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John 14:6 says it all. Immediately many people will say "What if the person is sincere in their beliefs?" Recently I've been reading some amazing accounts of people who were sincere in their beliefs. They were so sincere that they continuously sought God with their whole heart. They wanted to do their utmost to please him. They believed they were pleasing him but something kept stirring within them. Eventually they had an encounter with Jesus Christ. Some of these encounters occurred through other Christians. However, in many cases that simply was not possible. They didn't know any Christians or there were no known (at least) Christians in their community.
Some of these people had visions much like Paul. In some cases they were told where to find a particular Christian who would help them. Other times, they were suddenly filled with a burning desire to try to obtain a Bible and begin to study it. One account I read was about a man who was actually ordered by the leader of his group to do extensive research using the Bible to disprove that he was the Messiah. His group even provided all of his financial support while doing this. The project backfired. This man hated Christians so much that he begged God to let him find an error in his conclusion that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. Fortunately he wanted God's truth more than he wanted to be right.
I truly believe if people are really wanting to know God's truth (even if they don't know that's what they're looking for), they will encounter God one way or another. This is also a sobering reminder that we have a lot of work to do!
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Posted 08/13/2008 09:26am
Author: kreynolds
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Either one way is one way or it is not. There cannot be any "middle ground" or the integrity of God's Word falls apart. Jesus said that He was the only way, Peter constantly preached Jesus was the only way and Paul confirmed it.
A Muslim may make it to HIS heaven the same as a Hindu, but this heaven is not the eternity promised by Jesus.
B2Y
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Posted 08/13/2008 10:32am
Author: blessings2you
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And a muslim can say the worship God, but unless their god is also Jesus Christ, then he's not God at all, is he?
Thanks, Goldie! I always am uplifted by your blogs and despair not the future with young adults like you ready to take charge. (So be kind to me when I'm ready for the nursing home, okay?)
Gracie
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Posted 08/13/2008 11:07am
Author: savedbyegrace
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Great Job young lady!  and you didn't even need my help.
I think grandmabruce said it best with the simplest words,
KraftyKatz
 drinking tea
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Posted 08/13/2008 12:04pm
Author: kraftykatz
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Hi Golden just wanted to let you know i have read your blog,,,keep up the great blogs...you are a awsome 18 yr old man i wish we had more just like you. And you are so right Jesus Cross the ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN !!!! NO OTHER ,,,NO OTHER GOD'S BEFORE ME..
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Posted 08/13/2008 02:50pm
Author: annajones
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Yes, there is only One Way. There is no doubt about that.
Yet, let's show love to those who stumble in their walk with Christ.
And also remember that Peter, the first GREAT preacher of the Body of Christ, denied Christ three times.
YSIC,
Virginia
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Posted 08/13/2008 04:40pm
Author: happytoberestored
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Just clearing something up :
I am not condemning or judging or doubting that God could and can change this man, just stating a belief that I know is wrong. And again, aren't we supposed to speak the truth in love to those (especially our brothers and sisters in Christ) who are wrong with a certain belief? I mean if we just "love" them and agree to disagree about something that is so clear, is that gonna lead them to the truth?
YSIC,
-Golden
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Posted 08/13/2008 05:36pm
Author: youaregolden
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Amen Sister! I agree with you totally on this topic. He said he is careful to say who is going and who is not. But if he is reading the same bible I am. It already states who is and who isn't. I agree with you!
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Posted 08/14/2008 06:06am
Author: awomanofthelord
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I can understand where everyone is coming from and I see your point.
But our pusrpose as followers of Christ is to lead people to Jesus.
And I have never seen Joel Osteen conclude a service without asking if there is someone who would like to accept Jesus in their heart, as their Lord and savior.
Is this not the pure gospel?
I hear a lot of other preachers preaching fire and brimestone but none of them are leading as many people to christ as Joel Osteen is right now!
I think we as the body of Christ should be more concerned with supporting him in this effort then tearing him down.
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Posted 08/14/2008 08:11am
Author: brandiroger
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Dear Goldie,
I commend your faithfulness to the Scriptural teaching that Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life, and that no one comes to the Father but by Him. We live in an age where toleration of other's views presupposes their validity. And that's simply not the case. Truth is truth and our desire for something other than the truth, no matter how sincere, is still false.
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Posted 08/14/2008 09:36am
Author: davidm
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I have not listened to this preacher, but brandi has.
The problem is that although he believes that for himself, he does not take a strong stand in the world outside his church.
We should rejoice that he leading others to Christ.
[bible]Philippians 1:18[/bible]
We can only encourage others to be strong Christians but we will not change them. He will probably not read this so the words will have no effect on him.
As to those we know, when they are in error about God's word, we can only share what we see as wrong. After that we must get out of the way and let the Holy Spirit reach that person. If we keep on telling them where they are wrong, they stop listening, not only to us but to the Holy Spirit.
KraftyKatz
drinking tea
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Posted 08/14/2008 09:47am
Author: kraftykatz
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This is part of the apology that was issued on June 25, 2005 after the Larry King interview on June 20, 2005. Some people may not like Joelk O'steen's way of ministering but that does not necessasrily mean he is not bringing many lost souls to Christ.
Many Blessings to all,
Brandi
"It was never my desire or intention to leave any doubt as to what I believe and Whom I serve," he stated. "I believe with all my heart that it is only through Christ that we have hope in eternal life. I regret and sincerely apologize that I was unclear on the very thing in which I have dedicated my life."
Further: "I believe that Jesus Christ alone is the only way to salvation. However, it wasn't until I had the opportunity to review the transcript of the interview that I realize I had not clearly stated that having a personal relationship with Jesus is the only way to heaven. It's about the individual's choice to follow Him."
The statement reflected both humility and candor. "God has given me a platform to present the Gospel to a very diverse audience. In my desire not to alienate the people that Jesus came to save, I did not clearly communicate the convictions that I hold so precious," he acknowledged. He also described the interview and its aftermath as "a learning experience" and expresssed his confidence that "God will ultimately use it for my good and His glory."
Mr. Osteen's statement is encouraging on several fronts. First, it is encouraging to know that the constituency of Joel Osteen Ministries was so upset about the interview. Second, Mr. Osteen's statement includes a clear and unambiguous affirmation of the exclusivity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Third, the timeliness of the statement underlines the importance of the issues at stake. Fourth, Mr. Osteen's apology is free from the evasions typical of the pseudo-apologies so often issued to the public. He did not say that "statements were made," but instead acknowledged that he had failed to communicate Gospel truth. The humility and honesty of the statement serve to fortify its authenticity.
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Posted 08/14/2008 12:00pm
Author: brandiroger
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Though I hope his apology was sincere and reflected a true understanding of his failure to speak clearly in his interview, I also believe it is legitimate to bring up the concern Goldie has here. Whenever a man who has given his life over to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ fails to articulate the Gospel clearly and accurately in front of a worldwide public audience, he has placed himself in a position whereby Christians should question his overall ability to effectively minister the Truth of God's Word. Though he may eqivocate on other matters, a minister of Christ must never waver on the exclusive nature of the claims of Christ and the way of salvation.
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Posted 08/14/2008 12:18pm
Author: davidm
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1 Corinthians 10:32-33
32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
The church at Corinth was riddled with strife when Paul was inspired of the Holy Spirit to write this letter for their (and our) admonition and instruction.
Let us please be certain that which we do is done for the profit of many, and for the Glory of God alone.
YSIC,
Virginia
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Posted 08/14/2008 01:22pm
Author: happytoberestored
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This post is regarding what Joel O'steen said in a television interview (for which he apologized later) and not what he has said when preaching in his Church... I invite anyone who has not listened to a sermon or read his books to do so before forming an opinion. I beg you as your sister in Christ to not go along with a crowd but to actually open your mind and heart before condemning a man who just like us is seeking God.
May God Bless and keep you,
Brandi
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Posted 08/15/2008 10:05am
Author: brandiroger
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about the preacher on t.v. I think we should are never to judge who is to enter heaven, I think he was on the side of caution for that. That judgement is God's alone. We can not say who will and will not go. My son once asked me if a person had never heard of Jesus, could they go to heaven. " Say vikings," this was his example. They lived before Jesus. Could they go to heaven. What about Abraham and Moses? ect. ect. Ezekiel? I had to really think on this matter and pray. I came up with this answer. Yes. A person can go to heaven with out knowing Jesus. Romans 1 vs.20 ever since the creation of the world, the invisible existence of God and his everlasting power have been clearly seen by the mind's understanding of created things. Romans 1 vs 17 "any one who is upright through faith will live." problem here is it is almost impossible. If you read Psalms 15 (this is what I told my son) just to be a guest of God you have to do all those things in your life. Live blamelessly, upright, speak only the truth, wrong no one, stand by your word at any cost, and that is just a few. That is just to say go have coffee with God or maybe eat dinner with Him. NOt to enter heaven. So you figure just to be a guest you have to do all that...imagine what you have to do to enter heaven? So the answer is yes you can get to Heaven with out knowing Jesus. But it is very highly improbable. Not impossible just improbable. It is so much better if you Know Jesus. and easier. Thank God for his loving sacrifice.
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Posted 08/15/2008 10:52pm
Author: mistletoe
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I must say these comments are nigh on blasphemous... Jesus himself said that he is the only way unto the father. But I suppose that one could logically conclude, I guess if someone were to live an absolutely blameless and sinless life then they should be able to enter into heaven because it is sin that keeps us separated from God correct? Well to assume that it is even probable for man to live such a life is to call God a liar. The bible said "For ALL (1 a: the whole amount, quantity, or extent of b: as much as possible 2: every member or individual component of 3: the whole number or sum of 4: every 5: any whatever ) have fallen short...
And to comment on the original blog post. We are called to judge and test everything. We cannot just assume that someone who proclaims Christ is of Christ. As we were warned many many times in the bible of false preachers and false prophets.. Even those who would come in Jesus name... I must say I side with Wormwood on this issue as I have watched Joel Osteen for a long while. Then I came to know who God truly is. And I can no longer support a man who stands before millions and does not preach the Gospel to them. He only Stands before them and tells them how great their life will be and all the wordly goods and possesions and friendships they will have. Money... Possesions... Friendships... All things the world understands. The Gospel is as foolishness to the world. He cannot preach the true Gospel for if he were to he would lose probably 90% of his audience. Christ never preached the way Osteen does because if he were to he would never have been crucified but promoted or elected or whatever to some leadership position. If he would preach the Gospel the world would hate and despise this man. You are in the world but you are not of the world. Yet the world loves Joel Osteen. I have heard people speaking about him. People claiming they are not Christians and would never enter a church save Osteen's... Why? Because he is preaching things of the world. Jesus promised us that we would suffer and be persecuted for his name. He did not promise us our best life now. He promised us our best life THEN! Like the thief on the cross next to Christ. Christ promised him that he would be in paradise... "will be". Aside from the knowledge of what is to come I doubt he was having a very good day. How many times did Jesus preach about money? A few times and they were ussually against it. Example of the rich man who Jesus told to go sell everything and give it to the poor. Then proceeded to say it is harder for a rich man to enter into heaven than it is for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle.. Think about that.. Just imagine in your head for a moment a camel attempting to go through the head of a needle... Without direct intervention of God I say it is impossible. So we can conclude that without direct intervention from God it is impossible for a rich man to enter heaven. You would think that if the prosperity gospel were the true Gospel then Jesus himself might have preached it... "Come to me and you will have riches and friends and wordly possesions galore.." No, Jesus had multitueds following him while he fed them the fish and bread and then he would say something that stepped on their toes and a great majority of them would leave. The people in Joels congregation must be wearing steel toe boots??? The Gospel is as foolishness to the world and yet the world accepts Joel Osteen... But preachers like Paul Washer and Leonard Ravenhill who the world hates (and a great majority of "profesing christians" preach the gospel. Why? The gospel is as foolishness to the world. "Ehh They are too hellfire and brimstone... " We are to preach the Gospel in love!!!!!!! and if you get offended by it then I am tempted to say that you are part of the group that the bible says "The gospel is as foolishness to the world". We are to imatate Christ. Not the world nor the pleasures of the world.
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Posted 08/17/2008 06:28pm
Author: stravevane
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Thanks for all the responses, but agian, this blog was NOT about condemning or even mentioning Joel Osteens name. I wanted just to expose a wrong way of thinking and a major way of twisting Scriptures
I read about Joel's letter when researching, and I have continued to pray for him and in no way do I think anyone is condemning him. Just voicing their opinion about this man.
I agree with wormwood and stravevane. They are right on. There is only ONE way to Heaven (even the Bible says it). We cannot pick and choose what we want to believe out of the Bible. It is either ALL or NOTHING.
If you all could please make no more comments about Joel Osteen and his ministry on my blog, thats not what it is about. It is about the ONE way to heaven, and that is Christ. Why do you think Paul and the other apostles went to such a great length to proclaim the truth to all men? So they had a chance to show people Christ love before they died and ended up in hell. They wanted to see people saved, but by the True way with nothing added. And what did that get them? Jail, chains, suffering, and they all ended up dying horrible deaths because they were preaching the WAY. Christianity is not about, how can I love this person and not let them know I am a christian, just hoping that maybe by JUST MY GOOD EXAMPLE, they will know Christ. How are they gonna know about Him if they don't hear His name?
Christianity is about honoring God, by following and obeying His perfect Word. And that means, stepping out of your comfort zone, probably suffering, and proclaiming that Christ saves and NOTHING else. Period.
[bible]John 3:16[/bible]
If there was anyother way, do you think God would have sacrificed His own Son for us?
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Posted 08/18/2008 04:43pm
Author: youaregolden
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Well an expert of the law, asked Jesus the same question, "Master, what shall I do to have eternal life?" Jesus said, You shall love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul and love your kneighbor as yourself, do this and you will live...simple...if only we didn't sin and come short of the glory of God. The wages of sin is death and there's no turning back from damnation, cept' the cross of Jesus.
You cannot 'prosperty gospel' your way to heaven, no matter how 'good' you've become since you became a Christian. You will always need the sacrifice of Jesus on your, my behalf. But if you ask the world they will give you a world gospel. For truly Jesus said, that men worship him in vain teaching as doctrine the commandments of men. And some of those that Jesus told this word was to some who drew in to praise him with their lips, but Jesus said, their heart is far away. May you be blessed. Amen.
thbg
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Posted 08/18/2008 05:08pm
Author: tohimbeglory
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We hear all the time from those who say we need to be tolerant of all views. "We need to be open minded." Here's what I say, you can be so open minded your brains fall out!! The scripture says that broad is the way that leads to destruction and many there are the go that way, but narrow is the way to life and FEW find it!! There is only ONE way to Heaven and God the Father and that is through Jesus Christ and His precious blood!!
There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Emmanuel's vains
and sinners plunged beneath the flood
lose ALL their guilty stains!!
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Posted 09/11/2008 07:20am
Author: brojdoster
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context people! We have to look at things in context! We can take one incident and turn it into a ministry! Keep the thing in context! With ministers in the mainstream media there is always an attempt to bring some kind of strife or offience to either the Christian(s) watching or the non-Christians watching! So, if you have a question about a minister afther a public media apperance, investigate them! (They didn't get the attention of the mainstream media by sitting in a corner and just praying!)
selah
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Posted 09/11/2008 08:13am
Author: blackrose65
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This question can very easily be settled by going back and reading the history of the Isrealites. Their problems were always the same. They tried to worship God as their neighbors did. What did it get them? First Babylonian captivity, then Medo-Persian captivity and finally second rate citizens in Rome. People today try to dispel the significance of the Old Testament, but it is the basis for everything. Even Jesus said that He did not come to do His own will but that of His Father. He also stated that He did not come to change a thing. In fact He and all the New Testament writers based everything they tought from the Old Testament. The New Testament is actually giving depth and greater understanding to the Old Testament.
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Posted 10/11/2008 03:07am
Author: openseas
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John 14:6
Because of our tendency to think exclusively,' we have traditionally interpreted this verse to mean something like this:
"I (Jesus) am the only gate to the Father, so come through me, or you can forget it."
On the other hand, the Jesus I know is very inclusive,' as in John 3:16, - - - whosoever.'
What about the millions and millions of people who were born and lived and died and never even heard of Jesus?
We generally say they will be judged by their response to the light they have received.
Perhaps John 14:6 should be read to say, "No man could have ever come to the Father if Jesus had not died for their sins, thereby opening the door for all who will come in."
Jesus showed us a living example of the Truth, he shined a Light on the true Character of the Father, and he made a Way.
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Posted 01/20/2009 09:27pm
Author: disciplevance
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