He is one of the main reasons I decided to become a chistian and accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior....
And I had never heard of him until one night, when I was desperate for some encouragement, I was flipping channels on tv and happened to catch him just as he started saying stuff that spoke right to my situation. I believe it was no accident. It was like he was speaking directly to me. That was the first time I watched him and I still watch him sometimes on youtube. I must have watched over a hundred of his sermons already. (I accepted Christ about 11 or 12 years ago)
When Joel was new and on TV, I had already been saved for many years.
He was so refreshing.
I went out and bought his first book and I couldn't put it down.
Tremendous stuff.
I was very encouraged, at a time when I needed encouragement.
Then people came along and said all kinds of bad things about him.
Many Christians were all too glad to jump on the band wagon and bash another Christian, especially one that made a lot of money and ran a big church.
Complaining about Joel Osteen has turned into out right hatred for him.
Why?
Because he is successful?
And you're not?
Try living your best life now and see how quickly things change for you.
And that ain't no devil talking.
They don't want you to live your best life now.
They want to keep you down and to keep bringing others with you.
That is hardly having "victory in Jesus!