Month: July 2013

The Singular Passion of God’s Glorious Story

 

Hello beloved friends!

This is a message I had the privilege to preach at the Refuge Full-Gospel Retreat.

The sermon is titled: Your Life-Movie: The Singular Passion of God’s Glorious Story

Stream it here or download it directly from the podcast here!

 

In this message, I talk about our one passionate mission here on this earth.  The Scripture passage is Philippians 3:12-16.

Some of the things I talk about are: The power to edit your own life-movie, Four Obstacles That Stop Us From Total Passion for God, how to raise $20,000 to fight human trafficking, and sitting with Jesus in a theater watching a replay of your life.

If you’ve been blessed by the podcast, please consider leaving a review on iTunes!

Love y’all and be blessed!


— J.S.



For my podcast, click here:


Just Another Testimony

I’ve had stage fright since sixth grade. I also had a slight lisp and a stutter. As soon as I’m in front of a crowd, my hands shake and my back gets sweaty and my knees buckle. Sometimes I get dizzy, nauseous, light-headed, and feverish. Once I threw up a tuna sub from Subway five minutes before speaking. Another time, ten minutes before a Sunday service, I had a meltdown and called my mom and told her that I quit life (seriously). She convinced me in nine minutes to go out there and kick butt.

I don’t know why God would appoint me to do something that’s totally against my nature. Maybe He’s just funny that way. But every time, I’m humbled by the privilege that I get to speak to other struggling human beings and that they would even give me the time of day. I’ve tried to never take this task lightly, and I never want to take it for granted. It’s a big deal to share life, faith, hurts, and this wonderful journey together. It still makes me nervous to speak, but I’ll gladly endure it for the sake of proclaiming grace, truth, and the love of God.

You might have been given a tough task: but stay humble, be thankful, and persevere. If God has gifted you, run with it all the way and let God take care of the rest. Amazing things happen when you tackle fear to the floor and let yourself out to play.

— J

Question: Disagreeing With Your Accountability Partner

Anonymous asked:

How do you be an accountability partner to your brothers and sisters without pushing your own personal convictions on others? I’ve recently had this problem with friends pushing their convictions on me when I feel no conviction at all. I know they mean the best, but it’s getting to the points where I’m angry and upset at them and that’s where I’m feeling conviction because then I talk ill of them and I don’t want my bitterness to grow. How does someone handle a situation like this?

This is an excellent question, so let’s define what an accountability partner CAN do and can NOT do.

Continue reading “Question: Disagreeing With Your Accountability Partner” →

Quote: Faith To Matter


I think that Jesus had in mind that we would not just be “believers”, but “participants”. Not because it’s hip, but because it’s accurate. He wanted people that got to the “do” part of faith; not because He wanted activity, but because He wanted our faith to matter to us.

— Bob Goff, from his blog

Triumphalist Self-Affirming Theology: “God Is On My Side, So Screw Everyone Else!”

A lot of times I get this crazy table-flipping empowerment from Christian blogs and sermons that tell me “I’m above all this” and “You go accept yourself” and “Forget what anyone else thinks” and “They’re holding you back” and “Screw the haters!” — when underneath there’s an insidious hidden language that’s really saying, “You are God’s favorite and everyone else is just against you.”

This sort of bizarre, cult-like, categorical thinking always appeals to my flesh, and I fall for it.

I suppose I can understand it, because certainly there are a lot of haters and we’d be wise to filter out false voices.  But I think we’re often too scared to hear criticism, too lazy to discern what is right, and too prideful to consider when we’re wrong — so we toss out any “opposition” and continually affirm ourselves as the most important person in the room.  We use words like “enemy” and “strongholds” and “negativity” when just maybe God is actually trying to rebuke us from serious error.

All this egotistical theology is disguised as inspiration and it works for a few seconds. But the end result is a self-applauding, me-versus-you, superiority complex that shuts down any disagreements or honest questions.  I’ve hung out with groups like this, and I want to be gracious here: but it was always disgusting. 

Maybe I’m undermining my own point by saying so, but I really just hurt for them.  They could not see the destructive divisions they were causing.  If a sermon wasn’t up to par, then instant mockery.  If a Christian’s faith looked different at all, then immediate ridicule.  If it was a megachurch, then constant hate. 

Continue reading “Triumphalist Self-Affirming Theology: “God Is On My Side, So Screw Everyone Else!”” →

Question: Getting Over A Break-Up

Anonymous asked:

I can’t get over the breakup I recently went through with a boy I really love. I’ve tried so hard to rely on God to get me through, but I’m still hurting so much. I feel guilty that leaning on God for help hasn’t been enough to stop hurting.


I’m really sorry this is happening and I totally feel your pain on this one. I have had seven (!) ex-girlfriends and every break-up totally sucked.

But please, please, please: do NOT feel bad about feeling bad. You are allowed to feel your feelings and you’re allowed to mourn your loss. You shouldn’t feel guilty for how you feel: and no one including yourself should ever belittle you on what you’re going through.

Do not beat yourself up over this. God understands. Weeping over an ex-boyfriend is NOT idolatry. This is all a natural part of the process called life. Healing takes time and intentionality: but you can go at your own pace.

A break-up will be a lot like grieving over a death. You’re sort of burying your former schedule, intimacy, memories, and presence of this other person. That takes time. You wrestle with it each day, not denying the pain or numbing the emotions, but letting it froth to the surface. Some days you’ll cry. Some days you’ll be angry. But I promise you: it will get easier each day as you bring it to God and move on.

Continue reading “Question: Getting Over A Break-Up” →

Quote: An Honest One


I hear a lot of people saying, “I don’t feel God anymore.” And there’s a lot of guilt there, like they’re not trying hard enough.

But “not-feeling-God” doesn’t make you a bad Christian: just an honest one. And maybe our baseline for “feeling-Him” got messed up with a false foundation.

Maybe when Life Got Hard, no one taught you a clear theology on pain. Maybe no one mentioned that seasons of doubt, suffering, and detachment are regular valleys in a believer’s life.

Those are also the EXACT times we go to God and tell Him everything. To even say, “I don’t feel you right now, God.” You can tell Him that.

Most of us think we’ve failed God when we don’t feel Him, when it’s actually that feeling of His absence that can either push you to Him or from Him. He’d much rather it be to Him.


— J.S.

I’m Too Cool For Chris Tomlin: And Other Ridiculous Ways To Be Cool In Church

 

Sometimes I turn up a Chris Tomlin album at full blast in my car and sing “Famous One” for the ten-thousandth time and then I start to feel bad because I know it’s bubble-gum Christianese sugar-pop and it’s not real Christian music.

Well that’s what they tell me.  Tomlin and Redman and Stanfill are my secret guilty pleasures, so when I get to church, I turn down the volume and tell myself it was just a one-drive stand.  It’s not like my feelings were involved or anything.

Except — why should I feel this way? 

Why can’t I enjoy sugary Christian praise?

Who are these people that determine how I sing to God?

I had to quit caring about this.  I don’t want to defend my Tomlin-crush to some snooty theology snob who makes me feel like a sell-out whenever I buy into the “conspiracy machine of music, man.” 

If someone makes me feel bad for enjoying something harmless, that’s what Jesus called a stuck-up Pharisee.  I’m tired of imprisoning myself in more guilt to appease someone else’s preferences. I go to church partially to get rid of this asinine judging, not to have more layers of it.

Continue reading “I’m Too Cool For Chris Tomlin: And Other Ridiculous Ways To Be Cool In Church” →

Challenge The Construct

We often buy into social constructs and normative paradigms without really thinking through to the bottom of them. Where did we learn to date and spend money and raise children and achieve success? How many layers have we added upon pure religion and intimate relationships? How many of our routine actions are merely preprogrammed distinctions that are actually detrimental to our own well-being?

Do not ignore the burning needle in your heart that knows something is wrong here. We believe more lies than we think. Do not simply fall in line with the system. Ask questions, challenge the status quo. Do not condemn others based on your singular window of isolated culture. Stand up to tribalism and tradition without disrespecting the merits therein. Think for yourself on these things. Do not simply think outside the box, but create a world that does not need them. Be grounded enough to stumble with others; be free enough to fly with them.

— J.S.

Getting Back The Fire For God

Anonymous asked:

What happens when you lose the fire and it’s starting to feel like there’s no hope? I’ve always been in love with Jesus but right now, I’m feeling hopeless and want to quit everything and just run away from all my problems. How do I regain the fire for God again?

 

Dear beloved friend,

Very often in church we never learn that the Christian life eventually runs into dry seasons, low valleys, and long periods of silence and stagnation.  It’s not really the church’s fault and it’s not your own: because almost everyone is afraid to talk about it, like it’s an unforgivable sin to admit you feel far from God.

So we learn the Christianese code words of plastic smiles and quick handshakes and I’m-fine and That’s-in-my-past and Things-are-tough-but-praise-God — when every night at 3am you look at the ceiling fan wondering if this is all just a crazy ridiculous lie.

But you are closer to the truth than you think.  You’re quickly learning the Big Christian Secret —

That every Christian struggles, every person doubts, and we all wonder if we’re just kidding ourselves.

Every — Christian — Ever. 

This is really the entire point of my blog.  So I have one simple word for you.  Ready?

— Relax. —  Breathe out.  It’s okay.  You’re in a valley, but hang tight, because God is still there, He loves you, and He’s still rooting for you.

Continue reading “Getting Back The Fire For God” →

Quote: Behind His Back


The prophet [Isaiah] said of God, ‘You have put all my sins behind your back.’ When something is behind our back, it is out of sight. We can’t see it anymore. God says He has done that with our sins. It is not that we haven’t sinned or, as Christians, do not continue to sin. We know we sin daily — in fact, many times a day. Even as Christians our best efforts are still marred with imperfect performance and impure motives. But God no longer ‘sees’ either our deliberate disobedience or our marred performances. Instead He ‘sees’ the righteousness of Christ, which He has already imputed to us.

Does this mean God ignores our sins like an overindulgent, permissive father who lets his children grow up undisciplined and ill-behaved? Not at all. In His relationship to us as our Heavenly Father, God does deal with our sins, but only in such a way as for our good. He does not deal with us as our sins deserve, which would be punishment, but as His grace provides, which is for our good.


— Jerry Bridges

Question: Preventing Burnout?

image

joshtheyipper asked:
How do you find the balance between doing ministry and burning out? How can I prevent burnout?

 

Hey Josh!

I believe everyone has their own natural rhythm, and they need to discover it.

On one hand, I believe in working hard, even pushing yourself, to get the work done.  Ministry is hard work and it requires our full engagement.  Fierce warriors like Paul, Peter, Ruth, Rahab, David, and Deborah got the work done.

But this can also become idolatrous, harmful, and create a messiah complex.  So we need to know when we are approaching fatigue and resentment.  We need to rest before we get there. Any ministry worker has to guard their time wisely and know when to say NO.  We can’t save everyone, help everyone, and do all things all at once.  I can only do a few things with effectiveness.  It hurts me to say no, but I would rather be abrupt than dead. 

Honestly, I don’t answer every question in my inbox. Maybe half. It would be impossible to answer everyone. I really wish I could — but I am one dude (I know how this makes me sound, and trust me, I know I’m a nobody begging for wisdom from the Only One who has it).

In a church setting, this means building up leaders who build up leaders.  It means making disciples.  If you’re a pastor or elder or teacher, then yes, try to make time for everyone — but prioritize that, and don’t feel bad for referring them to someone else who can do a better job.  I can’t counsel a WWII veteran or a seriously drug-addicted prostitute, and I would be foolish to try.

Continue reading “Question: Preventing Burnout?” →

Quote: Grace, Who You Are


Grace is not simply a “hiding” — or even a mere forgiveness of your sinfulness. Grace is not just a cover up — as if God, the great Santa Claus in the sky, is covering his eyes from your wrongdoings — acting as if they don’t exist. He’s not choosing to put you on the “nice” list when you deserve the “naughty” list. Grace does not hide God’s eyes from your sinfulness. That’s what we’ve been taught — but the true Gospel is far better.

Grace actually eradicates sinfulness itself. It’s not a cover up — instead, it’s an absolute removal of your old heart…On the Cross, your sinfulness itself was destroyed in His death. Your old sinful self was co-crucified together with Christ. Grace mystically transformed your identity from a sinner to a saint. There’s no mixture left.

Grace does not merely “cut you slack ” while leaving you with indwelling sinfulness. Grace fully nailed that indwelling sinfulness to the tree — your entire old corrupt nature was abolished as a free gift (Romans 6; Galatians 2:20).

What I am saying is that there is nothing left for you to do, but simply be who you are — that perfect new you who is one spirit with the Lord (1 Corinthians 6:17). Now your chief end is to glorify God, simply by enjoying Him forever. As John Piper often says, “God is most glorified in you when you are most satisfied in Him.


— John Crowder

Let Life Be Life


I think in hindsight, it’s easy to say shiny retrospective things like, “I never lost hope” or “I tried to do the right thing” or “I did my best” or “I learned through my pain.” It could be true, but often it’s disingenuous double-talk that cleans up our messy complicated motives. Sometimes it’s okay to admit we were completely hopeless, that we didn’t try our hardest, that we had the worst of intentions, that pain was just pain. It’s good to reflect, but we can’t always force a blog post or bowtie to wrap it all up. It’s hardly ever pretty and poetic in the moment: but life doesn’t need a polish to be life. Every moment, from the mundane to tedious to chaotic to triumphant, does not need our glossing over to be sacred on its own.


— J.S.

Ten Thoughts About Calvinism

image leavealegacy asked:

Hey there sir, do you agree with Calvinism?


My short answer: Yes!

I’ve been known to pick on Calvinists a lot, but the truth is: I love my Calvinist brothers and sisters, and the best way to describe my own theology is Calvinism. I just no longer associate with them.

I was deeply entrenched in the Calvinist circles for quite a while, but I stopped identifying myself as a Reformed Calvinist many months ago.  At the time, I wrote some angry things about them, but really I was grieving at their overwhelmingly superior snobby attitude. 

It wasn’t just a few of them — it was the majority of the whole camp.  Nearly every pastor I have met says the same thing: “Calvinists?  Those guys are effing a-holes.”  I would laugh, but it actually breaks my heart.

Here are just a few quick thoughts about it, and I’ll leave it at that.  I’m aware I’ll be making some blanket statements here, but I’m also aware this does not include everyone nor am I demonizing anyone.  If anything, I am preaching to myself.

Continue reading “Ten Thoughts About Calvinism” →

Quote: His Dream


Jesus is God’s way of refusing to give up on his dream for the world.


— Rob Bell

The Honeymoon Has To End: Your Church Ain’t Perfect

 

There will be a moment when you will hate your pastor’s smug little face and his grin and those quirky Christianese catchphrases out his grinning smiley mouth.

You will eventually resent your church.

You will hate the music, the seats, the bulletin font, the ushers, the way they force the offering plate in your lap, the self-promoting announcements, the tacky jumbo screen.

I mean just three months ago, you loved your pastor.  You were excited at church.  You loved the praise team.  But that moment comes when everything is too loud and too shrill and suddenly grating and irritating — and we think our best option is to leave.

The moment you find out your church isn’t perfect can be very disorienting.  Your pastor curses?  He watches Breaking Bad?  The praise team went out for a beer?  There’s gossip in the church?  How dare they.

We go from idealism to optimism to pessimism.  It’s inevitable.

Continue reading “The Honeymoon Has To End: Your Church Ain’t Perfect” →