I’m happy to explain exactly how to confront as is written in the Bible. I say this with love & conviction. John
John Layer amen
Thank you!
My great grandmother had the answer to the prosperity gospel, "the devil takes care of his own this is all they have. "
Sounds like she was happy these people are going to hell
@@ventriloquistmagician4735 No she felt sorry for them because they were being deceived. She knew that the prosperity gospel was a false teaching. She spent a lot of time helping people who would listen to the Bible and believe the word of God.
@@debbiekerr3989 Amen
Not into tv prosperity preachers, but does God want you broke and in poverty? Galatians 3:13 says we are redeemed from the curse of the law, that being 1-Spiritual death, 2-Poverty and lack, 3-Sickness and disease.
@@douglasboyd8475 G_d could care less of your personal comfort i.e. Jesus in the wilderness, Paul in prison, Stephen going to his martyrdom, the saints in the arena. G-d is more concerned about your eternal destination and current applications of His Holy Word to your life in bringing sinners to redemption. Cushy, fat, spiritually anemic fed Christians who sit up under the greedy prosperity teachers are about as useful to the kingdom as the cushions they sit on.
Address if you would the plight of Joni Ericson Tada, Corrie Ten Boom, the children whose parents are crying for their children in St. Jude's?
No, My Father is not at all into this demon gospel of Jets and mansions as he is into the poor and prisoner who need THE MEAT of the TRUE UNCOMPROMISING GOSPEL.
The Bible is the only book you need...it's more than enough
Well said.
Dear Matthew, I agree that the Bible is one of the most important books to read, BUT I strongly recommend that you also read a good book on Physics and a good book on Chemistry too.
Most of my Christian brothers and sisters - God bless them - are woefully ignorant of the way the world works, i.e., the way the Lord designed it to work, and thus they get drawn in and deceived by all sorts of snake-oil salesmen.
The Bible tells us to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and all your MIND, and all your strength. Note "all your mind ..."
Unfortunately, too many Christians leave their brains parked at home when they start talking about the Lord.
So I say again to all Christians, "Do read your bibles, but also read reliable text books and learn about how the world works too."
I understand what you mean, and i agree that it doesn't hurt to know how "things" works out. However, you are talking about apple and orange. The book of "physics and chemistry" are science and professionalism which have nothing to do with faith and personal salvation.
Matthew. What's up Grice Amen the Bible is all we need.
Re "The book of "physics and chemistry" are science and professionalism which have nothing to do with faith and personal salvation." Yes, I know that.
But the facts are that in the world in which we live I need to make decisions every day about what I will buy or what I will eat and I need to be able to decide if it is safe or not. I need to know whether the warnings I am bombarded with every day are real or whether they are exaggerations promoted by scare-mongers who are just trying to spread their fears to everyone who will listen to them.
I think Jesus tells us that knowledge casts out fear? Or was it Paul in one of his epistles. Those of us who live in the USA live in a world where we are taught to fear almost everything, but most of us don't need to live in such fear.
And as an engineer I need to know that the things I build will be safe for people to use. I would not be forgiven if I ignored physics and chemistry and allowed my workforce to be exposed to a hazard that killed somebody.
In Jesus
What batterson teaches sounds more like witch craft to me . That’s how witch craft does the circle thing in fact they work their spells in circle really .
The circles are a metaphor! There's a lot of true Biblical principles in the Circle Maker and it clearly states inside, that God doesn't have to grant our wishes. I found it helpful in encouraging me to pray according to my maker rather than according to my circumstances.
@@mjinhamburg sounds like someone who spends the vast majority of her time reading anything but the bible!
@@mjinhamburg there are no biblical principals in a book whose foundation is is not found in Scripture.
“5 books most likely to be found on any Goodwill self _anywhere.”_ 😬🤫
Honorable mention: The Shack
I thought this would be #1 lol
Yees!
Yes but that's fiction so it gets a little more leniency than the others
A Tax Collector yep it’s heresy!
@@piousmutilator4513
I was thinking the same thing. Terrible book and movie.
I knew before I even watched this that one of Joel’s books would be on this list!
I would add “The Shack” to this list.
Maybe The Shack isn't listed because it's NOT a Christian book, but blatant new age heresy.
Care to elaborate on this with specifics?
Watch the author tell his back story. www.thesanctuarydenver.org/sermons/paul-youngs-testimony/
@@auntlavinia8170 Exactly which ideas are you thinking of?
@@jenniferhiemstra5228 I wrote a review of The Shack - read it here homeeducatingmumof2.blogspot.com/2009/10/shack.html
“Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.”
― Charles Spurgeon
I want to add The Shack to this list. Ellie Holmes
Amen! The Shack was terrible yet sold many books.
Rickey Holmes Jr there's not 1 thing biblical about the shack
Exactly! Ellie Holmes
The Shack was the first one to come to mind....
dont forget his latest book. Lies We Believe About God.
I disagree my friend. Your summary may be honest from where your walk with Christ is, but it's also missing context. I can speak to the 1st 2 books that I have challenged against Biblical texts, and found them drawing me closer to Christ. Neither book supports the prosperity gospel. Please be careful to not be a distraction to how God works.
I love Heaven is For Real. As a mother of young children, it makes sense.
And according to the logic mentioned in reference to this book, it's sillier than the false books. It's like saying we should throw out all money just because there is fake money as well.
I love it too. This child had no prior knowledge of certain facts and hadn't developed the ability to conjure up detailed deception. I've come to view these stories as similar to the task of the 12 spies. Go get a preview of the coming Promised Land (Heaven) and return to give glimpses. They are able to give us encouraging reports. Of course everything has to follow scripture, and like everything be tested by the Word. It doesn't surprise me that there are varied, unique and personal differences in their accounts, because Heaven will be far greater, more creative, with endless interesting characteristics than we can currently dream of. When Colton says, "Heaven is for real, and you're gonna like it", I believe is an understatement. As good as that expression is, and it thrills my heart, it's still an understatement. Heaven is beyond our ability to describe, but I appreciate these attempts and the encouragement it gives.
The apostle John saw things of heaven and was told not to write them down. Why would anyone think some kid would be allowed to do what the apostle John wasn't allowed? The book is complete fiction.
The problem is that the whole story was made up. The author admitted that the story was a fabrication.
And the little boy’s father also admitted that they made up the story. In real life, this deal cost the man his pastorate and split his church.
@@christthekingchurch9723 please provide a link or an article reference. I would understand that when turning a story into a Hollywood script some artistic license is necessary to have better formation. The Father was having troubles as the head pastor before this event. Personal struggles and church politics etc.
Joel Esteen really bothers me. He scares me actually. His message of self-affirmation is not biblical. Jesus didn't tell yourself to look in the mirror and tell yourself "I am successful, I am wealthy, I am beautiful, I am smart." No, He said "take up your cross and follow Me."
Adding to my comments below--there is GREAT writing to be found in Christian apologetics--consider C.S. Lewis (if we can tolerate his sometimes brutal honesty--confronting his own soul, face to face....his capacity for love and grief....Annie Dillard for another--HOLY THE FIRM--a short book, a reflection on pain and salvation.) Let's use the brains and discernment God gave us, folks.
We like to choose the easier softer way when what we need is character building.
The God of the Bible performs miracles, answers prayers, and helps those that ask. If that offends you take it up with the author of the Bible.
True. But the God of the Bible was/is NEVER manipulated into doing so. These books that provide formulas for getting your prayers answered are heretical.
Yes he does but we do not get everything we ask for just as a loving parent would not give their child whatever they wanted ...but we can completely trust God to do what is best for us and that us believers everything that happens to us is in His will and ultimately for our good.
Great statement and 100% correct. Context not so much. Implication is that you support those that differ from what the Bible teaches.
@@annescott5442 prove it i'll make you rich.
For the record, Tim LaHay's Left Behind series was fiction and was sold as fiction.
I sincerely hope that many people came to Christ because of those books. At the same time, they paint an unrealistic picture of what the tribulation will look like. It MIGHT start with the ezekiel 38 war but that is speculation. When you read ez38 all the way thru you might see why i don't hold that view.
Secondly, the pretrib rapture is a new idea. Before the 1800’s it was unheard of and it was pretty much agreed that we will have to go thru the tribulation. What happens when christians suddenly realize they are in the tribulation and weren't raptured out? If that part isn’t true, they will think, maybe none of it is true, then they quit. Of course, some will decide to get into the Bible and seek the truth and grow. But so many will not.
Third, people think they know what it will look like, but when it doesn't fit their preconceived notions they are likely to not even notice for a while. Let’s be clear: It will happen EXACTLY like God says. But it won’t look anything like we expect. The prophecy about the Messiah happened as written. Did the Pharisees accept Him? Was He the conquering Messiah they expected? The birth of Christ was unnoticed by most (although there were remarkable events associated with it). They overlooked or misunderstood many prophecies that also came true.
Are we any different?
We are told to watch and be ready. Jesus warned in Matthew 25 to beware of deception. It was the first thing He said in this passage, and also the last. It will be a time of great deception.
Problem is, so many will seek their truth in books like this instead of the Bible.
God Bless
@@yestfmf Amen
I didn't even think about those. Interesting to bring them up. Not sure what I think . Easy to disagree with something someone has to say about the end times, silly to think we have all the answers.
planting a false prophecy like the pre trib rapture is poison to the church. Yes it is fiction.
@@yestfmf, Thank you for your comments. I have always been of the opinion that the great falling away spoken of in scriptures happens because Western Christians put their hope in a a false pretribulation Rapture enstead of in Jesus Christ of Nazareth's teachings. I often wonder what will happen to these prosperity minded when they realise we are in the tribulation. The persecuted church all over the world knows how to endure to the end through scripture reading, memorization, fasting,service to others,sacrificial giving, praise and prayer.
So many Western Christians want to argue the fine points of a Rapture position that has no basis in scripture and is not the historical teaching of the Christian church.. I ask them " What colour horse do you think is riding now?" It is clear that they are not in the Word, or are avoiding prophecy and have taken up with teachers who tickle their ears. False teachers do this to line their pocketbooks and bank accounts.
By their fruits ye shall know them. Joel Olsteen would not open his church building up for the homeless or poor during a recent disaster. And he never speaks of sin or the cleansing blood of Jesus. His Sunday talks are watered down New Age Prosperity motivational coaching lectures. Designed not to offend anyone and to ensure his collection plates are full. It is no wonder that his books are full of popular fluff. Pablum for the masses.
Sadly our Lord told us that many would come in His name. Many false teachers would arise. And that many would be deceived. I choose to read the Word of God and to tell as many as possible about the true gospel of Jesus. The thief comes only to kill, to steal and destroy. Jesus comes to bring LIFE and that abundantly. The thieves are at the door. And my greatest sorrow is seeing Christians allow the thieves into their hearts and minds and to line their bookshelves in their homes and churches. How will they stand up to the coming Antichrist? They overcame by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of their testimony. Our Lord told us, If it were not for the grace of God, even the very elect would be deceived. I am sending love and hugs from Washington State, USA, Jeanne of In Loving Hands Counseling and ASMR.
Never seen Tim before and he tackled the topic well, without excess sarcasm. Thanks.
I'm reading The Circle Maker now and love it-and it isn't that if we circle our prayers we will get it-Mark Batterson has told about how at times he was praying for something and he did not get it-you would have to read the book to understand what it is saying. The circle part is just a physical act to make what we are praying for important to us-not to God-for example praying for your child's salvation-it is of utmost importance to us-so we circle it (like we mark things in your Bible that is of importance to you) I think this book and it's sequels can really help a person in their prayer life-to pray with boldness and give praise in everything-
The Circle Maker is all about focusing on what you are praying for. Continuing to pray. The Jewish Rabbi was merely an illustration of someone who prayed without ceasing. Great Book.
Many years ago while serving in the Army I met a soldier who was into the occult to some degree. One of the things he practiced is called automatic writing or spirit writing. You sit in a comfortable chair with a tablet on the armrest or a table near the chair while you hold a pen or pencil in your writing hand like you are going to write. You clear your mind of all thoughts and open yourself to the spirits to write through you. it is practiced by psychics. It sounds as though Sarah Young is a practitioner of automatic writing.
THE SHACK - ungodly mess.
Watch the author tell his story. Then tell us exactly how it is ungodly. www.thesanctuarydenver.org/sermons/paul-youngs-testimony/
@@edeancozzens3833 I wrote a review of The Shack read it here - homeeducatingmumof2.blogspot.com/2009/10/shack.html
Philippians 1: 15-18. Why can't the Christian community just live in peace instead of criticize one another? Why can't we count it all joy that Christ is being preached? Where is your trust that God will reach those who sincerely seek Him? Please use your platform to preach Christ. Only God is the discerner of the heart, mind and motive of others.
Because some are leading folk away from Christ. And their end could be worse than their begining
Life begins with Christ. Nothing like responding using only the word of God! Well done.
What about the infamous John Calvin,a very wicked man now revered by most Bible Colleges, and Reformed church theories?
Wicked in what way?
Just because some people use other people’s experiences to create their own made up stories doesn’t negate the true experiences of others.
that is true because i know I hear Gods still small voice within me. He speaks through water he speaks through many waters. Ecclesiastes water stand for the spirit. He speaks through his word, He speaks through people, He speaks through signs, God speaks many ways to us and the one way He speaks to us is the still small voice like a thought that you just know its God.
Added later.. But you have to cultivate it, you really don't cultivate it you cultivate yourself to listen to it.
Would a loving Father in Heaven stop speaking to his children? Why then do many Christians refuse to listen for His Holy Spirit in their own lives? There is no way that God would refuse to speak to His children in almost 2000 years. Please don't rule anything out until you have prayed to know for yourself whether a thing is true. He told us Himself to ask and it shall be answered.
He hasn’t stopped speaking. The scripture is living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword. Scripture also says not to be taken in by false prophets, or wolves in sheep’s clothing. There are lots of current, good, Christian authors, but none of them claim to be the voice of God.
I find it interesting that you talk about the importance of books aligning with the Bible, a book that is full of people who hear for God directly for themselves. Yes, the Bible does have many references to particular scripture passages within it, but it is chock full of people who hear from God directly or via consultation of a prophet... for their own particular life and situation. But then when a particular author like Sarah Young claims to have heard directly from God for her own particular life... from this same God who never changes, who does this throughout the Bible, again and again, with those who follow Him... then you claim that she's out of alignment with the Bible. The Bible never says that God isn't going to speak directly to people any more in this era (don't try to claim that 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 is claiming that, because we definitely haven't gotten there yet; knowledge has not ceased), and in fact Paul tells us to pursue prophecy, which is God speaking directly to us. The idea that God no longer speaks directly to His people sounds like the type of doctrine that demons would love to propagate, in order to disempower the body of Christ. We need the Holy Spirit, and we need to be sensitive to His leading in every part of our life. Certainly He can speak to us through scripture, but us expecting Him to limit His communication to that method is like a wife expecting her husband to only speak to her through quotes of his previously-published autobiography. That would be a ridiculous way to go through a marriage, and God wants more in His relationship with His bride, too.
The scripture they would point to is more likely to be Heb 1:1-2.
A few things: there's a difference between "thus saith the Lord," and "I think God is telling/teaching me this." God may give supernatural guidance if we're choosing between two good things (e.g. having your own kids or adopting, or both), but when the question is "is this right or wrong?" or "am I being obedient to God?" or something similar, scripture is where we have to turn.
Anything that is, or seems to be, revealed to us by God must not contradict scripture. If anyone gets a voice affirming sin in their mind, that voice is not from God.
Yeah, I no doubt that if God wanted to talk to someone he could.. be it a burning bush, or a donkey... but.. problem is not the talking.. but rather.. 'who's" talking?? remember... satan can do the same thing as an angel of light.. if God tells some thing to someone.. it should be in aliment of the Bible.. nothing else. It's nothing but Pride to think that a person/s would think they get "new info" from above... Peace
@@jamersbazuka8055 - absolutely. God is not going to contradict himself. But there are interesting situations like when God communicated with Peter through a trance and told him to eat foods that Peter considered unclean (based on the law of Moses, which was also God's word). If Peter hadn't listened to the Holy Spirit in that situation, and had just fallen back on what he knew from Scripture, it might be the case that none of us gentiles would know God at all now. So I'm really, really glad that Peter had the discernment to know that he could trust God's voice in that situation, in spite of the seeming contradiction with scripture.
What I'm saying is that knowing the word of God in scripture is important, but having a vital relationship with the Holy Spirit is even more important: it's vital, in fact.
@@statesrights01 - no, it's not just pride. It's learning the ways of God from what we read in the Bible. Mary had an angel appear to her and give her new information. Thankfully she took it seriously. Joseph had an angel appear to him, and he listened. Zacharias had an angel appear to him, and he listened (well, after being made mute, anyway). If they had dismissed the new information from these angels, who knows where we would be today?
Jesus said these things in John 10:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”
John 10:1-5 NASB
bible.com/bible/100/jhn.10.1-5.NASB
Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
John 10:25-30 NASB
bible.com/bible/100/jhn.10.25-30.NASB
If we are His sheep, we will know His voice. We will not follow the voice of a stranger. Jesus isn't just talking about reading the Bible there. He's talking about us being able to discern between His voice and the voice of a stranger, even when the stranger is speaking sweetly. So we need to spend time in His presence, learning His ways and His voice for ourselves, so that we know it better than we know the voices of our loved ones on earth.
@@dagman85 I appreciate your thoughtfulness to this issue. It is true that God has spoken through direct revelation, such as dreams, visions, theophanies, etc. Christians debate whether God is still speaking this way to individuals now that the fullness of his plan has been revealed in Christ and the canon of Scripture completed. I personally agree that there is not strong evidence in Scripture to say that he is not or cannot still speak this way to people. The problem of the books on this list, like Jesus Calling, that is being highlighted is NOT that they believe prophetic revelation continues, but that: 1) They are not saying what the Bible says - that any supposed revelation from God is to be tested by the church according to the Scriptures (1 Thess 5:20-21, 1 John 4:1). 2) They are PRESCRIBING this as a way to seek God and guidance from him. God never promises to speak to anyone through direct revelation and throughout the Bible and church history is has been the exception, not the norm. Usually, when direct revelation happens in the Bible it is a key moment in God's redemptive plan, not just normal everyday guidance. The Bible never prescribes seeking general revelation for guidance or "new" information from God. Instead, it always tells us to seek God's guidance through the Scriptures which are all that we need for life and godliness, able to equip us for EVERY good work. We should not EXPECT or RELY on supernatural guidance, but let God's Word be a light to our path. We should also not despise prophecies, but test them according to God's Word. Books like Jesus Calling are asking the reader to seek God's voice outside the Scripture by "listening" for special revelation that God does not promise the believer. Instead, the believer should be instructed to seek God's voice through His Word and prayer. IF you have an experience that you believe is God speaking to you (a dream, vision, prophetic word, etc.), bring it to others in the church and test it according to the Scriptures. Otherwise, there is no way to know if that experience is your imagination, the big burrito you had giving you crazy dreams, a demon, or the Holy Spirit. God is not a God of confusion. If he does speak, he will confirm it with his Word through a faithful church.
The Story of Jabez is indeed a jewel hidden in the genealogies. There are a number of these tucked into passages that go on like Abner begat Shabner, Shabner begat Shuppim, Shuppim begat Huppim etc. Suddenly there is a brief pause for a beautiful little story. These are very precious stories. Jabez, a kid who had a non-promising start, named Sorrow, because his mama bore him with sorrow. It is an example of ask & ye shall receive also. I don't know about the book, but the Bible story itself is very edifying.
Wake Wake Up Church Burn those Books ! I been saved since 1978 I'm 65 and my King James Bibles have tape on their bindings , I admit when I first started my walk with Jesus Christ my Lord I read a couple of books , you know couple Billy Grahmans, Joni Earekson, David Wilkerson but after about 10 years after that I picked up my Bible and never read anymore books . Amos 8 says one day their will be a famine of Gods Word , Let the Lord Teach Guide You in his Word that's all you need .
The prayer Jabez IS A POWERFUL PRAYER. DAVID WILKERSON NEVER SAID IN THAT BOOK THAT GOD WOULD GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU WANT GOD'S PROMISES TO PROVIDE FOR OUR NEEDS THE JABEZ PRAYER WAS SMALL HE ASKED GOD TO INCREASE HIS TERRITORY GOD DID THISTHE KEY TO HIS GETTING MORE THAN THAT WAS OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S
The purpose driven life, the purpose driven church should be up there.
They should rename the book to A Money Driven Life.
So right .... actually by way of the reach of influence & what's currently being peddled in Christianity today e.g universalism .... these should be number 1,2 and 3 .... good call .... Amen & God Bless !
Seeing this video made me realize I’m glad I’ve never purchased those books. Unfortunately, I did buy “The Shack” and once I learned about the heresy I stopped after the second chapter, and then the movie itself, oh boy was I fooled.
Where was the heresy? Because it portrayed as God the father as a female that could change his appearance or that God the Father appeared at all? It was a fantasy.
I read the prayer of Jabez when I was probably 13. It helped me to understand the prayer. You can be overly critical of any literature.
True. It helped me grow spiritually. It depends on how you interprete the book, I guess.
Exactly , I also loved the heaven is real book lol
Bad theology is bad theology to support these unbiblical books is dangerous and stupid. Context,contex,context the three rules of understanding God's intentional message . Itching ears is about listening to what you want to hear over what scripture REALLY says. We can't make up our own Godly promises and the tell God YOU PROMISED! ! Doesn't work that way ..study to show yourself approved.
@@jamesbuffer4120 I read the prayer of Jabez and didn't find any bad theology. He is doing exactly what he accuses the author of doing. He takes one line out of the book and criticized it.
@@jamesbuffer4120 " But when, in faith, you start to pray for more ministry, amazing things occur. As your opportunities expand, your ability and resources supernaturally increase, too. Right away you’ll sense the pleasure God feels in your request and His urgency to accomplish great things through you."
It's all about the heart of your prayers. I never read the book even as a child in the understanding that God wanted to bless me with earthly goods. And I never got the inclination that the author was trying to promote that idea.
Thank you for highlighting these "junk" books. My friends were hocked on Young's book "Jesus Calling", and I have warned them about the underlying grey teachings.
This has to be a western construct. How do we account for the persecution of Christians throughout the world today? They don’t follow Christ for an easy life, in fact many die for their faith. So I’d ask, what’s in it for them?? How do they live in a world of suffering and yet still feel the joy, love and peace of Christ?......are they missing something or are we? Is our peace and joy dependant on our circumstances? How many of us feel close to Christ when life treats us well and apart from him when it doesn’t?
I wonder about this as well. How does the prosperity gospel work in the third world or middle east where there is so much injustice, poverty, famine, religious persecution, etc.? How can Christian believers "LIve Their Best Life Now" when they get arrested or worse for going to church or risk their lives trying to just get food or go to work? I admit I have read and enjoyed Osteen's books but I do wonder how applicable are his principles to those living under dire and dangerous conditions...Thanks!
NELL ...previous generations fought and died for the Prosperity we enjoy. This is not special dirt we live on. Anyone can do this...and almost every country is Older than we are, and should be ahead of us.
barb rarick ...since you are against Prosperity Preaches, you and most others on the airplane will attack the Prosperity Preacher. Yes...to him you are acting like Demons so he is factual, not condescending to the fellow fliers. Also, Celebrities are continually bothered in public... Restaurants, Autographs, Pictures... Whose fault is that? That is why they Have to put up barriers.
God gives us the desires of our Hearts. Not everybody wants a lot of things. Fine...
I always ask folks, if you discovered a Gold Mine in your Backyard, would you stay at your Janitorial Job? No...you would live comfortably ( just as the other rich do:/ Everyone does the same thing as the Rich if they could.
You're incorrect about The Prayer of Jabez. You need to watch Wilkinson's video series on his book. He never said that God would give you what you want. He said God would give to you according to His will when saying that prayer, but not to be discouraged if it's not what you expected.
Here is what the passage says: And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, 'Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.' When asking God to bless you and enlarge your territory, you're requesting that He allow for windows of opportunity where you can shine His light in a fallen world, while in your own city. When saying that you want His hand to be with you, that means you're wanting Him to guide your steps daily. When asking that He keeps you from evil, it means you want Him to lead you away from what may cause you to stumble in your walk. Tell me how any of that equates to greed? Are you saying that Christians should not seek God's instruction for daily living, and to not lean on Him for provision and wisdom?
In my opinion...I would definitely add the book "the shack" to the list
It's easy to tear down other peoples' works. Personally I enjoy finding nuggets of inspiration in most Christian writing even if I don't agree with everything that's said.
Sylvia Pack I agree. I just watched this little video, and I was thinking, wow, you are absolutely the authority on everything Christian. It takes very little talent to tear other people down. And that behaviour is not biblical either. This guy is no hero. I have read a couple of these books, and didn’t need his expertise to tell me that they were not good books.
Donna Hayes I would urge you to continue listening to Tim Charlies, and check out what he does. Tim reads almost every book that comes out, and when he puts out a list, you can take it to the bank. I agree that this list is not particularly deep or difficult, but it’s accurate and important nonetheless. His counsel is solid and his grasp of theological orthodoxy is excellent.
On one hand, you have a pile of excrement, on the other you have mountain full rich veins and precious stones. You would rather search through the excrement in the hopes of finding a single nugget of gold, rather than mine the mountain and have more gold and precious stones than you can imagine. Why?
@@patrickmcdonnell2067 ..its like having a bottle of poison and at the same time saying I am just going to take 2 drops hoping that I don't get poisoned, ,
That's how ridiculous it is and some wouldn't learn...
@Sylvia Pack I agree. God communicates to His dearly beloved children knowing our differences. I have been in multiple denominations through my life, each with a slightly different nuanced approach though agreeing on essentials. I trust the Spirit to tell me when something is not for me -- as He just did with this channel!
"That one poor guy who went to hell instead" haha. Am I allowed to laugh at this?
I listened to his testimony and they match scriptures so I know hell is for real. By the way, it was a vision, he didn't die.
Definitely read the book. He shares vivid details about his experience yet he also shares sooo much Scripture about Hell (it all matches 😉) and the best part is, his foremost desire is not that you believe him or his story, but that you take the Gospel to heart & give your life to the Lord.
😂😂😂💯
Natalie Arlene very true, it doesn’t mention demons as torturers Hell...but I don’t think it has to. It also doesn’t give us exclusive details about Heaven, or angels, or other various topics, probably because they are facts not necessary for salvation or our Christian growth. On the note of demons torturing Hell’s prisoners, Bill makes the point that a couple times God poured out His wrath on earth by means of “executioners” and “serpents” (Job 33:22 & Deut. 32:24) and suggests why wouldn’t there be similar yet worse punishment in Hell?
@@noahmlong The Lake of Fire is a place of punishment for the Devil, the Beast, the Prophet, and all those that follow them. It doesn't make sense that one set of prisoners being punished would be in charge of inflicting punishment on another set of prisoners, especially if the first set or prisoners might find some enjoyment in the process.
If you have NEVER heard "God's" Voice, within your spirit, then DON'T JUDGE OTHERS who feel that they HAVE!
You tell me you've heard God's voice. I rejoice with you (possibly depending on the situation and extras). You tell everyone God talks to me always in this way and He'll do the same for you if you copy me then the church should judge that, they will judge angels.
It sounds to me like you don’t believe in the gift of prophecy, or that the Holy Spirit still speaks to His beloved just as in Acts and as prophecied by the prophet Joel. People who don’t believe in the gifts of the Spirit tend to become the “false prophet” policemen of the world. Thumbs down to that.
Most ridiculous:
-The Purpose Driven Life
-Your Best Life Now
-Love Wins
-The Shack
Good list. You can add Purpose Driven Life, The Shack, and God-Chasers as some best selling Christian books that were questionable or just plain awful. The re-editing of the intro to Jesus Calling is one of the biggest attempts to sell a book by hiding Sarah Young's questionable inspiration, a book called "God Calling." I actually saw a copy of this book in an old bookstore and skimmed through it; very new age and not Christian at all. I might also add, many popular books for Christian women are questionable because they stress emotions more than doctrines, many times using the Bible as an add on to a woman's version of their best life now.
Why do you say Purpose Driven Life? I am not challenging you. I would like to know why because I know some that are studying the book.
James, the Purpose Driven Life is a very subtle form of pragmatism where Rick Warren teaches that God has a purpose for everyone in the respect that God would bless, guide, and direct them in search of their ultimate dreams. He doesn't come right out and say "name it and claim it," but he makes the church a place where good works and a good life equate to salvation. He also preaches a very soft gospel message, indulges in world peace plans, and has church growth programs that aren't completely Biblical. His book is perhaps the most dangerous because of the subtlety of it. He does what Sarah Young does in Jesus Calling, he uses enough Bible verses and language to make you think it's Christ-centered, but in reality it is more "me" centered. In addition, when a pastor of a major megachurch has problems calling certain sins sin, we have a recipe for problems.
When I was a believer for about two or three years, some people at my job were doing the Purpose Driven Life. I never heard of it. I joined the group and found, out of eight of us there, only three of us were believers in Christ. When I introduced myself and gave my testimony, the guy leading the study politely told me this wasn't the place for that. Whenever unsaved people can take principles from the Bible to improve their lives, we have serious problems because those folks are sinners (Romans 3:10-18, Ephesians 2:1-3, Jeremiah 17:9, etc.) that don't understand spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:14). The Purpose Driven Life and Purpose Driven Church are seeker-friendly and will do anything to get people in the pews or to buy the book regardless if they've been born again or not. God is not a genie to make my dreams come true, even if they're social issues or have a good intent. Google some of the reviews of this book, pro and con, and examine it if you get a chance. Unfortunately, we have many of these types of books out here that use the Bible or God as an add-on to their hopes, dreams, and desires instead of presenting the gospel (Romans 1:16) and teaching believers to live set apart holy lives (Ephesians 5:6-11, 1 Peter 1:15-16). Again, please do some research on this book and Rick Warren; don't just take my word for it because anyone can make comments on a RUclips video. I'd rather have you check out my assertions than just believe it outright. Thanks for reading.
Thanks Eric.
Yes, Karen, the inspiration behind Jesus Calling isn't Christian at all. Sarah Young may have good intent, but she likes to "speak" for Jesus in her book, but her revelation of Him "speaking" is based on the same methods from the new age authors of God Calling. I know it is a very popular book (along with 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp), but these types of books try to sound spiritual without lining up with scripture. It tugs on the emotions of women, but the theology is bad. And someone gave my wife a copy of the Voskamp book and while some of it wasn't completely awful, much of it had little Biblical reference and one chapter described love for Jesus like a woman longing for a physical relationship with a man. It was very creepy to read. Suffice it to say, I am not a big fan of many of the modern women speakers that write books/Bible studies for women (Sarah Young, Joyce Meyers, Beth Moore, etc.) because it's more about stroking the emotion, telling stories, and slapping Bible verses on top of it (or some of these women getting direct "revelation" from God). I recommend to women more sound teaching from someone like Martha Peace or Susan Heck. I know Sarah Young may not seem awful on the surface, but a deeper study of her book and its origins fleshes out some very suspect things. But like I wrote in another post; please don't just take my word for it; do your prayerful due diligence and look up many of these books for yourself to get an idea if it's something that will point you to grow and truly understand God or not. God bless.
I have read Purpose Driven Life. It has some good points, but who does not want to live with purpose? It is motivational but a little weak on Christianity.
"Heaven Tourism" ..... My new favorite descriptor!
The Shack, was a disaster too.
I was wondering why The Shack was not one of the worst but given what he explained about all the books he posted in the video, I would then suppose that The Shack was just a novel very loosely based on God.
I also kept waiting for it to be mentioned.
Linda G , I wonder why he didn’t mention The Shack. It’s blasphemous!
..... and people thought it was so great, without looking out for
a n y t h i n g....
@@jtoms3 I received that book at a white elephant exchange. I read it and threw it away afterward. Garbage! If you read the author's current beliefs he isn't a Christian.
Purpose driven life, the shack, I kissed dating goodbye.
Finally found someone mentioning I Kissed Dating Goodbye. Thank you.
My last gf was reading that while we were dating. When she talked about it, I got uncomfortable vibes. The whole message of "when you kiss someone or have sex with someone, you lose a part of yourself" is just really damaging to people. She stopped reading it after a little while. I still have a strong hatred towards most Christian dating books. The theme always seems to be "don't have fun, don't be vulnerable, no romance, wait until marriage to have a relationship"
Though Joshua Harris has gone away from his faith, he wrote the books while he was following the Lord. I found it helpful. People do not protect their hearts and bodies before marriage and end up bringing baggage into their relationships. And sex is meant for marriage, unless you are unaware of what fornication means. Anyone also knows kissing opens the door to a more physical relationship. Unmarried christians are to protect one another's purity(heart, body, and soul.) The Bible addresses the idea of purity many times.
Momma Joy for many, including myself, it skewed the notion of understanding why we get married and made its main focus of marriage on sexual satisfaction.
With sincere respect for Pastor Challies, he so greatly misrepresents 'The Prayer of Jabez' that he must not have done more than (very) lightly skim the book. The heart of the book is contained in these two paragraphs:
"Notice a radical aspect of Jabez's request for blessing: he left it entirely up to God to decide what the blessings would be and where, when, and how Jabez would receive them. This kind of radical trust in God's good intentions toward us has nothing in common with the popular gospel that you should ask God for a Cadillac, a six-figure income, or some other material sign... Instead, the Jabez blessing focuses like a laser on our wanting for ourselves nothing more and nothing less than what God wants for us.
"When we seek God's blessing as the ultimate value in life, we are throwing ourselves entirely into the river of His will and power and purposes for us. All our other needs become secondary to what we really want -- which is to become wholly immersed in what God is trying to do in us, through us, and around us for His glory." (p.24)
Pastor Challies entirely misses the point of the book, which is about asking God to entrust us with more ministry for His Kingdom.
I agree with you! My pastor gave a message on Joshua and Caleb when they were entering the promise land and talked on how Caleb asked boldly for a specific piece of land. There is a difference between your relationship with God hinging on how well He answers your requests versus the fact that we are instructed by God to boldly ask Him for help, for good things, for specific things- there is not fault in that, the only fault is in a person's heart if they ask amiss or become bitter when He doesn't deliver.
Love the heart of Dr Bruce Wilkinson. He is sincere
He left out the part where the author makes up a great story and attributes it to Jabez when we have no way of knowing how much of it is true because the Bible doesn't say. Yes, Challies did that. Perfectly acceptable. Also, the book only came in 5th. Not worst mention. Worth being on the list due to the type of people who read it (those in love with Jesus) versus the type who read Live Your Best Life Now (those in love with themselves). The point about it being wrong to make a short descriptive point into a long prescriptive point is incredibly educational. All the other books on the list didn't need explanation for why they were there. It was obvious.
"I kissed dating Goodbye" by Josh Harris... shoulda topped the list... what a croc
The Prayer of Jabez...
The Circle Maker...
Your Best Life Now...
90 Minutes in Heaven...
Heaven is For Real...
Jesus Calling...
All of these have a secret method or secret knowledge to offer. They are carnal books that appeal to our carnal flesh. Great video.
Ty///// Total hogwash. Those are all good books. The secret method you missed was in not reading them.
Ty, thanks for the list.
Those who claim to have died and gone to heaven or hell, contradict God's word.
23 minutes in hell isn't bad
he backs his position up biblically.
his story has stayed consistent