Don't be so fast to condemn any minister lest you be the one judged. There is a reason that Jesus paid the awesome price that he did and it involves a lot more than living a broken life on this earth and enduring until you die. Yes, some have corrupted the prosperity message both in teaching and in hearing but that doesn't make it any less true.

I had no intention of starting a debate. I just felt moved to share what a great experiance that my wife and I had today, and encourage anyone considering attending COTH to do it. I can tell you this, Jesus would have definatly been welcome in that room today.

In my OPINION one of the biggest turn offs of some of the traditional churches to me is that I get the impression if: you're not singing like we are, reading from our version of the Bible, or worshiping like we are then you're doing it wrong. And there is alot of condemnation that goes on within christianity when it comes to these things. My thinking is that if you are worshiping Jesus, singing praise to him, know that he died for all of mankinds sin and repent in him, and do your best to live your life according to his teachings, then you're doing it right. And if you're doing this in a church that you love that is what matters

I can tell you that I definatly felt his presence today and thoroughly enjoyed the service. I know that this church is turning a lot of lost souls and back sliden christians like myself around.

I will also add that the Baptist church family that I grew up in was great and full of good ole God fearing country folk, if I still lived in Lafayette I would go there. But some of the traditional churches around Opelika and Auburn are a Sunday morning meet and greet for the who's who. Im sure the message is there but I dont think im in a high enough tax bracket for some.

You're wrong Bill. The gospel is full of prosperity. God wants you to be wealthy, but not so that you can forget about him and have no need for him. Wealth is not an end to itself. Jesus was clear about not being able to serve two masters but you are completely wrong that God is not concerned you being blessed, both spiritually and financially. It was part of the Covenant with Abraham and we are still under that covenant.

I'm not watching your link. I won't watch anyone attack a minister.

What does Joel Osteen promise if you will only use your words to claim it? Health , wealth, prosperity and the object of your desires. That's a very popular message and one that it's bringing thousands to his teachings. Why is it so popular? Because it is the same thing Satan promises and tempts with. When Satan had Jesus up on the mountain he looked over all the kingdoms of the earth and promised them all to Jesus if he would follow him. God promises our needs but I haven't read anything about him promising jet skis, private planes and 10 million dollar mansions. God doesn't desire us to struggle through life financially and he may even bless us with wealth but God's definition of success in our lives has nothing to do with money.

The truth is clear for all to find if they will just open their Bibles.

What does Joel Osteen have to do with my original post? Nothing some of yall can not help but to take a positive experiance and twist it around with your negative agenda.

I'm not trying to be funny but I have a question for you guys.
I'm serious.
What would you think about a minister's wife who had breast implants just to look sexy, and wears tight sweaters.

Smokeandbones, I am truly sorry for joining in with the hijacking of your thread. Your OP deserved an AMEN by those of us who call ourselves followers of Christ. I hope you continue to have the same zeal as you had when you were leaving the worship service yesterday. Once again, I resemble my own tag line below.