I appreciate this e-mail so much. When my mother died I shared an experience I had through Jesus with my brother. He replied, "Yes, Jesus is truth but he is not the only truth." Next time I hear this, I will be able to defend my beliefs and quote what Bryant says here, "There cannot be two truth claims that contradict one another." "They may both be false, or one is false and one is true." "But they both cannot be true." - L

I have seen the video of the Ophra show when she was promoting her belief (it is not a new belief, she has had this belief for a long time) and it made me sick to my stomach.I usually don't try to influence people by telling them not to watch a tv show, but I believe she is one of the most dangerous people on this earth when it comes to harming the public concerning religous beliefs. She has a viewing audience of millions of people each day and she don't mind putting this false belief out there. She was raised in a Baptist Church and then she renounced her belief when she was in her twenties. She said she couldn't understand how God was jelous of her, he isn't jealous of her, he is jealous over her because he doesn't want satan having her. He created us for fellowship with him and him alone, not for us to fellowship with other gods. I used to wonder how her show got so popular so quick, when at first it wasn't really that good. Well we see now how it was done, satan will promote those who will lend themselves to him, and who will push his evil ways out into the public's viewing. She has been fooled into thinking this is right, and that this doctrine will get her into what is their heaven. It is nothing that has not been taught before, Paul faced false doctrines in the 1st century church, so we can be sure we will face it also. At least with athesist's we know who they don't believe in, but with this bunch of people we don't know yet what they really believe. Some that I have spoken with changes thier thoughts from day to day. Our job is to love their souls and to pray for them that they will find the truth and accept Jesus as their Saviour before they leave this walk of life. And for any who might be reading these devotions and may wonder about this belief of Ophra's, no you are not God in yourself, and no there are not many ways to God, there is only one way, Jesus said he is the only way, and I am going to trust him. God bless everyone and have a good day. - Jerry

I have watched Oprah off and on over the years. I have seen her many times claim to know the answer for life's problems. Over time she seems to see each "answer" fade and she's on to a new one. Last season was especially awful with the Eckhart Tolle book and The Course of Miracles. These were definitely the answer this time!!
Now, I see her at the beginning of this TV season and she looks tired and sad. The sad thing is, she was raised with the one, true answer in the beginning...Jesus Christ. There is always hope that she can see the light and bring some of her viewers with her. - Melanie

There is no one that I would knowingly follow that could replace my christian beliefs in God. As as for O, I do not look at her shows and have probaly looked one time and never again, basically because she grew up in Miss. and Tn and grew up black...most if not all black families taught Christian values and in my opinion very seldom not believe in God...maybe everyone strays at some point, but the foundation is set in the South early on....when I heard her say to her audience, "well I believe in a higher power", not sure who that might be. Everything that goes up must come down and some of her recent decision have not been good one in building her Kingdom...she might find that the door may not open in the real and only Kingdom. - Angel

I am surprised that Oprah has not stated that SHE HERSELF is the way, the truth and the life. Most with that much fame and fortune have a terribly distorted view of reality and she certainly is no different. - Matthew

My wife happened to send me the following quote this morning. It's very appropriate.

"Spirtuality is what is left when authentic Christianity is evacuated from the public square. It is the refuge of the faithless seeking the trappings of faith without the demands of revealed truth. Spirituality affirms us in our self-centeredness and soothingly tells us that all is well. Authentic faith in Christ calls us out of ourselves, points us to the Cross, and summons us to follow Christ." Dr. R. Albert Mohler in Culture Shift
- RickY

I believe there are many paths to God, but then you are faced to make a decision about Jesus. If you believe in God, but not Jesus, then you are not getting the true picture. - Anne

I feel sorry for Oprah and people like her. There will come a day when they have to face God, not only for their beliefs, but for all the people that they have led astray. - jag

Here is where I agree with you Anne... God has revealed himself to people throughout history--that means to those who lived before Jesus the man was born, as well as to those who never knew of Jesus after he walked this earth. In that sense, there is more than one path to God. Scripture says "since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen". God takes into account the information that we have and the decisions we make based on that information. God makes provision for those who truly seek Him, and he says those who do will find him.

I still believe that Jesus is the only way, but I always remember that God is infinitely merciful. Before time began he determined when and where people would live so that they might reach out for him and find him. But, God is also infinitely just. Unfortunately, Oprah has seen the truth and has to this point chosen to reject it. We can only pray that she finds God, because as it is now, she is leading her followers down a path to destruction, and it will be a bad day for her when she sees God face to face. - RickY

I just wanted to say that everyone has been picking on Oprah, but she's not the whole problem. There are countless leaders who draw people away from real truth in Christ. What about televangelists? "Have your sins forgiven with one small payment of $19.95!" What about those you tell you that works for the kingdom will save you? What about small Christian cults that say, "Jesus is the way, but you still need ?" The absolute truth is that Christ alone can save you by His mercy and grace. Oprah seems an obvious target, but it's those subtle ones that can be the most harmful. Even in the garden, all Satan had to do was twist God's very words and Eve fell for it. So rather than point fingers at Oprah, let's pray for discernment everyday so we are not confused by Satan's schemes. God Bless! :D - Amy

There is ONE path to God.
John 14:6 says, Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." That doesn't leave any room for other paths. - Melanie

I think it is key in the quote from Oprah that she used the phrase, "what you call God." I think the G should have been lower case for those who do not call the God (who is the Father of Jesus, and the Son of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit) their god. Their god can be anything they want according to Oprah. That can be the god of the moment, not the God of all time. I do pray for Oprah that her eyes will be opened to the truth, that she will overcome her blindness and her stubborness at wanting to have it her way instead of God's only Way, through Jesus Christ. - Janice

That was the problem the Israelites had. They started to worship anything as a god. They would even build their own gods. The God that we worship does not have to be built or made by us- He created us! - christ follower

Anne, there are not many ways to God, Jesus is the only way, there is none other. Amy, everyone is not just picking on Oprah, she opens herself up to scrunity when she has the leader of that cult on her show and starts trying to get into her inner self and then ask's the people in her audiance to do the same. You cannot put yourself in a self induced trance and then tell me you are becoming god in you. It does not happen that way. When people do things like this in public, I am sorry you deserve to be questioned and inspected. Again she has millions of viewers, and when she puts her belief over the air ways, yes she is asking people to examine her. - Jerry

Amen Jerry - Matthew

Another comment about today's devotion. When I read the title of the devotion, "The Church of O" I was taking the O to be zero and not as referring to Oprah. Actually her church is made up of zero because it is not the true church. Not one in her "church" believes the same way unlike those who belong to the true church who believe the basics of Christian doctrine. When a church is missing the One true God then it is a church of zero. I feel sad that there are so many who want to be a part of the "church of O". We need to pray for an opening into their hearts to receive Jesus as Savior. - Janice

Amy does have a point in that there are others who are equally public who are leading people astray and making Christianity look bad, whether they are preaching a prosperity gospel like Joel Osteen or T.D. Jakes; or, a run bogus faith-healing ministry like Benny Hinn or Todd Bentley. These folks are false teachers appealing to those who want to follow the true teachings of Jesus, but twist scripture for their own gain - RickY

Yes Rick you are right but a lot of people watch these shows and call them the comedy channel. It is sad that we have regressed so far in the preaching of the word of God that we have come to this type of mess. But the Bible did say that in the last days people would heap to themselves teachers having itching ears, we are there. Nobody wants to hear the truth anymore, we just want to be told we are alright and go ahead it is okay to be like the world (lost), this is why you cannot tell the saved from the lost, we look like a freak show when we go to Church now a days. We don't dress like we are going to the Lords house anymore, we dress like we are going to a show and tell meeting. I would love to be able to go to Gods house and see the men dressed like men and the women looking like women. We need to have some worn out knees on our pants today, our world is in such bad shape, till we should spend most of our spare time on our knees in prayer. Praying for the lost, our children, grandchildren, our leaders of our country,our companions, coworkers, neighbors, and our Pastors who stand and tell us the truth and warn us of the enemy. Most of all pray for me that I will stand for the right and not be swayed by the tempter, he is on the job and he is doing it very well. Well I will get off my soap box but I am worried for the people who wont listen to the truth but will seek for contentment else wheres. God Bless. - Jerry

Instead of demonizing Oprah,consider that she might, even unconsciously mean that there are many ways to Christ who, of course is the only way to the Father. There's far too much dividing going on today. That's God's job. Amen - Don B

In the "old days" a con-artist snake oil salesman would ride from town to town peddling his magic elixer. Today, they come pouring into our homes (and our childrens homes)on a hundred and fifty channels with their prosperity gospel. On top of that, we have politicians arriving with free rock concerts and celebrities to draw the young and foolish to their messeage of the false hope of getting something for nothing. I see family and loved ones sucked into this drivel every day and that's not even the worst of it. God help us. Take someone you love to church this sunday. It will do you both good. - Grant

I have been praying for Oprah and have day dreams of her being "born again". Can you imagine the influence she would have, the excitement once again for the holy word and a revival of millions turning either back to our saviour or being saved for the first time !!I do not watch her show since she started with her god thery. I do know she has power and influence and initially did a lot of good for people but now with money, fame and power, she is working for satan and she knows the difference ! Please continue to pray with me for a spiritual revolution to open her heart and eyes. - jenny

I also wanted to tell all of you, Jerry, Nicky, everyone, how much I gain from your knowledge and strength daily. My day begins with this devotion and I am blessed each day. thank you again - jenny

Don B, I am trying to understand your comment. Are you saying that Oprah is unconsciously leading people to Jesus? I know you are trying to be reconciling of your faith to Oprah's message in order to keep the peace. But if you are wrong in your assumption about her unstated and unconscious motivation then you risk being a participant in leading people in the wrong direction. Is keeping the peace worth that to you? I am really curious how you came to have this thought process about Oprah since I have never heard anything like this before. Please expand on your comment if you have the time. - Janice

What a great quote above RickY - very appropriate description of "sprituality."

I am sitting in a hotel room for the next few weeks and Joel Osten's Lakeview Church is all I see outside my 11th floor view. It is huge. It seems to me he preaches a very watered down version of Christianity. No mention of sin, hell, salvation, etc. I'll be praying for the people on Sunday that are going into the church. Ha! Bet they would never guess they were being prayed for as they were going into a church!

Oprah obviously has it wrong with her religious beliefs. She basically seems to make things up as she goes along. Her experiences seem to change her version of God. Thankfully, most of us worship the never changing Truth! God Bless!




- Austin

I think that there has been alot of good stuff on this topic. Alot of really wise stuff. I just encourage each one of us as Christians to get on our knees and pray for people of influence, like Oprah, and the people that see these figure heads in our society. God is just as merciful today as he was 3000 years ago. And he will gladly receive anyone who choose to give their life to Him. - Stephanie

I also just wanted to add something...Ricky, I really appreciated your boldness in calling stuff what it is (i.e Todd Bentley, Benny Hinn, T.D Jakes). Taking a stand can be really risky, but I just want to keep encourage you to continue to speak about the discernment that God has given you. As we begin to loose sight of the foundations of Christianity, discernment becomes a lost gifting...hold onto it! We need guys like who will challenge us to seek God and His direction! - Stephanie

Since you mentioned Joel Olsteen etc. giving sort of a watered down version of christianity it reminded me of what our choir director was saying this past choir rehersal. He was saying that churches were able to get people into church but studies were showing they weren't changing their lives & often aren't living any differently from non Christians. He said it was beginning to feel like people were just coming to be entertained & not taking things to heart. - Christ follower

Don, You must have not seen the video of Ophra's show where she plainly said that holding on to an Old Rugged Cross was useless. She even denied the works of Christ being what is needed to get to the Father. We are doing as the Bible tells believers to do and as Ministers are called to do. The Word tells us that when we see the evil one coming we are to warn the others about the danger, if they don't want to heed the warning then their blood is on their own hands, but if we don't warn them, then their blood will be on our hands. Sir I do not intend on having your blood on my hands on Judgement Day. If you feel she may be doing what is right then that is you priviledge but I know a little about the Gospel and what she is spouting off is not anything I want my Grandchildren hearing. We are not dividing, or weeding, but what we are doing is we are labeling the bad seeds to ward off innocent from being taken in. God bless you sir and have a good evening. - Jerry

Let's see if I can make my point more lucid. I'm not defending Oprah. I don't even watch her show. But when Jesus' disciples complained about others casting out demons and claiming connections with deity, Christ who should be our model, responded that any act that brings glory to God (even if it doesn't meet with your approval) will be allowed. I saw Christ shrug - a sort of "oh well". Later in the Temple He took a more activist role, but here He shrugs.

I'm with Amy on this. There are many paths to deception, but there are as many ways to Christ as there are believers. We all didn't come the same way. There needs to be less condemning and more outreach with love to those who are still babes and in need of understanding.

More important, we need to be examples of that love, using these forums to identify ways to reach out to the lost as well as understanding that Christ will find His.

Apparently, believers today are as concerned as the Jews were in Paul's time were that the doctrine was being hijacked. Let's not behave like them.

Always remember Who is in control and He will not make an entry on this comment board. That's our thing. - Don B

Thank you, Don B, for your comment which helps me better understand your previous comment. I have a friend who has been open to listening to Joel Osten and that has been a definite opening for her to be interested in Christianity which is good for a start as long as she does not get stuck on that milk for her life. So I guess you are saying about the same as far as Oprah is concerned. But from my point of view Oprah unlike Osten is not focused on even the most basic of Christian belefs. She has totally rejected them and is guiding people to choose other religions or mostly to do their own thing based on their inner god. So I can not really see Oprah as being an opening into Christianity. Yes, the fact remains that God can and does use anyone of His choosing to effect His will in the world. And it is His place to judge Oprah. But we as Christians do, as Jerry said, have a responsibility to warn people of false doctrine and those who would lead them astray. It is part of showing our love and care for people to not want them to be led down the lane to hell. In my view the best I can do is to pray for Oprah and for all those under her influence. As for God making comments on this site, every time His Word is quoted then I feel He has spoken unless someone is misusing His words. - Janice

The ancient Greeks believed they knew what caused the wind.
They reasoned that it was the trees waiving their branches and they could prove it:
Trees are tall enough to see when there is rain on the horizon. When they see the rain they start waiving their branches to get the attention of the rain. Then the rain comes to them.
Here's the proof. There is no wind in your house or in your office. Trees in your house or office do not waive their branches because they can never see the rain on the horizon. They are sad and they will never waive their branches...they will never help make the wind until you take them outside.
Scientific proof the ancients were right.
You can believe what you want but it won't make you right. If you are wrong, you are just wrong.
- Hal