"Your Best Life Now!" (What a Joke...)

[patriciacarrasco]

i recently threw away my copy of joel osteens "your best life now"! best thing i did in a while, didnt do anything good for me at all

[Stinkko]

lane post a response to this the song martyrs by shai linne its a song about this story and a few others

[ferdinand1177]

Lump in my throat and tears in my eyes as my reaction to this video even as I recall the sad fact about Matthew 7:22; MANY of those who sincerely profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will be denied entry into the gates of heaven.

[k0smon]

An argument for Bibliolatry. Lets worship the bible, for it is 'God's Word'. It is inerrant. Bart Ehrman, bible scholar, says: "The Bible is filled with discrepancies, many of them irreconcilable contradictions."

[JeshuaLivingWord]

@k0smon Im really tired of hearing people say this...if there are contradiciotns, show me. Please. Nevertheless, although the demons believe, it is not a belief unto salvation. Theres someone in africa or china or pakistan being killed as i write this for believeing in this Bible, and they probably cant tell you apologetics or 100 reasons why the bible is true. etc. But for your sake, and that your mouth may be shut, if you are honest, tell me why you think it is false. Anyone else is welcome.

[HermitintheRain]

If I may encourage any interested in such matters to read two books: "Fox's Book of Martyrs" and "God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew". Would also like to encourage you to visit Voice of the Martyrs to be informed of current struggles around the world that our brothers and sisters are enduring for Christ.

Heb 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

[Rylucero]

Beware of these False Teachers such as Joel Osteen who are leading people to hell. He as well as other False Prophets are deceitfully diverting peoples trust away from the Word of God and by doing so are themselves on their way to hell. What do False Prophets do, they destroy souls, and they themselves will be destroyed. (2 Peter 2:3) Ask God to expose these wicked prophets with his Word and ask for gifts of the Spirit such as Spiritual Discernment to reveal these things to your heart!

[oryxfreeride]

Here's how I see it. God doesn't allow his elect to be deceived by preachers like Joel Osteen. His message is the opposite of the gospel, and its easy for a believer to see this. But there are thousands (millions) of false believers out there, who think because they have accepted some of the beliefs of the bible that they earned the right to be forgiven of their sins. This is the church of Osteen and others. Still these people need to be warned of false prophets and taught the true gospel.

[88momart]

@oryxfreeride Thank you for this insight. I've been mystified why error is so plain to me, when so many others are deceived; knowing that I am no smarter than anyone else. It's His protection.

[graceinmay]

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

true Christian faith is about taking up your cross, and following Jesus, because He has saved you, and is your Lord. it means sacrifice, humility, and often suffering. but it means a wonderful walk in the Light of God, from whose hands no one can snatch you.

[boomya555]

I've heard slight variations of this same story, like it was Russian soldiers,German etc etc

[brk49er]

Sadly christians are persacuted around the globe for the sake of their belief. In light of political correctness we sacrifice Gods word, and it may not get this bad in the US but we are taking God out of every thing. Abortion and Gay marriage are two of our most pressing political issues today, and they call them civil liberties. Everyone remember Jesus is Lord every tongue will confess and every knee shall bow, even the soldier that pulled the trigger. To die is gain, God Bless Her Courage.

[dawgbear06]

Thanks Lane. I am always humbled and strengthened by the accounts of martyrs of the Faith. I first heard it in a gospel rap song called "Martyrs" on Shai Linne's album "Stories" watch?v=T3a6IWdaaWU

I pray that I would stand as firm as these and others if the same situation were to come upon me.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

(Philippians 4:13 KJV)

[iahm87]

"No one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit" -1 Cor 12:3

[yetidetective]

did this really happen? is there a news article recording it? i am just curious. ty

[imaguitarist]

Yes, it did happen. I'm not quite sure about a news article since it happened in Communist China but I believe the account is recorded in the book, "Jesus Freak".

[Angelina198622]

i just started reading that book...i love it.

[queenofsheba1000]

whats the name of the book?

[markedbyhim]

I am ashamed of my weak faith.Father, forgive me,strengthen me.

[TimotheosCauvin]

Wrong, the girl in the clip chose her "best life now" AND has a place in heaven.

You have your best life now when you honor and enjoy God in Jesus - regardless what the people around you say about it.

[cadaverousichabod]

May it never be for me and my brothers though, If God decides for this persecution whose arm is strong enough to be placed against Gods? Not even my strongest enemy can upperhand the Lord..

[cadaverousichabod]

Your best life now? Hmm.. where in the Book was this promised to me? Is a new creation buying this? May i judge based on Fruit? I'm saying judging fruit in the context of true faith in the chosen one Jesus producing fruit. Or do i have to abide by ones eisegesis? Joel Olsteen bears no fruit. I agree.

[disciplediane]

Thankyou Sylvain, my dear friend for sharing. A just reminder of what we all should be prepared to do! Thankyou Lane for posting. 5***** Be blessed both of you.....Diane.

[marcelojoanna]

Thank you disciplediane for sending me this video. All I can say, is Yes, I will die for the cause of Jesus. God knows me and I thank Him for that. Family have called me Jesus Freak among other names...it is ok...for it is God that I will answer to! God Bless you for sharing this with me.

[evapettit]

I agree with you ! I would die for my Lord also! I have no fear of death caus God is with me!

[greenlee0]

I truly believe the persecution of Christians will surface the American soil someday.

"Let the righteous live by faith!" -"The fear of the Lord is perfect reviving the soul! -"Perfect love drives out fear!" Be encouraged and be ready!

Hebrews 12-

"In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood."

[roboshort72]

I am reminded of these verses.

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (ESV)

Acts 9:16 "For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." (ESV) (God to Ananias reguarding the Apostle Paul before conversion)

Lord rebuke us when we fear men more than you.

Amen

[roboshort72]

All this in a country where we have no fear of the government or even other people harming us physically. But that we would be "embarassed" or "hurt". We are only focused on God helping us live better, more fulfilling lives.The Truth is not even worth arguing over let alone dying for. The world says we are foolish are "Brothers&Sisters" in Christ say we are trouble makers, disturbers of the peace. God forgive us. God help us.

[APSOC38]

If you think about it, we're probably more of a thorn in the sides of the ecclesiastical types than the magisterial types. Just ask the guys in Lane's tags for this video.

[roboshort72]

I cannot help but be so ashamed that I find it hard to even confront wrong with the Truth of scripture. I have a hard time even getting into a discussion where I will be ridiculed or put down for my faith. We handle the Word of God so carelessly. We take it for granted so often. We have gotten to the place where we won't even have discussions about what doctrines and ideas are dangerous or unbiblical for the sake of "unity". We so want the world to see us as "enlightened" and "tolerant".

[jbjb9402]

Brilliant video! In China Christians get shot. In the Muslim world they are beheaded. In Africa they are hacked to death with machetes. I guess that whole "best life now" message is only for us fat, happy slobs here in America.

[spiderlance12003]

Abundant life in christ has nothing to do with being wealthy.Your life does not consist in the things you possess.Persecutions is actually part of the abundant life because Jesus said when they persecute you for righteousness sake rejoice great is your reward in heaven inlike manner they persecuted the prophets before you.Our reward is much greater with persecutions if possessions is our reward then we will be poor in reward at the ressurection ofm the just.

[GEERUP]

Amen Please Lord Help Me And All Who Love YOU to Endure to the end.

[danmccain]

How does this negate "your best life now" ? Osteens book was written in a country where we are free to worship as we choose, therefore it is applicable to our lives as christians in the united states, I don't agree with everything olsteen stands for necisarilly, but "your best life now" has alot of thruth in it and can impact your life in a positive way, if you are open to it, or you can just be a fundamentalist hard nose who believes if you dont suffer, you're not a christian.

[LaneCh]

Yes, we saw the fruits of it in earlier comments on another video when a man was saying how much Osteen helped him but was favoriting videos about beating up whores and orgasms. When I confronted him about how could God change him so yet he still watch this garbage, he said something to the effect that he makes more money now so he'll be eating better meat than me tonight while I eat cheap ground beef. Yes, the fruits of Osteen's "ministry" are remarkable.

[danmccain]

and your "ministry" of condemning other ministries is so much better right? a house divided cannot stand. and because people have applied the book that osteen wrote to their financial life and have a bad attitude about it that's olsteen's fault too?

Granted, Osteen is wrong about alot of things, but so are you I'm sure! Number one your methods of trashing another minister Rather than just uplifting Christ. Backbiting is one of the major reasons people don't want to be a christian.

[LaneCh]

"Backbiting is one of the major reasons people don't want to be a christian."

No, the love of their own sin is the reason people don't want to believe in Christ, sir. That's biblical.

Again, thanks for showing the fruits of those who will not call error out for what it is. The "courage" of those who endeavor to partake in this line of thinking never ceases to amaze.

[danmccain]

The fact that they love their own sin is obvious, still those who are searching for something tend to be turned away when they see "Christians" stabbing each other in the back because they are ego-driven just like the rest of the world! And by the way I was calling out error, yours!

[LaneCh]

Obviously. You were calling out what you believe is error based on your own subjective opinion. I am calling it out based on the objective truth of the Bible. "Don't judge according to appearance, judge righteously." (John 7:24) I'll leave your comment up to see what the following comments from others look like, but I'm willing to guess now that the only ones who agree with you will appeal to themselves as the final arbiter and not Scripture just as yourself which is in itself egotistical, sir.

[LaneCh]

Perhaps an infidel like Gahndi will agree with you, sir, but Gahndi was not a Christian so opinions that are sympathetic towards his are irrelevant. Perhaps you should examine yourself to see if you are a Christian, sir. Only a Christian wouldn't have an issue with pointing out the error in those like Osteen and others who make their garbage public for all to feed on. The fruits I've seen thus far indicate that you are not.

[danmccain]

And so far the only fruits I have seen of yours spell out one thing... Pharisee...

How dare you sir! I will have you know, that I have dedicated My life to Christ and am 100% in love with him!! For you to resort to saying that I am not a christian Proves my point. You're not looking for "Fruits" your looking for reasons you can deconstruct other Children of God to make yourself feel holier.Try pulling the plank out of your own eye! It's hindering your vision!

[LaneCh]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: The two most vociferous, irrational type of people that I get commenting on videos are professing atheists and proponents of the Word-Faith "heroes". Your comments continue to prove this point. If you are a Christian, you love the brethren. If you consider Osteen to be a brother of yours, then you obviously aren't a Christian. This logic isn't hard to grasp even for someone who is a proponent of Ghandi.

[LaneCh]

"I will have you know, that I have dedicated My life to Christ and am 100% in love with him!!"

Of course. I mean you've said so yourself like the other subjective opinions of yours that you've shared with us. It must be true then. Who are we to judge fruits? Even though Christ commanded it and all, let's just ignore Christ's commands and simply accept your word to be objective truth. I'm sure no one will be deceived as a result. Let's all look to you since you're the standard. (sarcasm)

[danmccain]

My opinion is completely irrelevant! What I am saying is scriptural. You are the one judging by appearance! You don't know that

mans heart! Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. James 4;11

He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool Prov. 10:18

[LaneCh]

Take Prov. 10:18 for example. A believer could use that against an infidel, and an infidel could use that against a believer based on how one defines "hatred, lying, slander, etc." See the believer would say that slander and lying is spreading something about someone that is not true. The infidel would say that it is spreading something about someone that is not nice. You see, from your comments, the only real issue you've brought up is, "This is not nice." (in so many words). Says a lot, huh?

[thrufaithalone]

danmccain-"Granted, Osteen is wrong about alot of things"

How would you keep people from falling into Osteen's error? How do you warn someone who is falling under the spell of "your best life now" vs the message of the gospel that carries with it the promise of persecution?

[danmccain]

I don't think there is necisarily a "spell" in your best life now.

I haven't even finished the book yet...

When I am saying he is wrong about things, I am just talking about the stands he takes on (or rather doesn't take) on certain issues facing the body of christ today.

By the way there are alot more Promises that come along with the gospel than that os persecution. Like that of Life more abundantly, Promises of joy , but not every christian will go through what they did in this video.

[kylemorne100]

I'm sorry I know I shouldn't interrupt your conversation but I personally read the book...I'm not going to lie, when I read the book, it bring me so many joy, I mean: develop a healthy self-image, and the best part: choose to be happy. But...if I can live in this life temporary life always happy, and I can die and get to heaven everlastingly happy, then is this the purpose of life? To be happy or for God to be happy? Did christ act happy in this life to please God...or suffer to please God?

[danmccain]

so are you saying Christ wasn't happy? I mean I know he did suffer for our sins. But I believe he was a joyful man! It's not Wrong for you to enjoy your life! It's not wrong to be happy, No I'm not saying happines is the purpose of life, but It is definitely a part of life, and Joy is a gift from God! so why not accept it? Choosing to be happy makes a huge difference on how you impact those around you! if we tried to show joy around the unbelievers instead of condemnation more would be saved

[LaneCh]

We're not saying it; God is:

He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

(Isa 53:3)

It's not wrong to be joyful, but when you divorce joy from grief, it's sinful and not Biblical. For example, Christians are sorrowful over their sin, but joyful in their salvation. You can't have one without the other. It might look like joy, but it isn't joy.

[APSOC38]

Lane, I've never heard it put that way in your last paragraph. It does make perfect sense. Thanks for the insight. Iron sharpens iron.

[ForGodAlone]

Humbling. How easy it is to forget our brothers and sisters who risk their lives daily for simply believing. I hope this video will be seen by the saints as a call to prayer, to strengthen these precious believers.

[germantonsy]

wow

[ReformedLou]

Praise God for such faith. Praise God for her exclusive, narrow, and true faith.

That Bible, as a mere collection of bound pages wouldn't be something I'd die for, but when they called it a book of lies, THAT's when they called them to deny THE word of God, and call Him a liar. She was an especially bold and humble saint.  Thank you for the encouragement, Lane (and Grant).

[NJLouis66]

That's what I was thinking too. The object, the book itself, the leather, the paper and ink... I doubt I'd give my life for that. But the words, the truth, the God who authored it and preserved it and His glory... I can only hope to have the courage of this lady.

[Soulrestorer]

Amen.....A true soldier for the lord that womam was, she could not be bent to the left or to the right, how we need more like her. She is with the Lord now, Amen. God bless you Lane, great post my brother and friend.

[SalvationEternity777]

Wow, today, at a forum, I read an old post exactly about this scenario, with the women, communism, and her martyrdom. This was an epiphany to me, thanks for the upload.

[damildlyshreddah]

Truly amazing. Such faith that woman must have had. I don't even dare to think what I would have done in a situation like that.

Inspirational upload Lane

[ProclaimHisWord]

May God give me the courage never to compromise His Word of Truth.

Thank you Lane for this video.