Charles Spurgeon vs. Joel Osteen = Gospel vs Motivation

Michael Spencer writes a very good comparison of two ‘great’ men, Charles Spurgeon and Joel Osteen. He uses two comparable sermons, Spurgeons as he takes the position of pastor of New Park Street and Osteen as he ‘dedicates’ the former home of the Houston Rockets to now hold ‘the largest church in America’.

Spurgeon talked about the Gospel and the Savior. Osteen talked about turning out champions in life.

Charles Spurgeon:

“I would propose (and O may the Lord grant us grace to carry out that proposition, from which no Christian can dissent), I would propose that the subject of the ministry of this house, as long as this platform shall stand, and as long as this house shall be frequented by worshippers, shall be the person of Jesus Christ. I am never ashamed to avow myself a Calvinist, although I claim to be rather a Calvinist according to Calvin, than after the modern debased fashion. I do not hesitate to take the name of Baptist. You have there (pointing to the baptistery) substantial evidence that I am not ashamed of that ordinance of our Lord Jesus Christ; but if I am asked to say what is my creed, I think I must reply: “It is Jesus Christ.” My venerable predecessor, Dr. Gill, has left a body of divinity admirable and excellent in its way; but the body of divinity to which I would pin and bind myself for ever, God helping me, is not his system of divinity or any other human treatise, but Christ Jesus, who is the sum and substance of the gospel; who is in himself all theology, the incarnation of every precious truth, the all-glorious personal embodiment of the way, the truth, and the life.”

Joel Osteen:

Osteen talked about his father. A lot. A whole lot. He talked about dreams. He talked about dating his wife. He talked about a church that would teach people to be champions. He said God’s favor is on Lakewood and on all those who attend there. He talked about Lakewood’s diversity. He told, again, how he didn’t want to be the pastor. He was positive. Funny. Grateful to God. Likeable. Upbeat. He made you feel good.

Jesus Christ, the savior of sinners? The Gospel of salvation? The cross of Jesus Christ? Salvation by grace, through faith by Christ? As usual, Osteen had nothing to say about these matters. Once again, he sounded like a motivational speaker, encouraging his audience to stay tuned to Lakewood and get in on the miracle favor of God that is obviously on tap.