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Introduction1
Joel Scott Osteen (born March 5, 1963) is an American pastor, televangelist, and author, based in Houston, Texas. Osteen's televised sermons are seen by over 7 million viewers weekly and over 20 million monthly in over 100 countries. He is the author of ten books which have been ranked number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.
Osteen's sermon preparation involves memorizing his remarks and listening to himself on tape. Osteen says that he chooses to focus more on the goodness of God and on living an obedient life rather than on sin.
Occult Beliefs2
Part of a 2013 message by Joel Osteen's at Lakewood Church in Houston, TX included:
I am blessed.
I am prosperous.
I am strong.
I am healthy.
I am talented.
I am creative.
I am confident.
I am secure.
I am disciplined.
I am focused.
I am attractive.
I am well-liked.
I have a good personality.
The right people are in my future.
The right opportunities are headed my way.
I will accomplish my dreams.
I will overcome every obstacle.
2013 is my year.
Things have shifted in my favor.
God is about to show me something that I've never seen.
It's going to be bigger, better, greater, than I ever imagined.
I am the redeemed of the Lord, and I say so today.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Compare the above with what famous, new age, occult teacher Paul Santisi says as he shares the power of "I Am":
In this guided meditation intention is set and created around only two words. In these two words are the two most powerful words in any language. These two words are magic. They broadcast the most energetic, magnetic power to the universe to create the self infinitely more than any other two words. These two words are the most powerful words in all of conscience understanding. These two words are where the rubber meets the road in creating your life exactly how you want it to be. These two words are "I Am."
The words "I Am" create everything about you, and how your life manifest all around you. if you think or speak the words, "I am broke," you will be. If you think or speak the words, "I am mad, annoyed, frustrated, offended, you will always be that." If you always say or think, "I am tired," you will always be tired. If you always think or say, "I do not feel good," guess what? You will never feel great.
The important truth that I really want you to grasp, is the words "I Am" work the same if you use them this way. "i am happy," you will smile. "I am well off," you will have more money. "I am full of energy," you will always be full of energy and excitement. "I am healthy," you will feel great. "I am beautiful," you will feel attractive and confident. "I am lucky," you guessed it, great things will begin to happen instantaneously in your life. Instantaneously. Yes, these two words are that powerful.
Which is more disturbing, that the gospel preached by Joel Osteen is indistinguishable from the occult new age, or that people are so apostate that they believe in his teachings? These new age teachings are leading to new age channeling that are replacing prayer meetings inside the church.
Sources:
1 Joel Osteen, From Wikipedia [Backup]
2 Omega Frequency - Episode 5 (28:13)
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