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Thursday, April 17, 2008

Hot Topics~The Church of Oprah

Let me start by saying...I am NOT against Oprah. However, I, as a Christian who believes the Word of God to be Holy and wholly true, I must take notice at what is being said and know how to battle this mindset.

We cannot as Christians just respond with a, "Oh I don't watch Oprah and never will."

If you do, you have totally missed the point.
She is just a voice for this movement. A very powerful voice.

She is also a wonderful humanitarian and does incredible good things for others, I respect that in her. No matter what her motives, she is a good person.

BUT, this is a dangerous teaching that is sweeping the globe right now and we should not bury our heads in the sand. We should pay attention and know how to address this issue with the truth.

It breaks my heart to see how Oprah has misunderstood the Lord's jealousy, and to see Christians hungry for this message just grieves me.

My challenge to you is....leave a comment with input about how to deal with this God's way. What would you say to someone hearing this?

Remember, it's the kindness and love of God that draws men to repentance.

Rom 2:4

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? KJV

It is love that she's offering, it's just not the One who IS love.


29 comments:

Praise and Coffee said...

My jaw dropped when I saw this.
God is about feeling...not believing.
Wow.

My feelings are so unpredictable and unstable. I can't imagine the truth being about what I feel. That's a scary thought.

It's my believing in something, someone so much bigger than I that gives me hope.

They are so close and yet so far...they say "God is"....but we say, He is the I AM!

Heb 4:12
12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
NIV


His Word is alive...their message is not.
His Word offers hope...their message offers "peace" but none comes.
It is "light" they preach, but not the light of the world.

2 Cor 11:3-5
3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.
NIV

2 Cor 11:13-14
13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
NIV

Sheila said...

Oh. My. Word. I did not see or hear about this until I came across your post. I couldn't even watch the whole blasphemous thing - it turned my stomach. It breaks my heart and saddens my soul to know that someone with such "Power" is spreading lies about God, about Christ. What a slap in the face to Jesus who suffered and died for someone to say he or what happened to him is not real.

"Yes God is real, for I can feel, Him in my soul!"

Oprah and those who believe the message of this "new church" have been added to my prayers.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Praise and Coffee said...

I agree Gina, and frankly I can't remember the last time I watched her.

I have to admit though, I get frustrated when Christians self-righteously declare things like, "I won't watch Oprah"

Whatever.

I don't even know when she is on, but I'm not going to respond that way because that's not the issue.
The issue is that she has a huge following and we are probably coming in contact with women who watch and believe her everyday.

How do we reach people when we have no idea what they even are thinking?

We are called to be "fishers of men"
I am a much better fisherman if I know "what the fish like to eat, where they like to swim and how they function."
It would be foolish to use grass for bait when what they are hungry for is worms.
Does that make any sense????

I use this kind of video and other shows like 'The View' to start conversations with women about things that they obviously care about.

I want to do more than pray from the outside of the pit, I want to jump in and help women out.

Thanks for your input!!!

penguinsandladybugs said...

Whoa! I did not know about this. Oprah has a HUGE following and that saddens me that she would set her followers up in this way. But I was in tears by the end. She is making a mockery of my Jesus....and all that he has done for us. I am just overwhelmed with fear and confusion and helplessness. YUCK! Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Satan doesn't have to work as hard when humans do it the work for him. He doesn't care if those 2 million people don't worship him, as long as they don't worship the great I AM.

Judy said...

Gal 5:7 "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? 8That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9"A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." 10I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be."

We just studied this last night in our Bible study. Paul talks all through Galatians to be careful of those who lead you astray -- especially with something that ALMOST sounds like the truth. When the question was asked last night about if we could think of any current examples, Oprah popped into my mind. She does have too big of a following. It's scary.

I agree with needing to be aware of what she is saying so we can have THE TRUTH ready to stand up for God. I watch her often, but there are some shows that I just cannot stomach. It just makes me sick to hear God lied about.

Thank you for bringing this to the attention of many.

Karen Hossink said...

What breaks my heart is the human-ness of this whole thing.
Feeling, not believing.
Whatever works for "me."
And particularly where it all got started for Oprah - the issue of God being jealous. It seems she was attributing human - sinful - jealousy to Him, not righteous and holy jealousy.
If she really understood what "the LORD thy God is a jealous God" means, would she still be upset about it, or would she worship Him with gladness and delight in His love for her???
Yes, Sue. He is the I AM, and I think our response to this situation needs to be helping people come to an understanding of who the I AM IS.

Anonymous said...

We tend to forget that that God tells us these kinds of movements will happen. 2 Tim. 4:3&4 For a time will ome when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.

There is so much we could talk about in here ~ the first word that strikes me is "endure". These people will no longer "endure" sound doctrince! Yikes!

The next part that disturbs me is "but wanting" and further along "according to their own desires". All of this as nothing to do with God, but the weakness of the flesh (Mat. 26:41).

The part of Oprah's clip that stuck me was whe she spoke to her experience in her 20s when she heard of God being a jeaulous God...she misunderstood what God is jealous of....God is not of her, but her turning away from Him to a god of her choosing. As she stated; "she took God out of the box".

Unfortunately, for her and more others like her ~ taking God out of the box of His Word and creating a god of their own will only lead to Mat. 7. Heartbreaking!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
km said...

I got this in my email about a week ago. But that day I didn't take the time to watch. Today I did. But, since I'm reading this as I'm drinking my first cup of coffee...I'm not ready to formulate my thoughts.

All I can think of is... 1 Pet 3:15.
but [I.e. set apart] sanctify [1 Pet 1:3] Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready [Col 4:6] to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the [1 Pet 1:3] hope that is in you, yet [2 Tim 2:25] with gentleness and [1 Pet 1:17] reverence;
Today (or at least this early in the AM)...I'm not ready...but I need to be.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
I'm new here. My name is Holly ~ the anonymous post above is me. I read through the rest of the comments and I'd like to respond to your post about reaching others in defense of God's Word ~ that is what you're talking about here, right; being ready to give a defense.

It appears to me you are well versed and hold not to a spirit of timidity. All you can do is exactly what you are doing ~ sharing the Truth at every opportunity.

But remember! You will be "persecuted" for your belief. What does our God tell us to down in these instances ~ wipe the dust from our feet ~ He also tells us to recognize when we are casting pearls before swine.

On a more uplifting note. We may never know the results of a seed planted!

I thank God for you and your serving spirit!

One last scripture ~ ...do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that whichis good and acceptable and perfect. Rom. 12:2

Live in the world ~ stay in God's Word!

Paula said...

It all boils down to this: Do you believe that the Bible is the living word of God? If you do, and you read John 14:6 where Jesus says: I am the way, the life and the truth...then you cannot deny there is only one way. Obviously Oprah doesn't believe the Bible. It seems to me that she has a unitarian viewpoint. It is scary to think that some of my unbelieving family memebers will not be going to heaven, but it is THEIR choice. It is sad when people start believing what Oprah says more than what God says.

Praise and Coffee said...

Great point...

"It is sad when people start believing what Oprah says more than what God says."

Linda said...

It saddens me that there are so many seekers out there. God is removed from schools, The ten commandments cannot be displayed in some places. The name of Jesus is tabu. No wonder there are seekers. There are no perfect people or churches however, it seems to me that when people were going there seemed to be at least a moral obligation to others now it is each man for himself and do what is Right for you. It really makes me sad. Oprah has taken the jealous God totally out of context. He is not jealous of her. He will share his throne with no one or no thing he does not have to. She does have a lot of followers and she does a lot of wonderful things for people. Anything that is new is usually accepted pretty quickly. I am interested to see what happens to this movement in a few years when people realize that they cannot do it alone without the power of the Holy Spirt. Sorry for the long post and I hope it makes sense.
Blessings,
Linda

Naomi Dalton said...

First of all I guess I am one of those self righteous people because I dont watch Oprah,( but I also dont watch reality shows, talk shows,crime shows, or any shows that has objectionable content in it.) (Gods word says I am to guard my heart, and letting crap in there is not guarding it.)I dont care to and I do know about this movement. Many are going to be decieved and fall away from God, That is just the sad truth of the matter.

But I also serve a God who is so much bigger than Oprah and her following they are facing an ultimate judgement that will come from God, God is not mocked. The bible warns about false teachers in the end times,and we are living in the end times. And God have mercy on their souls when they are standing face to face before God having to give an account to every word they have spoken out against God, or every mocking word, my heart breaks because of that.

God is gonna deal with Oprah just as He is gonna deal with every false teacher that comes along, My job is to pray and to let God deal with her. I personally cant change her, but God can.

I am very passionate about reaching this lost and dying world and believe you me, I am very outspoken when it comes to God and my personal relationship with Him. I always joke that they are gonna take my email priviledges away I have written letters from everybody to Jesse Jackson,Al Sharpton, to Womens Movements, to Congress.

When you look at what all is going on in this world today, from wars, to rumors of wars, to earthquakes, to famine, plagues, fire and floods, this is just a wake up reminder to be ready andto be looking to the sky, because Jesus is coming. LORD JESUS come quickly.





For our family there are many ways to reach this world besides prayer, it is helping out in your communities, missionary work, praying for someone in the supermarket line, baking your neighbors cookies, helping out at a food bank, hospital,all of what our family does. I am not out to change the whole world I am here, my family is here to reach one family at a time,to get them saved, to discple them, and to continue to help them grow.

We are not to be listeners of Gods word, we are also to doers of Gods word, even if it is something that we may not like. We must have open hearts and Just like Jesus offended many with his teaching, we should be ready to "offend many" when we are spreading the gospel. I am not for standing on street corners yelling turn or burn, but I am very much for sitting down with a Woman and letting her know that abortion is wrong, and showing her what Gods word has to say about it.

There will come a day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. I pray that Oprah and her following, do it willingly here on Earth, because they wont have a choice in Heaven.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Sue.

Thanks for posting the video--it was the first time I've seen it. It was clever and did a good job of revealing Oprah's spiritual beliefs, which are far from Christian. I agree that she is a humanitarian and a good person, but she clearly rejects the good news of the Gospel.

However, I was curious about the book promoted at the end (what an odd name...odd cover...and an odd author's name...!!) and did some research on it and the author--and found some serious problems. "Carrington Steele," the author's name, is a pseudonym and no one seems to know who she really is. She's been accused of plagiarizing (stealing material) from various websites and publishing it as her own. It even sounds like this material may have a political motivation behind it, as Barack Obama is heavily criticized. I say this not as an Obama fan, but as a proponent of truth and integrity in publishing.

Here's one of the websites she plagiarized from: http://herescope.blogspot.com/2008/04/disclaimer.html
You can find more info on this situation here.

All this to say that I support discernment and careful critique when it comes to Oprah and her spiritual teachings, but being a bit of a skeptic, I always check out the sources of such critique.

Thanks for a consistently thoughtful and loving blog, Sue!

Susy Flory

Sheila said...

Sue, I love your heart of compassioin for those who are deceived- it crushed my heart too when I first saw the video.

I am one of those who doesn't watch Oprah, but when I said that on my blog when posting about this message Oprah's spreading it wasn't in a self-righteousness, and I'm sincerely sorry if that's how I came across. It simply was stating a fact. I don't condemn someone for watching Oprah, I just don't watch t.v. in general- no time for that- but I want to be aware of the deceptions that are prevelant that challenge my faith so I can KNOW what and Whom I believe and be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in me with all humility and love.

I have prayed much since I saw this video and my heart cried for my kids, husband, many people and myself included who will be so easily deceived unless the Lord Himself draws us. Just as Jesus said, Peter's revelation of WHo Jesus is did not come from Himself but from above. And no man can come to Jesus unless the Father draws him.

My heart was crying out something like this:

Oh Oprah! Would you strip the One who was a mighty warrior for you, rescuing you and delivering you from the certain destruction that was coming upon you from the enemy of your soul of His FACE- of His NAME!? Would you strip Him of His heart, of feeling jealous for you, the one He loves sooo much, dying to rescue you, seeing that you would be flirted with and allured by the seductress of this world and your own flesh? He's jealous FOR you not OF you! He wants your heart He won't take it by force because He is Almighty, All Knowing, All Present, Uncontainable! Just because He's huge and not in a box does not mean He is without character. Is God not good, not love, as you said? Does not love and good LET THE ONE HE LOVES AND DOES GOOD TO CHOOSE!? Does Love not feel pain and Good not ache with desire for YOU to WANT HIM!? Yes, HE DOES! But He will not and cannot FORCE YOU because HE is God! And He is Love, and He will not and cannot strip Himself of His love for you, but being All Present and All Knowing...enormous and unimaginable as He is, He will bear the pain of you stripping His face of identity and all the while cry, "Father forgive her, for she knows not what she does."

God is Spirit, and there's only one who reveals His face and character, that is the man Jesus.

"For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Cor.4:6

Sorry, for such a long comment. I continue in prayer and in being sure I know Whom and what I believe and teach Him to my children.

Sheila

Praise and Coffee said...

Thanks so much for all your input!

I call it Hot Topics for a reason! :)

Susy,
I am aware of the controvery surrounding this video, thanks for the link, I will check it out. I have read several things about it and decided to post it anyway.
That is why I emphasized, this is not about Oprah.
Note: I hope everyone hops over to Susy's blog- it is very eye opening!!

I cringed at the add at the end of the video, my intentions were never to promote the people who made it and I hoped that would not be the focus.

The goal of this is to get us talking about attitudes that are pervasive in this world we live in and helping one another (spurring one another on) to be ready in season with the truth.

We wrestle not against flesh and blood but principalities and powers. Our battle is not with Oprah or her mentors. I think Oprah is an amazing and wonderful person! Seriously, given the the chance, I'd do coffee with her in a heartbeat!

Jesus didn't avoid people he disagreed with and I don't think we should either.

The fact is, I run across people all the time who use phrases like "karma" and such. People who do live by their feelings.
People who look at nature as "god." Women who feel empowered by the attitudes of feminism.

I want to be ready to give an account for the faith that I have. And since iron sharpens iron, I thought we could all help one another!

Again, let me emphasize...we (I hope) know the ONE who IS love.
His grace is an incredible, powerful thing...let's share it!

Praise and Coffee said...

Looks like we were posting at the same time! Thanks Sheila, I love long comments! :)

Anonymous said...

I had two things I noticed about this video. 1) Watch her hand movements when one woman wants to bring up a point about God. Clearly, Oprah doesn't want to hear it. 2) The fact that she mentions reading a book that a gorilla is talking might be a starting place.

Clearly, the woman is deceived and yes, she is influential with some. Folks want to be comfortable with their sin and this new teaching gives them an opportunity to do just that.

For what it's worth, I met up with some young folks who were going on their way to a Missions Trip. Their church had a conference on how to reach the very people Oprah influences.

happyhome said...

I blogged on this very topic a couple of months ago. http://the-potters-hand.blogspot.com/2008/02/disturbing-news-about-oprah.html

It saddens me to know how far she has come from the truth, but what is worse is how many unsuspecting people she is leading down with her. So many people hang on every word she says. One word from Oprah can affect stock prices! She will be held accountable for her words.

God, help her to see the truth before it is too late.

Anonymous said...

This definitely is a hot topic.
It is of course troubling because of Oprah's influence and wide appeal...it is very true that she can endorse a book or a product and create a best seller or a shortage.

If we are in our Bibles, we will know that in these times there will be much deception and false teachings.

I believe this is a time for us to put more effort into our prayers and less into the debate. As much influence as she has...wouldn't it be amazing if through the prayers of the saints, she had a true encounter with the Savior...imagine the impact of that!

Last week, I read on many blogs criticism about the praise song Shout to the Lord being sung at the end of American Idol and having the name of Jesus taken out of one verse. I read on Joshua Harris's blog several comments from believers that work for AI and how in their eyes this was a huge victory for them...God's Word will not come back void.

My point is that it is all about perspective...we can't see all the underground happenings at work...where God is at work and what He is doing...all I do know is that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life...He Reigns...and in the end He will get the victory...I can stand on that and believe it...but it means that I have to pray a bit harder to help any possible untruth from being prevalent in my sphere of influence and allow God to work in the sphere where only my prayers can touch.

Blessings to you and thanks for your faithfulness in seeking Him,

Helen

A Stone Gatherer said...

You asked how we would respond to someone about Oprah. I guess it would depend on whether they are a Christian or not. If they are a Christian I would ask them if they know the word of God. Check whatever she says against it. If they don't know if they still need to bone up on it to check whatever she says against it. If they are not a Christian I would have to think about that before responding. Boy I skirted that didn't I?

Melissa in Mel's World said...

Sue,

I LOVE it that you are tackling this head on, and for the record I haven't had any coffee yet, have bed head, but am fired up and ready to go to battle.

We must NEVER forget that we are always in a spiritual battle...we must not conform to this world, but have to live in it.

It breaks my heart to see someone who has been such an icon for goodness and generosity to go so far "out there". It doesn't negate the good that she has done in her life, but puts me in full battle position.

Am I going to battle Oprah, no, obviously not, but it helps to remind me that each and every day we live, breathe, serve, work, and do life in a very fallen world. This should not come as a surprise to any of us...what is surprising is the "messanger" in this case.

I used to watch Oprah for many years, then life stepped in and I didn't have time for it. Then I just did want to, and now I see that it was all for the best anyways.

It is SO important for us, as Christians, to know what is going on in the world, in other religions, and all around us. This will help us be prepared for the deluge of questions, but we must stand firm in our faith and be prepared for whatever God brings next.

It is scary out there, but fear not, for God has overcome the world!

Thanks again Sue for bringing it to light...
Melissa

Kim said...

I just watched part of the video...tuned out after a few minutes...I've always wanted to be a big fan of Oprah but never felt moved by her...guess I know why now...she may have a good heart but it is just not in the right place...my volume was down too low to catch most of her words but for one I thought it was a joke at first then I began watching her mannerisms while speaking and she looks tremendously nervous...I always thought that she was so cool, calm and collected...not sure why that seemed to be my focus but I don't think she is comfortable in this role...maybe (if we pray) she will have a change of heart...God uses us all in different ways and I'm sure this is getting a lot of attention...maybe the wake up call that we all need to hear

Cindy-Still His Girl said...

Thanks for such a well-written post. I've linked to you; hope that is ok.

Praise and Coffee said...

Mel,
We'll take ya...bed-head and all!!!
Sue

Halfmoon Girl said...

I was sent this video last week and watched it with interest. It saddens me how many people will follow her, just because she is Oprah. I was convicted to pray for her- I thought, can you imagine how God could use her if she was living for Him! That would be awesome!

kimmers said...

I can't say that I was shocked, but i was at the women's group when on of the gals thought Slyiva BROWN THE PSYHIC FROM MONTEL was a Christian.
I check out Lighthousetrials.com it kepts track of things going on in the church or things like Oprah to keep people updated. I guess it didn't shock me cause look how the purpose driven life and the Secret was taking over churches and people just couldn't get enough of it without quesitoning it . Why doesn't anyone check to see if it's based on the Bible. There's alot of women at church that just love oprah and i just don't get it that course is really growing, and to me it's just said, that even some christians can't see the truth.

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