Category Archives: 2014

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What’s Wrong With Marriages?

Who is with me?  Marriage is hard right?  Sometimes it would just be easier to throw in the towel and give up, pack it in, try some other avenue to do life.  Many people have thought of ending their marriages over this past year.  I have watched many marriages this year of friends and acquaintances become dysfunctional, disintegrate and even end in divorce.  I have met with many of them and one of the saddest things I see is when two people give up on each other.  But you can choose differently.  Build your marriage on the foundation of Jesus.

Marriage is not a casual agreement it is a life altering covenant…

“Love…It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.“ 1 Corinthians 13:7

 I just celebrated my 19th wedding anniversary yesterday.  The last nineteen years haven’t been all bliss.  14 moves, college degrees, masters degrees while working, paying off student loans, losing loved ones, 3 major job changes, 3 children, 3 dogs, countless diapers, parenting struggles and some sleepless nights.  Those are just a few highlights, but through it all there is one person who has loved me.  My marriage isn’t perfect and we’ve had to navigate ALL of the below dysfunctions.  My hope is that you will take these and address these with your spouse.  Have a conversation.  If you aren’t married yet, buyer beware!  Know what is in front of you and proceed carefully.

What is Wrong With Marriages?

1.  Unwise Choices – “Love always protects” – Before you make ANY major decision regarding anything, you must make the decision TOGETHER.  Buying something?  Going somewhere?  Starting something?  Flirting?  Let me give you a word that will protect the covenant of your marriage perhaps more than anything else, COMMUNICATION.  Communication protects.  Everything you do and say affects your spouse now.  You can’t live with just yourself in mind but you must live for the well being of the other person putting THEM FIRST.  Selfish people are late, don’t communicate and think they have the “right” to certain things.  Have a big decision coming?  Find a couple who has been there and done that and ASK.  PROTECT your marriage.

2.  Unconfessed Sin – “Love always trusts” – My wife and I have disagreed about almost everything: Money, division of labor, parenting styles, sex, communication, what to watch on TV, how often to clean the floors, EVERYTHING.  But I always trust when I come to her and say, “I am sorry,” she will forgive.  Some of you may be saying, wow, he must be miserable.  On the contrary, my wife is LOYAL and to have someone I can trust to confess my sins with is a true gift.  This is STILL working itself out.  You will spend the rest of your life hurting the person you love the most.  Confess it, deal with it and then find out how to STOP doing things that hurt your spouse and START doing things that help.  TRUST your sins with each other.

3.  Unrealistic Expectations  –  “Love always hopes” – This is huge!  The person you married is a person, they are human.  Don’t make them a God and don’t make them an idol.  DO NOT worship the ground they walk on, but love and respect them as a child of God.  They MUST not rule you, but must complement and comfort you.  The person you marry isn’t designed to “meet your every need.”  They are a companion who will walk with you in sickness and in health.  You celebrate with each other through the highs and you hold on to each other through the lows.  Expect to work, expect it to be difficult, but also, expect to have wins together. HOPE with each other.  Laugh, love, and live in harmony with one another.  One of my favorite things to do for Summer is to pursue her.  This means that I am constantly trying to find out what she likes.    A realistic marriage starts with a humble, sober view of yourself and your own expectations.

4.  Unraveled Commitment – “Love always perseveres” – Sometimes it happens, someone breaks the marriage one flesh covenant.  For whatever reason someone cheats outside the marriage and one or both use it as a license to divorce.  I don’t claim to understand this, I don’t want this for you but when the other person cheats, it doesn’t mean you have to give up.  Dare to dream about your future together and the pain of the present will slowly disappear.  It baffles me how we invite the Holy Spirit to be a part of the marriage covenant and then when things get tough, we give up on the same Spirit that brought us together.  Maybe your marriage story is the same of the story of Christ whom we crucified, cheated on and put to death.  but yet he takes us back as his bride.  We are a CHEATING BRIDE, but he persevered. Persevere through the pain.

This is NOT an article to judge or jeer at but is one to hopefully make you contemplate your vows and the clarity with which you live.  There is no formula for marriage, but yet a constant adjustment of how to live and love your spouse.  One last encouragement… “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.”  Romans 15:6

Josh

 

This Sunday at 217church December 21st – #Jesus is…COMING KING – Dare to Dream about the Future

 

 

Josh is the lead pastor at 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Starplex Cinemas in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

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When Christmas Hurts

Let’s face it, for so many of us this Holiday season, CHRISTMAS WILL HURT.  The loss of a loved one, a divorce, a relationship broken, a bankruptcy, a job gone terribly wrong, a debilitating sickness, or maybe the worst, depression.  So many of us will not feel joyous or even optimistic as we face the reality of Christmas, but there is hope to heal.  This Christmas could define your days more than any other, but we must be wise and proceed forward even when the pain of Christmas runs deep.

Choose to face your pain and get freedom…

Despair and discouragement are real issues, what will you choose to do with them?

3 Things to Do When Christmas Hurts

1.  Cry For Help  – This means its time to talk about it.  Some of us are very uncomfortable when it comes to talking about our pain, but failure to process our pain correctly can lead to addiction, more depression, and even extreme relational dysfunction.  Maybe its time to let someone help you?  People care, many of them just don’t know you need help.  Maybe this scripture seems counter intuitive but when you ask for help, be confident.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:16

2.  Seek Out Hope –  One thing is for sure, life is short.  It seems like just yesterday, 30 years ago I was sleeping under by the Christmas tree in my house as a boy.  Time Flies!  Today will pass and tomorrow is a new day.  Before you know it the season will be new and there will come a new Hope.  Extreme hurt allows us to find out where we really put our hope.  Maybe you feel like you can’t hope, Ask God to do something deep in you so he can do something incredible through you.  Where is your hope?  Hope for the future always trumps the pain of the past.

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”  Psalm 42:11

3.  Get Desperate for Healing –  One of the most powerful questions Jesus ever asked was, “do you want to be healed?”  When you are at the end of your trying, this is when God usually shows up biggest.  There is no substitute for being totally healed, but it requires total dependence on Jesus.  One thing to remember about your healing: SCARS.  Scars are what remind us of where we have been and how Jesus never once left us.  Jesus has a plan for your complete spiritual, physical, relational and financial healing.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are #healed.”  Isaiah 53:5

My fear in writing this would be that it would come off as a simple formula.  There is no formula, but there is Healing.  Jesus is our #healer. I don’t know how God has in mind to heal you, but He will, he always does.

Josh

 

 

December 14th – Jesus is… #HEALER

Josh is the lead pastor at 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Starplex Cinemas in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

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There is Something I Need to Say

THANK YOU.  Ten years ago, I never could have imagined the trials and joys my family would face over the next decade.  But as I look back, God has been right there with us every step of the way.  Particularly over the past month, during my father-in-law’s last days of life, so many of you have reached out to my family and have done the little things that have showed you are truly of God.  No, I’m not talking about random facebook posts, I’m talking about tangible things you have done for my family.  As we have watched a man go and touch the face of eternity, my family has been marked by the endless pouring out of affection and care from those around us.  But tomorrow before we celebrate his life I wanted to thank those who are too many to name, but let try and capture a few here:

Don’t EVER forget to say thank you…

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Gary with the Love of His life, Marlys on one of their countless Cascade Mountain treks.

1 – Family – Family is well, family.  no matter what, you forgive, step forward, choose to love, take care of, and sacrifice for.  We aren’t perfect, but we are family.  Dad, you accepted me. Even though I wasn’t perfect, you gave your daughter to me and then you loved me.  I NEVER doubted your love.  Mom, you are persistent, patient, serving and unconditionally caring. Extended family, you define unconditional love and care.  I have watched you all come together and you have endured and Gary’s reward has been received a bit ahead of you.  Grandma Ivalene, you and Grandpa Jack raised an exceptional family. Your legacy in uncommon.  #THANKYOU

2. Caregivers and Cancer Community –  You are INCREDIBLE.  My wife told me stories of the hospice nurses who treated Gary with outrageous love and compassion.  You are amazing.  You do the unthinkable and you choose to stand beside those in the last days of their lives.  You truly have modeled what it means to live with purpose and quiet humility, I have learned much.  For those who walked the mountain trails with Gary, may you have peace and strength in your struggle. #defeatcancer.  #THANKYOU

3. Our Bend, Oregon Church Family –  I can’t say enough about your devotion to Jesus.  You brought meals, fixed tires, called, edited video for his celebration of life, and walked alongside Dad & Mom.  There really isn’t anything we could ask that you wouldn’t do.  16 years ago, you adopted Summer and I as family, then you met Gary and Marlys and they became family.  You are an example of the Gospel of Jesus in action.  #THANKYOU

4. Our New Jersey Church Family –  The last month has been chaos at my house.  This is entirely because I was the boss while Summer was in Oregon :).  But you brought meals, visited, prayed and stood beside me in support.  I will never forget just hours before Gary passed away, a family visited my house and prayed on my door step.  You will never know how much that moment meant to us.  You stepped up when I wasn’t there and led well in the church.  Pastors, small group leaders, all of you.  You even are taking care of our puppies as I write this.  You are Incredible. #THANKYOU

ONE FINAL THANK YOU…Maybe you will be privileged enough to find a wife who is peaceable, patient, and passionate.  Summer, you have been strong through Jesus, there really is no other source of your strength. I love you and I know we will miss Dad, but as he said just hours before he met Jesus, “He has it easy, we have the hard part now.”

Josh

Gary’s Celebration of Life will be at 11AM November 29th at New Hope Church in Bend, Oregon.  20080 Pinebrook Blvd, 97702.  All are welcome: 

You can Follow Marlys Johnson’s Cancer Adventure blog for more encouragement

 

Josh is the lead pastor at 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Starplex Cinemas in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

 

 

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A STRONG Church Family

One of the things I have been moved by lately is the strength of my wife’s family.  They aren’t perfect, everything isn’t always surreal, but they love each other, and they know their job is to be there for one another.  When difficult times hit, no matter what, their job is to express love freely.  As we enter into the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, the world will be watching our church to see how our church family loves one another.  Is our church family attractive to them?  Do we do what we say we are about? Is there a spirit of peace?  We have an incredible opportunity to grow over the next 6 weeks.

What makes us STRONG is a commitment to the basics…

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“…And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied”  Acts 9:31

Building STRENGTH as the church is the gradual process of learning to yield to Jesus.  And when the church gets STRONGER it multiplies!  Slowly but surely our church is seeing strength rebuilding lives one person at a time.  This week so many of you have reached out to me personally and showed love, grace and encouragement to my family.  As each one of us grow strong in the faith, our church grows exponentially more dangerous!

5 Keys To Growing A Strong Church (or any family for that matter)

1. Devotion to Prayer  –   “…pray without ceasing”  1 Thessalonians 5:17

Prayer is a process by which we discover who God is and what he desires to do.  It doesn’t have to be a meeting and doesn’t need to be a production.  Prayer is simply talking and listening to God.  Let’s keep it simple.  Do you pray for our church family?  Prayer is the PRIMARY work of the people of God.

2. Devotion to Each Other –  “…outdo one another in showing honor.”  Romans 12:10

I always love hearing stories of how you are coming alongside one another to bless each other.  Some of you haven’t had the privilege yet of being a part of a small group community that is caring for one another deeply.  The more we are devoted to one another, the stronger we get.

3. Devotion to The City –  “…A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”  Matthew 5:14

If the city has a problem it is our problem.  Over these next 6 weeks our church will be serving the city through delivery of food at Thanksgiving, coats as the weather gets colder, and providing gifts for children this Christmas.  Once again, this just makes sense. This is what the church should be.  We must be devoted to the neighborhoods we live in.

4. Devotion to Self –  “…Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you.” 1 Corinthians 6:19

It’s time to get your life in order.  The church is only as strong as the sum of the individuals in the church.  The Holy Spirit lives in you.  We must make a decision to let the Gospel affect our spiritual, family, financial and physical health.  Each one of these area is an incredible opportunity for representing Jesus.

5. Devotion to the Next Generation – “…tell the next generation that this is God.”  Psalm 46:17-18

We have over 150 kids and youth that call 217church their church home.  We are making a huge investment in them in 2015.  We have a vision to invest $100,000 in the next generation. It’s time to step up, make this happen and GIVE!  The Next Generation is depending on us.  We are a FAMILY.  The church is the best kept secret in our community.

Let’s hold nothing back and realize all He has for us.

Josh

 

NG 2015 

This week we conclude our Next Generation Series as we will be sharing our vision for the Next Generation of churches and meeting our newest addition to our pastoral staff, our new East Windsor Campus Pastor Luke Fraser and his wife Ashlee!

November 16- Vision

We are the church that meets at two theaters!  Join us at 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Starplex Cinemas in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

 

 

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Sacrificing For The Next Generation

In High School I ran relay races in track, and I remember one specific race being behind a few meters.  As we came to the baton hand off for the final leg of the race, something was about to happen. The team directly in front of me dropped the baton.  As I grabbed the baton from my teammate I streaked past and ran to a victory!  As 217church we are responsible to and for each other.  Countless times in scripture we see Jesus treats his disciples as family.  Paul refers to us as the family as we are “baptized into the body of Christ” Whatever we do, we must do with the mentality that we are a family.  Everything these men did was to equip those who came after them to carry on strong in the faith.  A family makes sure no matter what, the children are well fed, taken care of, built up strong, and empowered to run their race with effectiveness.  We MUST help them carry on what we started.  If the vision dies with us we fail.

 

The only way for us to finish strong is to hand the baton off to the Next Generation…

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“…that you may tell the NEXT GENERATION that this is God!”  Psalm 48:13-14


Last year through the next generation offering we fully funded our youth and kids ministries. I am thrilled to report they are 150+ students STRONG!  In addition, we gave away over $50,000 to fund our local and global mission partnerships!  Now it’s time to step up and GIVE SACRIFICIALLY to make sure the next season of our church is healthy and strong.

 

4 Reasons To Give To The Next Generation 2015 Offering…

 

#1 Youth & Kids Ministry – $55,000 Goal – The stories are piling up and the lives are being transformed.  Over the last two months we had our largest youth and kids gatherings ever!  Now we want to take it to the next level.  This amount will fully fund every initiative including our partnership with Urban Promise which helps keep kids off the streets and in an after school program in Trenton.

 

#2 New Open Hope Orphan Care Ministry – $15,000 Goal – This year we are launching a new initiative that will bring hope and care through advocacy for adoptive and foster families.  We are doing our part for orphans in our world! You can sign up this weekend to sponsor a child through Lifesong at the Open Home table.

 

#3 217rebuild Initiative – $15,000 Goal – From the beginning 217church has been all about helping families make ends meet through meeting practical needs.  We have always been a church known for helping single moms, their children and those in our community who are in critical circumstances.

 

#4 217global Partnership – $15,000 Goal – Our partnership with the Dominican Republic church is healthy and thriving. We have taken two trips and now are helping plant a church in 2015 through the ministry of Rick & Tammie Romano.  Their ministry is thriving as they facilitated over 700 people on short term trips.  We want to ensure a strong church as we have over 40 sister churches in the Dominican.

 

Everyone can give something and together we can make a difference.  No gift is too small and every gift matters!  I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we have a special gift for you.

 

You can GIVE NOW to help reach the $100,000 goal

 

Josh


NG 2015

November 9 – Sacrifice (Special Guests – Rick & Tammie Romano from the Dominican Republic)

November 16- Vision

 

We are the church that meets at two theaters!  Join us at 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Starplex Cinemas in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

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How To INVEST In The Next Generation

I want my children to succeed.  I want them to find the joy of finding a relationship with Jesus, serving Him with all their hearts.  Some of my best memories are the ways my own parents, brothers, mentors, pastors and leaders have poured into me.  The next generation has been given to us as a blessing and a stewardship.  We need to take their failure and success as our own.  We are the sum total of what people pour into us and they will be what we pour into them.  So how should we be blessing and pouring into the Next Generation?  Remember, your life will be measured by how much of it is given away.

My wife Summer with her Dad, sometime in 1976…

 
garysummer

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it…” Proverbs 22:6

My family is in the process of saying goodbye to my wife’s father Gary who is near the end of his life here on earth.  He has battled cancer for almost 10 years. He isn’t perfect, (obviously because he is a Broncos fan) but he has been a remarkable father, friend and example to countless people.  He has character.  As I watched my kids Facetime with him last night over 3,000 miles of internet waves, I was reminded of our responsibility to the next generation to bless them and how much Gary has poured into and sacrificed for us.

4 Ways To Bless The Next Generation…

#1 Set the Example –  You know that more of life is caught rather than taught.  Your living is your teaching.  Kids will just do what you do, but interestingly enough adults are the same way.  People are looking for others to model their lives after.  Regarding morality, purity, possessions, family, and relationships people are looking for the highest standards of LOVE they can find.  More than likely, someone is watching you, like a hawk. Faithful to God, the husband of one wife for 40+ years…Gary set the example for us. 

#2 Believe In Them –  If the only dream and vision you believe in is your own, your life will come back empty and void of purpose.  I believe it is IMPOSSIBLE to live as a Christ follower and not believe in the dreams of others.  The very nature of the Gospel is laying down your life for someone else.  I don’t need 10 more critics regarding my dreams, I need just one catalyst relationship that will propel me forward.  A critical spirit towards those we have influence over will destroy them slowly over time.  I can sense that Gary is proud of Summer and I.  He believes in our dream.

#3 Speak A Blessing – WORDS ARE POWERFUL, especially from those who are blood.  My father in law is a man of few words.  He doesn’t talk often, but when He does it is meaningful.  I have made a habit of this for my children.  Recently I was asked how I verbally bless my children. Here is an example:  I say this almost everyday to Lydia:  “Remember you are a daughter of God, forgiven! Today may you have a strong body, a sharp mind and a bold spirit.” Proverbs 31:25,26,30.  Start using your tongue to unleash confidence and stop starting fires.  Words must be chosen carefully.

#4 Teach Them to Learn – One of the most important qualities I look for when hiring people is this, are you teachable?  Maybe you have never thought of this, but we must teach the next generation to maintain a posture of learning and humility.  Once someone knows it all and realizes they don’t is when the real learning can begin. In order to learn you must listen.  He taught us to Listen.

When you are gone from this earth in a few short years, your mark will be what you left for others.  Take without forgetting and give without remembering.  The next generation is depending on us.  Thanks Dad for adopting me into your family and for trusting me with your daughter and believing in our dreams.

Josh

This Sunday at 217church we continue our #NextGeneration Series:   “Clarity – What Matters Most” 1 Timothy 4:11-16


NG 2015

November 2 – Clarity (Special Guest – Carl Clark from Urban Promise Trenton)

November 9 – Sacrifice

November 16- Vision

We are the church that meets at two theaters!  Join us at 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Starplex Cinemas in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

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Cultivating Deep Character

There is a HUGE tree in my back yard that I love because of how tall it stands.  When I look at it I see a beautiful creation of God that has taken decades to build strong.  What makes it so strong?  An extensive root system.  A complex interweaving of the underground part of the tree that you never see.  This has always fascinated me about trees.  You can gaze upon how majestic it climbs to the sky, but really what makes it grow is what you never see below the soil.  The same is true for our character.  Character is NOT about what everyone sees, it is about what is driving you that often no one ever notices.

Character not only will defend you but it defines you…

 
tree 10-17

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season…” Psalm 1:3

Most of us would say we want to have deep character and we want people to trust us.  But sometimes character can be illusive because of our blind spots and our bad experiences.  But even so, here are some ways you can develop deep character in your life no matter what situation you find yourself in.  And keep in mind, we develop strong character in order to stay focused on the mission God has for us.

5 Ways To Develop Your Character…

#1 Stay in the Word –  We can too easily forget the foundation of character starts with our relationship with Jesus.  We must INTENTIONALLY make time to get away with him.  I was just talking to my friend the other day and he told me he is taking a mini 12 hour retreat Sunday.  Awesome! Get away from all your distractions and be shaped and steadied by your time with Jesus.  Let him root out destructive habits and incorrect thinking.

#2 Be Humble –  If you have to take credit for everything good that happens in your work, family, etc. you have a problem.  Pass along the credit and promote others.  Do you always have to be right?  Always have to have the last word?  Always interrupting people to get your point across?  Yep, that’s pride.  And by the way, the moment you think you are humble your character is probably taking a hit.  It is when you realize your pride when your character is deepened.  

#3 Serve Continually – Every chance you possibly get you need to serve.  Considering others’ needs will give you a strong root system that can’t be compromised.  You can’t just serve when it feels good, but when it hurts.  This is especially true in marriage.  Did you know your marriage has character as well?  Build the character of your identity together as a couple through serving continually.

#4 Select Friends Carefully –   You need friends that will build into your character not tear it down.  I’m not at all for being an exclusionist and isolating yourself from others who don’t believe the same way as you.  But we must be careful who we bring close to us that INFLUENCES our thinking.

#5 Hold Your Tongue –   Nothing will destroy your influence and character faster than a hasty, harsh word.  The words you use define what you believe and how you interact with the world.  The next time you want to say something brutal, slow down.  Don’t make excuses for yourself either.  NO ONE gets a free pass by saying, “that’s just the way I am.”  If you want to deepen character it’s time to address the problem, your mouth.  Quick to listen, slow to speak, blah, blah, blah. you get it right?

Which one do you need to work on the most?  Which do you need to prioritize today?  I would love to interact with you here.

Josh

This Sunday at 217church we conclude our #Activate Series:   “Disciple Making”


Activate_d5-2

We are the church that meets at two theaters!  Join us at 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Starplex Cinemas in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

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Trapped! Overcoming Temptation

Last night I heard a rustling under the cabinet and I knew what it was.  You guessed it, a little rodent.  A rodent that didn’t belong in my house and I had to exterminate it. So I got out the peanut butter, the trap, and the plan was initiated.  It didn’t take long, just an hour or so, then SNAP!  The temptation was too strong, he couldn’t resist and it cost him his life.  We’ve all been there.  The moment when there are two options: a terrible decision or a transforming right choice.  We intuitively know when we are being tempted, but what separates those who stand up under temptation and those who succumb to its luring deception?

Temptation is a trap that lures us and then dominates us.
mouse

“…Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death..” James 1:15

No one wants to fail, I mean, we all want to beat the sin, but we can’t do it alone.  There are some simple things we can do to beat it, but we have to be smart and pay attention.  There is no doubt temptation will come, but they are not a sin, it is what we do with the temptation that determines the outcome. 

4 Ways To Overcome Temptation…

#1 Proactively Protect Yourself –  The worst place for a shopping addict to go?  Obviously, the mall!  This seems like common sense but for many of us, we just aren’t paying attention.  We need to start to think a little more strategically than our enemy.  He sets traps for us EVERYWHERE and we would be wise to be aware of them.  These traps come in all forms, but I usually encounter them in one of three areas, Purity, Possessions and Pride.  Remove the temptation!  This may mean taking drastic measures, a bold step, no internet at home, finding a new job.  Whatever it takes, your integrity is worth it.

#2 Pray Like Crazy – Temptation is a spiritual issue, not just a physical issue.  You need to continually invite the Holy Spirit into your life.  This means your prayer life needs to take the next step in its development.  Pray, pray and then pray some more.  Get on your knees and beg and plead with God to protect you and be strong in you.  This is going to take some work and your life and character is worth it.

#3 Give Someone Authority –  This means you let someone have authority in your life, someone who is a friend and loyal Christ follower whom you trust.  After all, temptation is an authority issue.  When you surrender to the sin you give it authority.  Give the Holy Spirit authority, then submit to someone else and give them authority.  It isn’t just about accountability, but more about submission.  Bringing yourself under the mantle of someone else’s authority protects you and this is the church at its best.

#4 Get Help If Out of Hand – You know what I am talking about.  It’s out of hand when it’s not just occasional but regular.  It’s out of hand when you feel and sense you are living under the oppression of the enemy and not the freedom of what God wants for your life.  It’s out of hand when you start to believe your own lies and then even begin to justify your behavior.  You are probably very sick and you definitely need help.  It’s time to take action and it’s time to make it right.  You don’t need people to pile on you, you need people to pray over you.  You already know what’s wrong.  You need to know there are people who care and love you.  So when are you going to STEP UP?

When we stay together, temptation is weak.  Don’t get TRAPPED!


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Join us Sunday as we continue in our series Activate: Discovering how to make disciples.

October 12 – Serving Jesus
October 19 – Disciple Making

Josh

We are the church that meets at two theaters!  Join us at 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Starplex Cinemas in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

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Why Your Uniqueness Matters

I talk to way too many people who think their contribution doesn’t matter in life.  They have lost hope and purpose and think their uniqueness is irrelevant.  The truth of the matter is that every person and every gift matters.   The church should be shouting and proclaiming this every chance it gets!  Paul explains five types of gifting that we receive as Christ followers:  Apostolic: Blazing new territory, Prophetic: Discerning spiritual realities, Evangelistic: Going and finding the lost sheep, Shepherd: Caring deeply for the needs of people, and Teaching: Inspiring with the truth of scripture.  Every gift set is needed and when we are self aware we can then maximize our contribution.

Everyone is unique, are you using your gifts to their maximum potential?

 
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“…When each part is working properly makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:16

Here is the challenge.  Sometimes we feel like a round peg in a square hole and sometimes we don’t know how our gift set fits our church family.  Traditionally, if you have a teaching or shepherding gift, it is usually quite easy to integrate into the body of Christ organized as a church.  But if you are an A.P.E. (Apostle, Prophet or an Evangelist) it can be more difficult to find your spot.  The latter three tend to be more comfortable with change and new initiatives.  But here is one thing we need to make sure we do.  Celebrate each others uniqueness.  In the five fold ministry, no one gift set is better than the other, they all should be given equal weight.  As a church leader my constant question is, “does our church structure and practice provide a place for each gift set?”  You are unique, it matters. 

4 Reasons Why Your Uniqueness Matters…

#1 God Doesn’t Make Junk –  Everyone has value!  Even if you are frustrated by people not seeing your value, take heart that Jesus created you exactly the way he wants you.  Your spiritual gifts, natural abilities and acquired skills will be used of him if you let them.  You were created in the image of God and your gifts reflect the very image of God.  You have his DNA, you resemble Jesus.  His fingerprints are all over you.

#2 Others Need You – Namely the church.  My primary gift set is the Teacher/Apostle.  These two gifts operate with almost equal weight at the front of my contribution to the church.  This means I will always motivate movement and understanding towards the mission of God.  What I need most to complement is the other three gift sets functioning at a high level.  I need you, you need me, we need each other.

#3 Your Gifts Give You Purpose – Clarity brings enjoyment.  There is nothing worse than trying to be something you are not.  No one wants to see a shepherd try and do the work of the prophet.  When you know who you are and what you are about, it narrows your clarity with laser like focus and this is when you will be personally satisfied beyond belief.  Real contentment can’t come from external things like pride, possessions and power.  Only dependence on the Gospel of Jesus perfecting the gifts among the church will advance his mission.

#4 With You The Church Will Expand –  Synergy brings incredible growth.  When we are all operating at the pinnacle of our gift sets, yielding to one another, sharing in the ministry, encouraging for the sake of the growth of His church, the energy is scintillating.  Nothing excites me more than when you can see all the gifts at work discovered and directed.  You matter.  But even without you God’s plan will still happen.  He doesn’t need you, but He will use you.  It’s up to you.  The invitation to a purpose greater than any other in the world is right before you. His Mission, it’s time to Activate it!

This week we will discover, share and grow in the depth of our understanding of our gifts and how this relates to our mission.  You are unique, it’s time to capitalize on it!


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October 5 – Your Unique Mission
October 12 – Serving Jesus
October 19 – Disciple Making

Josh

We are the church that meets at two theaters!  Join us at 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Starplex Cinemas in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

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5 Ways To Overcome Your Past

One of the most powerful forces in the world is guilt.  Sadly many of us never get through our guilt to live a more powerful life of GRACE.  We carry our past with us and are deeply wounded by it.  This week I had a conversation with a person I will call Joe.  Joe is in a very bad spot. His wife left him over 10 years ago and he still hasn’t chosen to give his regret and pain over to Jesus.  As I prayed with him, I could feel the tension and pain that came with holding on to his past divorce and the ways his kids are suffering.  He didn’t do the cheating but he still carries the INCREDIBLE WEIGHT and hurt that comes from this broken relationship.  He won’t give it to Jesus.  But as I prayed for him I could feel Him take a baby step in the right direction.  Ultimately, giving the past to God is Joe’s choice.  Jesus won’t make you give him your past, it’s up to you.

It’s time to let your IDENTITY in Jesus define you rather than your past or current circumstances…

 
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“…forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13-14

I don’t think this will be easy for you, nor will it feel comfortable at first, but it is definitely the most courageous decision you will ever make.  The person who wrote that passage above was a murderer, a cold blooded murder.  He had committed the most egregious of sins known to man.  Somehow, someway Paul let Jesus redefine him and mark him as a man who was powerfully called, crafted and created to do one thing: Give his life WHOLLY to the Gospel and it’s transforming power.  If a murderer can do it, you can too.

5 Ways to Overcome Your Past…

#1 Pray –  I know you are reading this thinking, I already have and my heart isn’t changed.  Sometimes it takes time to change our hearts.  Letting go of how people have hurt us can only be first dealt with through knowing how HE as already HEALED us.  That is past, present AND future tense.  We think of our sin as a linear pathway, Jesus sees it all as a wholistic picture of life that is a mist before us.  (James 4:14)  Our first response to any and every guilt, hurt, pain, suffering, abandonment, rebellion or self inflicted torture is to PRAY.  Someone reading this just needs to know that Jesus is listening.  He hears you.  When you pray with the faith of a hearing God, wait for it, progress will come…

QUESTION:  What is keeping you from praying?

#2 Depend –  What are you depending on?  Are you depending on your own strength to get through your pain, or the power and person of the Gospel who has already promised to take your pain?  So many times we try and go through life self sufficient.  The more the enemy can make you think you can get through something alone, the longer you will stay imprisoned to your past.  Sometimes we even ask for help, but we don’t really want to move on.  We merely want someone to pity us in our pain.  100% dependence on Jesus will heal you.

QUESTION:  What are you substituting for dependence on Jesus?

#3 Forgive – In Jesus’ deepest moment of pain he prayed this, “father forgive them for they know not what they are doing.”  (Luke 23:34)  Jesus pleads with His Father to forgive.  Jesus set and example in forgiveness even when He did nothing wrong.  If we expect Jesus to forgive us we must be willing to forgive others.  This isn’t normal behavior, but it is Gospel driven behavior.  This won’t be simple but we must do it out of obedience because it’s what he has commanded us to do.  But once again, the choice is up to you.  No one can make you forgive.  Your future is resting in your hands.

QUESTION:  Who is someone you have not forgiven?

#4 Trust –  Others.  You need the church.  You need to believe in others.  LET OTHERS HELP YOU.  Talk it out and have people pray for you. Get professional counseling.  I’m not suggesting you bring everyone into the process, but you must learn to trust a few selected people who have your back.  This is a lofty proposition if you are deeply wounded because you don’t want the same thing to happen again.  You must let people help you or the bitterness and pain will be greater as the months and even years pass.  Jesus created us for relationships and set and example of loving and encouraging one another.  You need people who will tell you the truth and people who will let you cry, yell, scream, grieve, no holding back.

QUESTION:  Who is one person you can trust?

#5 Rest –  Even saying this word will transform you.  Jesus is sufficient to give us peace to allow us to rest in Him.  Maybe you need a forced time away with God?  Running from your past prevents you from dealing with your future.  Isn’t it time to rest?  Matthew 11:29-30 says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

God isn’t finished with Joe yet.  God isn’t finished with you either.  I’m not sure where you are at with letting go of your past, but when you choose to, Jesus will set you free.  It’s what he promised…


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September 21 – A New Identity
September 28 – Church As A Family
October 5 – Your Unique Mission
October 12 – Serving Jesus
October 19 – Disciple Making

Josh

We are the church that meets at two theaters!  Join us at 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Starplex Cinemas in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.