John Meacham, Author Of 'Divine Revelation', Disputes Joel Osteen's Teachings On The Prosperity Gospel

SUPPLY, NC, September 01, 2011 (Press-News.org) In his book 'Become A Better You', Joel Osteen supports the concept of self actualization. Osteen's followers include church members in the tens of thousands. More than seven million people receive his teaching via satellite. But John Meacham, author of 'Divine Revelation: A Call From Christ To Join The Armies Of Heaven', believes much of Osteen's teaching is in error.

"In my book 'Divine Revelation'", stated Mr. Meacham: "I shared that I decided to read Joel Osteen's book 'Become a Better You' because I speak out against Osteen and the Prosperity Gospel in radio interviews. I feel this message is not a Christian message for one reason: a Christian message proposes a life passionate for Jesus Christ and not one for us."

"Osteen doesn't preach a Christian message," Mr Meacham continued, "In studying his book and noting on the title page the number one purpose was self-actualization, I realized he promotes some form of the power of positive thinking supported by an Old Testament faith-based financial reward system." Wikipedia defines the Prosperity Gospel as "a Christian religious belief whose proponents claim the Bible teaches financial blessing is the will of God for Christians. They report that Joel Osteen has spread the Prosperity Gospel past it's beginnings in the Pentecostal movement to the Evangelical's and to the rest of the world. Wikipedia also discloses that many prominent Christian leaders, such as Rick Warren and Jerry Farwell, have harshly criticized the movement as heretical false teaching.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, 'Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth. Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven.' Despite these strong words from Christ, tens of millions of Christians everywhere follow the false teaching proclaimed in the Prosperity Gospel and are investing their faith seeking social advancement and financial rewards.

"Unfortunately," Meacham continued, "many Christian churches now display a dollar sign above their door rather than the Cross of Jesus Christ. These Prosperity Churches need to heed the words of David Platt in his book 'Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream' and turn away from the pursuit of earthly riches and turn their congregations towards Christ and the riches of heaven."

Mr. Meacham spent eight days at the Sea of Galilee in 2005. During this time he received a new revelation from Christ that involved messages that spoke of the state of the seven churches in this modern time. His previously released work, 'Is Your Church Heavenly?' details both his experience and the messages he received.

In addition to inspiring the reader to develop a closer relationship with Jesus, these books also offer churches an excellent resource for Daily Devotions, Small Group Discussion, or Bible Study Classes. 'Divine Revelation: A Call From Christ To Join The Armies Of Heaven' can be purchased by churches at a 50% discount. 'Is Your Church Heavenly?' appeals to individuals, church leaders, church members and groups who desire to take steps towards improving their churches through directly following the advice and guidance of Jesus. Jesus' evaluation of each of the churches is presented in such a manner as to make them easily understandable to any Christian reader. The book is hard hitting, sometimes harsh and completely honest in its assessment of the state of Christianity today. It provides practical suggestions for change.

In his new book, 'Divine Revelation: A Call From Christ To Join The Armies Of Heaven', John Meacham takes the reader with him on his journey and his close encounters with the spiritual. He shares his personal struggles and shows how he became a prophet for God. His experience will allow the reader to develop a closer relationship with Christ, begin to build a spiritual life and prepare for the Second Coming of Christ.

Mr. Meacham is available for interview and speaking engagements and can be contacted using the information below, or by email at john@dazzlinglight.org. More information on 'Divine Revelation: A Call From Christ To Join The Armies Of Heaven' and 'Is Your Church Heavenly?' is available at his website.

John Meacham has served Christ's Church as a Christian author, lay pastor, supply preacher, elder, workshop leader, small-group coordinator, Bible-study instructor, and Sunday-school teacher. As a part of his church work, John developed a small-group program titled AIM (An Involved Membership) and prepared a group study guide for the book Is Your Church Heavenly? A Question from Christ for Every Christian (published in 2008)

John was born on October 22, 1951 in Hickory, NC. He grew up the son of faithful Presbyterian parents. However, despite loving instruction and example from his parents and the Presbyterian Church until his conversion at age 31, he thought the story of Jesus Christ was a lie. Two days after his birthday in 1982, he learned the truth of Christ.

John and his wife Sue live in Raleigh, NC, and have two married sons and three granddaughters.