Thursday, February 28, 2008

Larry Norman Good Bye Friend, See You Later

Over the years I have been blessed to be unique in ministry. I believe I am someone that seems to be understood and accepted by those often called the Lost, the Last, and the Least by those in religious circles, or even sometimes within their own communities. I have been blessed to call those often neglected by the church friends, and they likewise. While some may have no understanding of this, I consider it among the greatest honors of my life. I have had people ask me from all walks of life, “How did I get to be the way I was?” “Why do I seem so different from other Christians?” Those questions and others of that type remind me that I am reaching out to, hopefully showing love and compassion to people who don’t always receive it from the religious community. While people have talked about my hair, or other aspects of my life, I hope it is obvious; here I am talking about Jesus just the same.

I have heard people say, “Mike marches to the beat of a different drummer, I wonder where he gets his thoughts. I hope that all of my thoughts, actions, and beliefs come from Scripture, but sometimes we study, learn from people who helps mold us. There was a time in my life where the single most important things of life were missing; among those was an understanding of love, and a future with hope. While Christ, a youth pastor named Tommy and my wife showed me what it was to love, there was another who gave me an measure of hope that would grow, but they also provided much of the theological understanding that I would put into practice for likely the duration of my life, not just in vocation, but ministry, but not just ministry, but in day to day, moment to moment aspects of life. I looked many places for answers but was always challenged with the question, “Why don’t you look into Jesus, he’s got the answer.”


There is no doubt, Larry Norman was a man who moved me and motivated me in ministry. He planted a seed of hope through his music that would grow like a mustard seed, to the place that I would dedicate my life of not just talking about being like Jesus, but I would actually try to become as much like Jesus as is humanly possible. I wouldn’t just preach the words, but hopefully live a life that showed love and compassion to all segments of society, including the homeless, the prostitute, the drug addict, the abuser, the abused, the Atheists, the Wiccan, the Christian, the Homosexual and the list goes on and on. It is an approach that has cost me finance, lack of respect and then some from the religious community, but I know that before me, it also cost Larry Norman as he lived a life and wrote music that inspired and encouraged this type of walk with God. While I have had physical threats, I knew that Larry had death threats. Maybe one day, I will make such a change that people are threatened. Threatened with the real love, and the real salvation provided by Christ. I want to sing that Sweet Sweet Song of Salvation just as Larry sang, I want to sing it with my life.

I had the honor to meet and talk to Larry several times over the years. I was always blessed, Larry, before he ever knew it, was the one God used to provide a homeless kid from Tennessee with something called HOPE! I had the chance to share that with Larry a number of years later while we were doing a concert at Cornerstone in Chicago when I worked with the Rob Cassels Band, aka Rob Castles. Larry was there that year and we got to spend some time together. This was special as we had spent some time backstage a number of years earlier in Knoxville Tennessee which is still to this day, thousands of concerts later, the best concert I ever attended. I think the first time I saw Larry I was a little star struck, after all I was a new Christian who had just become familiar with his music and was actually homeless at the time, living in a YMCA homeless shelter. It was almost as if Larry was an unidentified flying object. I didn’t quite know what to expect, but I was impacted and moved, I knew and learned about Jesus, that even if there was life on other planets, I was sure that he must know, he would have even gone there once already and have died to save their souls.

Larry Norman was special; he attacked the gates of Hell with full force. He didn’t sit back, waiting on the church to come on board; he was in the front lines of battle, challenging the church to come along with him. Some years later, many came on board; there are a few of us who were there on the forefront in those battles with him, maybe not side by side, but in spirit and in our own communities. I will admit, I wept like a baby as I read the news of his death this week. It is ironic though, on the morning of his death, I had the honor of presenting to about 4,500 people in Kansas City at Municipal Auditorium. It was a wrestling tournament to a largely unchurched audience. For some strange reason, one I don’t know, I felt compelled to share the message of John 3:16 with an audience I normally don’t share that message. I normally share a message titled, Wrestling with God, but for some reason wanted to do a more straightforward message about faith and the person of Jesus Christ. I spoke to the tournament director, a Christian, who told me to pray about it. I had, and was drawn to the John 3:16 message. I knew I was ready, but I had known for many years that when it came to sharing the message of Christ, I wish those who call themselves followers of Christ could say without doubt, without hesitation, I wish we’d all been ready.

For some reason, I will always remember, that on the day God took Larry home, I did something I normally don’t do. I think that was the Holy Spirit doing something in my heart that would give me the ability to reflect on the work Larry did in life, and then be challenged to keep on in my work. I don’t know? I do know I grieve, and I do know that with the life Larry led he motivated me and moved me, not just a few times, but many times over the years. I knew, I could be a righteous rocker, even a holy roller, I could be most anything, but without love I ain’t nothing.

If you don’t know who Larry Norman was, you should, especially if involved in music, the arts, or anything of that nature. There is no doubt that he had an impact on society. Time Magazine called him the most proficient song writer of the 20th Century, there was a reason groups like U2 honored him, Bob Dylan learned from him, and others have been moved by him. I was honored that I could call Larry friend. He, his dad and I spoke over the phone over the years. I had the honor to spend one on one time with him a few times over the years, although longer ago than I would have liked. There is good reason I grieve, because I will greatly miss the man Larry Norman. I will see him again though; after all I as well am only visiting this planet.

Below follows various videos of Larry, or tributes to his music by other artists. If the video appears, click on it, if it don't, click on the link:

Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BznsjIe5sMk
]

Song for a Small Circle of Friends
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkbSanu__w8


Why Don't You Look Into Jesus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TliWDSLrYb8


I Wish We'd All Been Ready
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QyVx41IPBc


Sweet Sweet Song of Salvation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M64Izj7na0E



The Outlaw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuGcLDv5nvM


Messiah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdynIgBCYGs


Sitting in My Kitchen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG6-cPmaE7s


Larry Norman & Michael Roe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmdvYmx-RFw


The Great American Novel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTlr-73DQq8


Six Sixty Six
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4qJYjDPZ78


I Hope To See You In Heaven
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBODgYVVGvY


Goodbye Farewell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkX3kj5o0Yc


I Am A Servant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75KPMIAUfww




Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.com

You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.

Here is our contact information


The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During The Virtual Pew Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

Phone Number to Call During The HJ Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8853

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/thevirtualpew

To Subscribe to HJ Live Live Feed – http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/hollywoodjesus




Tuesday, February 19, 2008

The Virtual Pew News #16, Thank You

Well after a crazy few weeks I figure it is time for an update. You will quickly see why it has been a few weeks since I sent something out.

I guess one of the last things people heard about was the request for funds regarding my wife Mary Jane’s need to spend some time with her brother Larry before he died. Larry has cancer, and short of a miracle from God he only has a short time. At the writing of this newsletter Mary Jane will be returning to Kansas from Tennessee tomorrow afternoon. I can’t say thanks enough to those who supported and believed in this ministry enough to provide the needs in getting Mary Jane to Tennessee, plus enough to get her there for the funeral when it occurs. All I can say is God is good! We obtained enough support allow Mary Jane to spend time with her brother, but also to return for the funeral. There is also the possibility that Nathan and I will attend the funeral. I must say, I feel that I made a mistake and if I had things to do over I would do them differently. Nathan and I would have gone on the initial visit to spend time with Larry while he is still alive. I know I don’t always make the best decisions and this is one I would have made differently. That said, we know each of you who provided financial support or prayed for us have been used by God. Our prayer is a blessing from God, and an opportunity for you to experience the fullness of love from God.

There is another reason I have not been as active lately. While hosting a poker night at the house a few weeks ago, we had a number of friends and former church members over; I accidentally ran a wooden skewer from a ka-bob almost through my hand. It didn’t bleed much, didn’t think that much of it after putting on Neosporin and washing it out. That wasn’t enough though. The hand developed a rather serious infection which is just now clearing up. Mary Jane talked me into going to the Doctors and I am glad I did. I would have never thought an infection could hurt that bad, and run the risk of damage it did. The hand is close to 95% better though, and I am soooooo, glad.

I have also been active doing some things with Hollywood Jesus. I was able to watch a couple of screeners. I am working on reviews of a documentary with an interesting twist towards Christian film making, and a wonderful movie that just came out on DVD called Martian Child. I was honored to get to interview 10-year-old child star Bobby Coleman. He starred with John Cuscak in the movie. I will be running the interview and getting the review up this week. For those critical of Hollywood, know that wonderful movies like this encourage and tell the story of adoption, plus the love of a father and child. The interview with Bobby which you can hear by visiting www.blogtalkradio.com/hollywoodjesus is one of the most fun interviews I have ever done. In the interview Bobby brought up his involvement with his church and how much fun church can be.

Things are also continuing at Youth Horizons. I am working three nights a week which is allowing me reading time, devotion time, as well as time to get caught up on things. I am also using this time to interact with friends and individuals using the ministry via personal messengers.

Lastly, over the last weeks I was reminded of the importance of ministry and The Virtual Pew as I got to spend some one on one, face to face time with Curt Nelson. Curt is in the United States Army and recently returned from his time and service in Iraq. Curt and I maintained a regular interaction during his time in Iraq. To be blessed to spend face to face time, even at 3:00 – 5:00 AM was worth it. Curt is a dear brother, and one I expect to keep in touch with. We had an early morning breakfast on his drive back to Texas, and we stood outside in the winter morning temperatures for over an hour talking about everything from dating to family relations. Curt asked if I was going to do a blog on the time together. I told him I would write something, and I think a newsletter mention is a step up from what we spoke about. Hopefully, this a reminder that you are praying for and supporting a ministry that makes a difference, and is hopefully something that reminds you to develop real and lasting relationships with others.

The last weeks have been hectic. Of course there was the controversy that comes with this ministry at times. I challenged Christians to speak truth, alluding to the false email that many have sent around or seen about Barack Obama. Not as an endorsement of Obama, but as an illustration that with all people, even those we disagree with, truth matters. Then I have done a few video presentations, using the television show South Park to show some aspects of spiritual truth, including the language we use. It is amazing how some can find reason to complain, yet most of those very people are doing nothing to develop relationships with, or reach those who have been hurt by the church or for whatever reason not a part of Christianity. Our hope remains to show Christ to people and while there are those who disagree with the methods at times, I challenge that anyone can look at the testimonies of those who have responded, and then from there, argue with the methods that have brought people either to Christ, or to a point where they are willing to hear the message. I am confident; this is a part of what Paul meant in the Bible when he said he has become all things to all people in order that he may win some. Paul never compromised his relationship and obedience to Christ, but found unique ways to reach a culture in their environment.

Truth is, while family members die, hands have injuries, and other difficulties come about, God is still good, all the time! He provides funds when funds are needed, he has doctors in place to help as help is needed, he reaches people most consider unreachable, and he develops relationships and friendships across oceans. One thing is for certain, those who know me, know I speak my heart and speak the truth as I see it and know it. That said, for those who don’t know Christ, I challenge, he is still alive, and still working on this planet. Some of you are helping to assure that, some of you are praying and responding to encourage me and others. To all of you, thank you from the bottom of my heart, God bless you, and know that God is still love and that when we love Him, and love people, we have kept the greatest of all commandments. Thanks for your love, it has touched my family.

I wanted the video from the movie The Gospel, God Is Good All The Time, but couldn't find it. I did find this one from Dan Moen and it is kind of fun and has the lyrics with it. If you don't see the video just click on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQhB-c0cIhw



Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.com

You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.

Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During The Virtual Pew Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

Phone Number to Call During The HJ Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8853

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/thevirtualpew

To Subscribe to HJ Live Live Feed – http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/hollywoodjesus

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

South Park Video and The Bad Language of the Church

This is the second in a series of presentations I am doing using short film clips from the South Park television show. I am using federal fair use copyright law in using these. The intent is to give short teachings related directly to the clip which is part of falling under fair use.

This particular clip is one of my favorites. When I do my presentation across the country, it is one that seems to get the biggest laughs. It is funny, but rich with meaning. One has to watch it several times due to the ease of missing things in the video.

I remember a number of years ago watching a musical artist Time Magazine called the Most Prolific Song Writer of the 20th Century talk about how Christians in particular just didn’t know how to communicate. That musician, Larry Norman, couldn’t have been more correct. It seems that after people become Christians they learn a 2nd super secret, coded language. Terms like, “Born Again,” “Saved,” “Baptism of the Holy Spirit,” “Slain in the Spirit,” “Washed in the Blood,” and among my favorites, “Sanctified,” “Anointed” or “Glorified.” This language spiritualizes things that don’t need to be, and makes things confusing for the person we are speaking to.

I know a little American Sign Language. It is one of those things I practice and use often, although not as much as I would like. Sometimes I have fun with it and speak to people who I know knows nothing of it. They become confused, paranoid and to be honest, normally don’t like it because it is as if I am flaunting my knowledge. When we over spiritualize things, speak in terms that aren’t typical then we tend to have the same effect on people.

As a Christian, I am amazed how easily my fellow followers of Jesus forget that one of the beautiful things about the person of Jesus was his willingness to go out of his way to communicate and relate to the common person. His actions in remind me of something my grandfather taught me when I was growing up. Paps told me that whenever I was speaking I needed to make sure I spoke in a way the least educated person in the audience could understand. He knew what he was talking about as he was the smartest man I ever knew, and he only had a third grade education. Paps understood when sharing about faith with others, or when carrying on a conversation with a group, that if the least educated understood then every person understood. If someone had to use big words to show their intelligence, they would often garnish little respect.

I love this clip because it helps illustrate some of those concepts. It illustrates how religious people take their faith and make it so hard to understand that it will have little effect on those hearing it. My forgiver and leader, Jesus Christ spoke often about becoming as a child, he also had a special place for children. These children, whether intending or not, teach us lessons about how confusing our language is. See if you can relate. Until the next South Park Lesson, enjoy, have a laugh, and learn once again, from Cartman.

Now if you see the video below, just click on it, if not, click on the following link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZkiXw7de6E




Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.com

You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.

Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During The Virtual Pew Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

Phone Number to Call During The HJ Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8853

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/thevirtualpew

To Subscribe to HJ Live Live Feed – http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/hollywoodjesus