The Fake Button.
That's right, I made up a term! If you're confused right now, let me explain.
So, you're in the car, on your way to church. You just had an unbelievably difficult morning with your kids. One didn't get out of bed until you dumped ice water on their face, and one wanted to wear the football jersey that they wore yesterday, and you didn't have a chance to wash it. So, you've got a sleeper and a stinker. Now you're driving down the road, listening to the sleeper tell the stinker how they can't breathe because of the smell that is wafting off of the jersey. Finally, you yell into the back seat and tell them both to shut up. They don't. You yell again, this time with an extra four-letter word for emphasis. Your spouse doesn't like the way you just talked to your precious off-spring, so now you two are fighting. By the time you pull into the church parking lot, you have a full-on family fight. It's not pretty. In fact, it's pretty nasty. But then, you have to get out of the car, and walk in to church. You are about go into the lion's den. The den is your church building. The lions are all of the perfect little church people with perfect kids waiting to judge you. What do you do?
THE FAKE BUTTON!
You push that imaginary button, plaster that fake little smile on your face, and walk into church like you have it all together. You don't have it all together. You've had a terrible week, and a really terrible morning, but who wants to hear that? That's not what church is for. Church is where we act perfect so we don't get shunned. Where we tell our kids to "be on your best behavior," so our friends won't tell everyone else what's wrong with them. Where we ask for prayer, but not for real issues. Just the ones that people can't use against us. Right?
So, how do we get rid of the "fake button" in our churches? I think it has to start with us. What if we start showing unconditional love to our brothers and sisters? What if we start being honest about our struggles, even though it brings criticism? What if we refuse to fake anything? What if we commit to being true to Jesus Christ, and to ourselves, regardless of the consequences? What if we don't play the church game? What if we choose to never use other people's struggles against them? What if we show grace, and refuse to allow our own self-righteousness to dictate our actions? What if, when we see fault in others, we choose to focus on their strengths, or maybe the pain that is causing the faults in their lives.
What if we replace the "Fake Button" with the reality of the love of Jesus Christ?
I'm trying to break my fake button. Care to join me?
Love you guys
Josh
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Sunday, July 1, 2012
A Pansy in a Pulpit
Charles Spurgeon said, "I am perhaps vulgar, but it is not intentional, save that I must and will make the people listen. My firm conviction is that we have had quite enough polite preachers, and many require a change. God has owned me among the most degraded and off-casts. Let others serve their class; these are mine, and to them I must keep."
How many men, designed and called by God to speak the truth, have been castrated by the knife of institutionalized Christianity? How many men have been so intimidated and pacified in a seminary classroom, that they no longer seek to speak the truth plainly as their chief goal in preaching?
How many men have been lost to the fear of man as a result of listening to the criticism that always flies from the arrogant, pious hypocrits that fill the pews across America? "You shouldn't say that." You shouldn't wear that, smoke that, drink that, or believe that." "You shouldn't let that person in your church."
I have almost been lost many times. Many times I have thought long and hard about returning to a quiet life running camps at the YMCA, mowing grass, or just finding something else to do altogether. Many times I have gotten up from my computer and wondered why people love to hate so much. Why do people want to see us fail? Why do people listen to messages on our website, just so they can criticise it to their hundreds of FB friends? Many times I have considered returning to the preaching style that I was taught growing up in conservative churches. Many times I have contemplated censoring my messages, dressing more "appropriately," speaking more eloquently, taking out the earrings, covering up the tattoos, not showing so much emotion, and not being angry with the American Church.
I cannot, and I will not. I would rather face the hostility, name-calling, dirty looks, emails, FB messages and rumors, than become another pawn in the religious game that most of us are playing. You can keep your knife for another man, because I will not become a pansy in a pulpit, so afraid to offend someone that he never actually says anything! I will not ask my staff to dance the dance that brings acceptance in the church in the south. I will not bow.
If you don't go to church, or hate what it has become, I invite you to hang out with us at Relevant Truth Church. We are a church of broken people in love with our awesome Savior, Jesus Christ. Please wear shorts and a t-shirt, because our facility in unbelievably hot right now. It's alot of fun though. Jesus was tortured. We can handle some sweat. (Our children's area is air-conditioned :)
Please make plans to hang out with us. We meet in what used to be Zero Gravity Skatepark in Brevard NC @ 6:00 pm/ The address is 920 Old Hendersonville Hwy.
How many men, designed and called by God to speak the truth, have been castrated by the knife of institutionalized Christianity? How many men have been so intimidated and pacified in a seminary classroom, that they no longer seek to speak the truth plainly as their chief goal in preaching?
How many men have been lost to the fear of man as a result of listening to the criticism that always flies from the arrogant, pious hypocrits that fill the pews across America? "You shouldn't say that." You shouldn't wear that, smoke that, drink that, or believe that." "You shouldn't let that person in your church."
I have almost been lost many times. Many times I have thought long and hard about returning to a quiet life running camps at the YMCA, mowing grass, or just finding something else to do altogether. Many times I have gotten up from my computer and wondered why people love to hate so much. Why do people want to see us fail? Why do people listen to messages on our website, just so they can criticise it to their hundreds of FB friends? Many times I have considered returning to the preaching style that I was taught growing up in conservative churches. Many times I have contemplated censoring my messages, dressing more "appropriately," speaking more eloquently, taking out the earrings, covering up the tattoos, not showing so much emotion, and not being angry with the American Church.
I cannot, and I will not. I would rather face the hostility, name-calling, dirty looks, emails, FB messages and rumors, than become another pawn in the religious game that most of us are playing. You can keep your knife for another man, because I will not become a pansy in a pulpit, so afraid to offend someone that he never actually says anything! I will not ask my staff to dance the dance that brings acceptance in the church in the south. I will not bow.
If you don't go to church, or hate what it has become, I invite you to hang out with us at Relevant Truth Church. We are a church of broken people in love with our awesome Savior, Jesus Christ. Please wear shorts and a t-shirt, because our facility in unbelievably hot right now. It's alot of fun though. Jesus was tortured. We can handle some sweat. (Our children's area is air-conditioned :)
Please make plans to hang out with us. We meet in what used to be Zero Gravity Skatepark in Brevard NC @ 6:00 pm/ The address is 920 Old Hendersonville Hwy.
Monday, June 18, 2012
The Cost of Vision
Casting vision always comes with a price.
God has this habit of calling people to do things that are beyond their capablilities, so He can get the glory. That means, when they begin to share the vision with other people, the chance of people laughing, mocking, and ridiculing that individual is pretty high.
If you care about public opinion, you will never be used by God. If you care about popular "church people" opinions, you'll never be used by God. In my opinion, if you take most people's opinion seriously at all, you're going to spend alot of time wasting your life, and totally miss out on what God is calling you to.
Often, the most dangerous people in the world are people that you think you should listen to. Family members, in-laws, pastors, teachers, friends etc. Sometimes these people think that not only should they have the right to spout their opinion of your life all of the time, but that you are obligated to listen and care what they think.
I believe in being teachable. But here is my practical question. I have DOZENS of people every week telling me what I should or should not do. Who should I listen to? People love to quote "in a multitude of counselors there is safety." The funny thing is, most people see themselves as qualified to be your counselor. Who should you stop and listen to? Who should affect your decisions? How long should you spend contimplating the opinions of man?
Sometimes I think the best thing you can do is stop listening and just follow Jesus. Maybe just for a short period of time, drown out the noise. Listen for the voice of God and then OBEY! It's going to confuse some people. It's gonna piss some people off. You may even get some interesting emails (I always do.) But at the end of the day, God's voice is the only one that truly matters. If people aren't pointing you to Jesus, they're just spewing hot air anyways. You don't have to listen.
God has told Relevant Truth Church to plant RTC locations in big cities all over the US, and then outside our borders. We are going to leverage technology to reach thousands for Jesus. I would love for you to be part of the vision that God has given us. We would love for you to be part of what God has called us to. If you're not, we love you.
Just some random thought today. I love you guys
Josh
God has this habit of calling people to do things that are beyond their capablilities, so He can get the glory. That means, when they begin to share the vision with other people, the chance of people laughing, mocking, and ridiculing that individual is pretty high.
If you care about public opinion, you will never be used by God. If you care about popular "church people" opinions, you'll never be used by God. In my opinion, if you take most people's opinion seriously at all, you're going to spend alot of time wasting your life, and totally miss out on what God is calling you to.
Often, the most dangerous people in the world are people that you think you should listen to. Family members, in-laws, pastors, teachers, friends etc. Sometimes these people think that not only should they have the right to spout their opinion of your life all of the time, but that you are obligated to listen and care what they think.
I believe in being teachable. But here is my practical question. I have DOZENS of people every week telling me what I should or should not do. Who should I listen to? People love to quote "in a multitude of counselors there is safety." The funny thing is, most people see themselves as qualified to be your counselor. Who should you stop and listen to? Who should affect your decisions? How long should you spend contimplating the opinions of man?
Sometimes I think the best thing you can do is stop listening and just follow Jesus. Maybe just for a short period of time, drown out the noise. Listen for the voice of God and then OBEY! It's going to confuse some people. It's gonna piss some people off. You may even get some interesting emails (I always do.) But at the end of the day, God's voice is the only one that truly matters. If people aren't pointing you to Jesus, they're just spewing hot air anyways. You don't have to listen.
God has told Relevant Truth Church to plant RTC locations in big cities all over the US, and then outside our borders. We are going to leverage technology to reach thousands for Jesus. I would love for you to be part of the vision that God has given us. We would love for you to be part of what God has called us to. If you're not, we love you.
Just some random thought today. I love you guys
Josh
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Adios For Now!
Hey Everybody.
I have been lying here awake for an hour or so. I wanted to tell you all that I love you guys and I appreciate our "talks." :)
Up to this point I have been led to blog this experience. I don't anymore. If that confuses you, I'm sorry. I think it's gotten a little too "trendy" right now. I believe that God has shown me that it is time to stop blogging from the circle. I'm sure I will pick it back up at some point when He brings me out of the circle. He may lead me to give you guys an update after this coming Sunday, but I'm not sure. I do know that I do not believe that he is leading me to continue these blog posts right now. Sometimes I know for sure when He is leading me to do something. Sometimes I don't. Right now I'm pretty sure it is from Him :)
What happens at Relevant Truth Church this Sunday evening will not be the result of hype. It will not be the result of a blog, or anything else. God will move this Sunday as only He can. I will be here praying and asking Him to move. Please do the same thing.
I think sometimes when God tells us to do something "weird" or different, sometimes we make more out of the activity than we do our Savior. I think He told me to do something weird. I believe that we obeyed. I believe that my motives were pure and that I obeyed his leading. However, I believe that there is a temptation to make more out of "the circle" than we do about Jesus. I believe I see that beginning in our community. I cannot encourage that and I won't.
I will be happy to talk to you about the power and glory of my Jesus. I will be happy to tell you about how he honors obedience, even when we don't obey perfectly :) I would love to talk to you about how much he loves you! I will not defend the circle, and I will not defend myself. If I understood it, I would be happy to.
My Jesus has poured out his financial provision on this church in the past 3 weeks. He has poured out his spirit in our services in the past 3 weeks. He has done this all because He is God, and he CHOSE TO! That's the point of it all.
I will honor my commitment to stay in this circle until we reach the goal of 150. I pray it happens soon :) When it does happen, Jesus will be glorified.
I hope you make plans to experience that with us. Until then...
I love you, Jesus loves you
Josh
I have been lying here awake for an hour or so. I wanted to tell you all that I love you guys and I appreciate our "talks." :)
Up to this point I have been led to blog this experience. I don't anymore. If that confuses you, I'm sorry. I think it's gotten a little too "trendy" right now. I believe that God has shown me that it is time to stop blogging from the circle. I'm sure I will pick it back up at some point when He brings me out of the circle. He may lead me to give you guys an update after this coming Sunday, but I'm not sure. I do know that I do not believe that he is leading me to continue these blog posts right now. Sometimes I know for sure when He is leading me to do something. Sometimes I don't. Right now I'm pretty sure it is from Him :)
What happens at Relevant Truth Church this Sunday evening will not be the result of hype. It will not be the result of a blog, or anything else. God will move this Sunday as only He can. I will be here praying and asking Him to move. Please do the same thing.
I think sometimes when God tells us to do something "weird" or different, sometimes we make more out of the activity than we do our Savior. I think He told me to do something weird. I believe that we obeyed. I believe that my motives were pure and that I obeyed his leading. However, I believe that there is a temptation to make more out of "the circle" than we do about Jesus. I believe I see that beginning in our community. I cannot encourage that and I won't.
I will be happy to talk to you about the power and glory of my Jesus. I will be happy to tell you about how he honors obedience, even when we don't obey perfectly :) I would love to talk to you about how much he loves you! I will not defend the circle, and I will not defend myself. If I understood it, I would be happy to.
My Jesus has poured out his financial provision on this church in the past 3 weeks. He has poured out his spirit in our services in the past 3 weeks. He has done this all because He is God, and he CHOSE TO! That's the point of it all.
I will honor my commitment to stay in this circle until we reach the goal of 150. I pray it happens soon :) When it does happen, Jesus will be glorified.
I hope you make plans to experience that with us. Until then...
I love you, Jesus loves you
Josh
Monday, June 4, 2012
Hey Everybody!
I have had several people bring me encouraging books and sermons and stuff. Up until Sunday, I have not read anything but the Bible, or watched any messages or anything.
If you have something you think might be encouraging, I am now reading and watching encouraging things in moderation. If you have something that you would like to share, I would love your suggestions. I watched an Andy Stanley message today that was awesome!
Anyways, I would love your suggestions. God is moving! I love you guys
Josh
I have had several people bring me encouraging books and sermons and stuff. Up until Sunday, I have not read anything but the Bible, or watched any messages or anything.
If you have something you think might be encouraging, I am now reading and watching encouraging things in moderation. If you have something that you would like to share, I would love your suggestions. I watched an Andy Stanley message today that was awesome!
Anyways, I would love your suggestions. God is moving! I love you guys
Josh
My Jesus can handle it!!!!
So, I'm still in the circle. Don't you dare be disappointed. My Jesus is awesome! He has a plan and a reason why he wants me here for another week. I would love to have gone home last night, but His ways are higher than mine.
I have to give a shout out to all my amazing brothers and sisters who worshiped with us last night. I have never felt that much freedom in worship in my life. Everyone came with the intention to worship Jesus with everything in them. Jesus Christ was exalted, and that makes last night an unbelievable success. It was hard for a few minutes when it really sank in for me and Whitney that I couldn't come home. She cried for a minute, and then hugged me and said that God had a reason. If there is one thing that I have learned this past month, it's that God has blessed me with an incredible wife. I cannot begin to thank Jesus enough for the amazing girl that God allowed a schmuck like me to spend my life with.
I woke up this morning with one burden still on my heart. One of my closest friends was waiting to hear news about a construction job that he was a candidate for. As a took a shower in my sprinkler (9 settings lol), I asked God to finish the weekend off strong for us. I know God owes us nothing, but I also knows He cares. When I got out of the shower, I walked to the other side of the circle and picked up my cell. I had a text that said "Bro, we got the job. Praise God" I screamed like a little girl, and started running circles around the circle, screaming "thank you Jesus" as loud as I could. Then I fell down and cried for a bit (not my manliest moment.) I have prayed with my friend for 18 months that God would bless his business, and what an awesome weekend for God to answer that prayer!
We had 130 people praising Jesus last night, and hundreds praying from their local church or from home.
God is doing His work. Thank you for your love and support. Thank you Jesus for who you are.
For Him or not at all,
Josh
I have to give a shout out to all my amazing brothers and sisters who worshiped with us last night. I have never felt that much freedom in worship in my life. Everyone came with the intention to worship Jesus with everything in them. Jesus Christ was exalted, and that makes last night an unbelievable success. It was hard for a few minutes when it really sank in for me and Whitney that I couldn't come home. She cried for a minute, and then hugged me and said that God had a reason. If there is one thing that I have learned this past month, it's that God has blessed me with an incredible wife. I cannot begin to thank Jesus enough for the amazing girl that God allowed a schmuck like me to spend my life with.
I woke up this morning with one burden still on my heart. One of my closest friends was waiting to hear news about a construction job that he was a candidate for. As a took a shower in my sprinkler (9 settings lol), I asked God to finish the weekend off strong for us. I know God owes us nothing, but I also knows He cares. When I got out of the shower, I walked to the other side of the circle and picked up my cell. I had a text that said "Bro, we got the job. Praise God" I screamed like a little girl, and started running circles around the circle, screaming "thank you Jesus" as loud as I could. Then I fell down and cried for a bit (not my manliest moment.) I have prayed with my friend for 18 months that God would bless his business, and what an awesome weekend for God to answer that prayer!
We had 130 people praising Jesus last night, and hundreds praying from their local church or from home.
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| This is our best side :) |
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| Don't ask |
God is doing His work. Thank you for your love and support. Thank you Jesus for who you are.
For Him or not at all,
Josh
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Still in the Circle! Jesus is Awesome!
Hey guys! The service at RTC tonight was awesome! Jesus handled his business once again.
We had around 130 in our worship service tonight. Not quite enough to go home, but it was such a spirit-filled service, I have no complaints! God wants me to stay here at least another week. Our message was partly from Job 38, so I'm not surprised that God's ways are not my ways as far as when I leave the circle.
Some of my friends took some pictures and a video from RTC tonight, and they're trying to get them on here without me getting online... Well, it's not working, so check out Relevant Truth Church on Facebook if you want to see them.
Thank you all for your continued prayers. And thank you to everyone who worshiped Jesus with us tonight. I can't wait to see you next Sunday. I'll talk to you guys soon. Right now I'm going to sleep.
Love God, Love People,
Josh
We had around 130 in our worship service tonight. Not quite enough to go home, but it was such a spirit-filled service, I have no complaints! God wants me to stay here at least another week. Our message was partly from Job 38, so I'm not surprised that God's ways are not my ways as far as when I leave the circle.
Some of my friends took some pictures and a video from RTC tonight, and they're trying to get them on here without me getting online... Well, it's not working, so check out Relevant Truth Church on Facebook if you want to see them.
Thank you all for your continued prayers. And thank you to everyone who worshiped Jesus with us tonight. I can't wait to see you next Sunday. I'll talk to you guys soon. Right now I'm going to sleep.
Love God, Love People,
Josh
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