Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Heritage, Pride, Racisim, What is this?

As of recent I have been thinking about a few things for various reasons. I am going to solicit your help, and hopefully conversation will take place. I have feelings that I have about what I am going to post, but I want to be open as to those feelings being changed. Now don’t expect me to have feelings one way or another regarding the image I am going to post. If discussion takes place I will then talk more about it and likely give my thoughts. This will be a controversial discussion if it takes place so please be respectful.

Here is my question and I am going to keep it as simple as possible, but here goes. I want you to tell me what you think when you see the image I am going to post. What does it represent to you? What should the view of people of faith be towards the image? Does the image affect some people more than others? Is there any good represented in the image? Should this image be revered? What if someone wore this image on a shirt to church what would your thoughts be? Does this image mean something different for African Americans? What would Jesus response be to the image? And of course, you may think of other issues related to the image I am going to post.

I really appreciate your thoughts, and now the image.





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 Blog

Personal Furches Web Site

Mike Furches MySpace Page

Mike Furches MySpace Blog

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Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

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

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Sunday, August 17, 2008

Today I Saw Jesus

I have this dear friend, Burt Rosenberg who is a Messianic Jew and a great comedian. Burt was once a guest on Dr. James Kennedy’s TV program. I have a copy of the video and in it he is telling the story about talking to one of his Jewish uncles who is challenging him to show him Jesus. The uncle is kidding around, “Is he under that glass?” “Is he under the plate?” “How about under that napkin is Jesus there?” He is kidding while he is saying this but a little sarcastic. Burt finally replies, “Do you really want me to show him to you?” The uncle, as Burt tells it, kind of shucks it off and don’t take the conversation any further. The truth of it is, many of us are looking for Jesus, but unwilling to look in the right places.

I am currently in the middle of a 96 hour span where I will get maybe 13-15 hours of sleep. I have been tired, stressed, and to say the least, looking for more hours in the day. The last few days have looked like this, I worked on Saturday night, left work directly to go to church on Sunday morning, went home, slept for three and a half hours, came into work again, work until tomorrow morning, and then home for 4 hours of sleep and back into work for another 13 or 14 hour shift. Simply put, I have been tired while a lot of things are going on. From health issues to family issues, and from church issues to work issues, there always seems to be something to take my focus off of the things God wants me to focus on.

Currently at Mosaic Church, the church I am pastor at, we are in a series I have titled called Back to the Basics. Currently we are on the section dealing with prayer. This series as a whole will end up being a 6 month series and the section just on prayer will end up being 6 weeks. Also as a part of this process, the church was voting today as to whether or not bring me on as their regular pastor, I have been serving as an interim so this was a big deal. A lot has been going on as mentioned and there has been little time to think about it all. All of this and more is going on and then out of the clear, God worked, and I once again, for one of those special moments saw Jesus.

Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t actually see a physical Jesus, but I did see God working. During today’s service, Rebecca one of our members and one of the folks on our leadership team kind of goes up in the middle of worship and states that she feels an oppressive attitude at church, something that is preventing us from being and doing what God wanted. She felt that someone needed prayer, and suggested that they come up for prayer during worship. A family came up right away, and I went over to pray with this family and Rebecca. During the time we were praying, I felt the Holy Spirit indicate to me, that there were others we needed to pray for. After Rebecca had finished the prayer for this family, I proceeded to the microphone where the worship team was and stated that I felt others needed to come up for prayer. For Mosaic, this was something we haven’t done much of in the past, for me, it was the first time I had done this at Mosaic.

For pastors to do things like this, allow someone from the congregation to “disrupt worship,” to change the potential order of the service, throw a kink if you will into the structure is not practiced much anymore. That is a shame, as it was indicated God was at work at Mosaic and so many churches have forgotten about letting the Holy Spirit lead them in their worship. After I had made the challenge, we had another family; and other individuals come up for prayer, for all kinds of reasons, and several of them with tears in their eyes. I was moved, I was blessed as these people I am honored to be a part of, felt called to come up, share, and be prayed for.

Things were going well when there was a pause in the time people were coming up, and I felt the hand of a friend on my back as he prayed for me. His words were inspired, and obviously from God as he prayed for specifics I had not shared and the Holy Spirit used his words to give me comfort, and I hadn’t even asked for this. God is good!

I guess one of the things I learned today, is that if we want to see Jesus, if we want to experience Jesus, we have to be willing to open up and get out of our box, or comfort zone. I know others wanted prayer, I could see it in their eyes, yet, they weren’t willing to take that step. I also know there were skeptics, as I could also see it in their eyes, but God is bigger than any of that, God is big enough to meet every individual, including the skeptic right where they are if they are willing to ask. I am reminded by the television special with Burt and his uncle. Is God under that glass? Is God there where you are, at work, or home? Does God really want to help you and comfort you? Does God really desire to have a relationship with you? Does he want to introduce you to his son Jesus? Those and others may be the types of questions you often ask, but I would challenge you with a question in return. Do you want to see Jesus for yourself? If the answer is yes, the process is simple, just ask, then open up your heart and mind, and you will see for yourself that the creator of the universe loves you more than you will ever know. You know how I know this to be true? Because today, I saw Jesus, and you can to.

While the following song may not appear to coincide with this article, in reality it has everything to do with it. Double click on the video to see the song Only Hope, if you prefer you can also just click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayQZEx1q0fQ


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

http://www.furches.org/donations/index.html

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

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

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http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/hollywoodjesus

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

America Love it or Leave it, or God's Gun's and Guts, or, Something Else?

Recently I had a dear friend who I really love and appreciate post a blog that got my juices going, some may say even boiling. It was a typical reposting of a political email sent out by a religious group. Now don’t get me wrong, I have no issue with these types of things as long as they are above board, and a legal thing. I do have issues with religious organizations though, that have a 501 C3 Status of a Non Profit Agency that continually violates the law in regards to their involvement in the political process. In the early days of the development of The Virtual Pew, I spent some time in discussion with David Bruce of Hollywood Jesus regarding this; I valued and appreciated his recommendations as it made a lot of sense to me that The Virtual Pew not seek a 501 C3 Non Profit Status.

In the typical 501 C3 Non Profit world which most churches and religious organizations are a part of there is a stipulation that limits, restricts, or even prohibits their endorsement of political candidates. Yet, even with this provision, it always amazes me at the number of religious organizations that openly violate this regulation during elections. I will say, The Virtual Pew because of our belief that we should be involved in the political process did not file for a 501 C3 Status but instead are recognized as a Religious Organization, which allows us to make political comment but not receive all of the nonprofit status components in compliance with the tax code of the IRS. On this level, while some of the contributions that come in are tax-deductible, not all are.

I would like to share some of my thoughts on a few things which my dear friend got my juices flowing about recently. How many have ever heard of the phrases, America Love it or Leave it! Or maybe another phrase, God, Guns and Gut’s Made America, Let’s Keep All three! Then there is the one that usually gets me to thinking, it is one that has many dear brothers and sisters in my faith, disagreeing with me, it has them often times becoming upset at me, calling me an extreme liberal, and has had some of them even call me a heretic. The issue that many Christians especially don’t like is my refusal to call America a “Christian Nation,” or for that matter, even to say that our roots are based on Christianity. Don’t get me wrong, I love my country, I don’t know if this is the right way to phrase it or not, but I am proud to be an American, consider the fact that I was born here a blessing, but I have learned to distinguish a difference between my citizenship in Heaven versus my citizenship in the United States. They are different, and while I am to be obedient to the laws that do not conflict with God’s laws, my obedience to God’s laws are of superior importance in regards to the laws of man. One of which, is taking a tax free or nonprofit status while openly discussing political issues and endorsement of political candidates. As an individual fine, say what you will, but if one takes a ministry or organization to this level, with a nonprofit status, they would be in clear violation of directives given out in Romans 12.

I come from a family where most every person for many generations has served in the US Military in one fashion or another. For me to say the things I say, for me to present the argument I do, believe me, has come at a great cost. That don’t change the reality though of what I believe to be truth. I firmly believe that Christians in America have been sold a bill of goods that is as valuable as two boogers and a dirty Kleenex by political pendants on both sides of the fence, whether Republican and or Democrat. Unfortunately, as Christians or people of faith, we have forgotten the importance of studying to show ourselves approved, or the concepts of testing things we are presented to determine truth. An example of this comes directly when we look at how the founding fathers of our country supposedly developed a country intended for religious freedom or based on Christian principals.

Some of the things I like to point out to people surround several areas, first in regards to the first settlement in America. It wasn’t Plymouth, it was Jamestown, a colony largely established for the sole purpose of financial gain. In fact, religion had little to do, if anything in the colonization of Jamestown.

Aother area I like to point out is the historical fact that some places, especially some of the Southern States were originally colonized as penal, or prison colonies for people who had been in severe trouble.

A third area is the fact that even in the establishment of Plymouth, you know, the Pilgrims and Puritans, that less than half of the people there were actually people of faith. I also challenge people to study the beliefs of the Puritans and Pilgrims. If one does, they will be hard pressed to not recognize that much of their belief systems fell way outside the standards of typical Christianity.

Another thing I hear, and often challenge folks about is on the concept of the Separation of Church and State. I have heard many times, that this is not in the constitution, and that the concept was never spoken about or the phrase never used. On this point, I refer people to the writings of Thomas Jefferson and others such as James Madison, their intent, and word usage was clear.

Then there is the fourth thing I challenge people to think about, that is the assumption that most of our forefathers were Christian. That is so far from truth it is sad that many continue to perpetrate this lie. While some were, many, and in fact most historians would say, most were not Christians at all. Most in fact were members of the Freemasons, and most in fact were Deists. This is a belief that basically believes in a God other than the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Many Deists in fact had negative things to say about the person of Jesus and the Bible in general. Yet, for some reason, many Christians choose to ignore these facts.

Now don’t get me wrong, again, I am not giving reason for Christians to not be out there practicing the teachings of Christ. We should, but we have to read carefully, how we view a passage from Jesus that says we should pray in our closets alongside an idea that we should have prayer instituted in school? How do we reconcile the concept of endorsing one political candidate over another when in fact Jesus as far as we know, was reluctant and as far as we can tell, seldom if ever became involved in the political process involving an occupying nation, Rome? When Jesus talked about bringing a new kingdom, not of this earth, how do we justify giving nations more recognition and efforts of change as opposed to doing the very thing Jesus did, attempt to reach the souls of people who did not know him? I don’t have the answers to all of these questions, I realize I could be wrong on many of these things, but I have tried to study scripture, tried to have the same attitude and mind in me that was in Christ Jesus, and I am saddened that so many are fooled and lied to by people who would manipulate our faith in Christ to be something other than what Christ himself intended.

I have seen the pictures of George Washington kneeling beside his horse while in prayer, but have you ever wondered who he was praying to? Have you ever wondered what his position was on various issues related to Christianity, The Bible, or even faithfulness in marriage, a simple concept? Then there are those like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Payne, or even later on Abraham Lincoln. We are so quick as people of faith to hold them in high regard, even use them as examples as people of faith who would have us have a government that has as a part of its focus religion.

I’ll admit, on the above things, I still ponder, I still struggle, and I still look for answers. In that search for answers, in that search for truth I have done some research. It isn’t as if the research to find the materials was hard, but it is to say the research didn’t seem to verify the things I have been told for years. I find that troubling. I haven’t really lost a ton of respect for these men; I haven’t lost respect for them because I always realized that my citizenship is in Heaven, not in a country, not in a political system. Heck I have never even said that America is the best country on the planet, you know why? I haven’t been to all that many other countries and I learned a long time ago not to trust and believe everything I am told. If I did that, I would likely still believe in Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny, The Tooth Fairy and that I could practice concepts like jumping off the roof of house with an umbrella and not get hurt when I hit the ground. But in life, I have learned that the search for truth is invaluable.

I have come to a singular constant truth in my life, Jesus loves me! Now there are other truths I have come to regarding God, my need for salvation, how broken we are as a human race and I could go on, but I have learned that my search for that truth is one of the things that helps to show that I have studied to show myself approved. I don’t believe something just because some preacher sends it to me in an email. I don’t hate gays because some Christian organization is hell bent on promoting their political and religious views. In fact, I have learned that many times those organizations have to later go back and offer public apology for a variety of reasons. There is one organization in America that I get emails from that have had to make an apology, give clarification, or change their views several times because they don’t always tell the truth; yet, Christians by the bus loads continue to believe their propaganda.

There is an old saying in life, fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. I think a lot of us, including me at times have to reconsider and understand, we are listening to people with agendas who feed us a ton of lies, and in return, we get caught up in those lies without ever discovering truth for ourselves. Like I said; I just challenge you to think about the words I have written here without getting all mad, all defensive, or feeling the need to prove me all wrong. I also challenge them to think about the words of some of those forefathers who were supposedly founding this nation on Christian concepts. Consider their words which I have documented here, read them, think about them, and then I challenge, if these are the views and expressions of our forefathers, are we sure we want to align their beliefs, words, and actions as being Christian? Are we so dead set on promoting nationalism over salvation? Are we so dead set that we establish our faith concepts based primarily on our nationalistic pride? Then ask are you so willing to believe what people tell you? This concept isn’t just for Americans but all people, from all races, and all nationalities.

While I am more familiar with American Nationalism, I am sure that other nations fall into the same category. I’m not saying don’t love your country, by all means, do so, but learn to balance truth from fiction, and realize that there is no truth that supersedes or has more value than the truth presented by God in his Holy word, the Bible. Think about that, chew on it, and test your own thoughts as you read these quotes by individuals who were supposedly Christian men founding a nation on Christian concepts.

A Few Quotes from some of the "Founding Fathers."

James Madison
"The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe in blood for centuries."
-1803 letter objecting use of gov. land for churches

"What influence, in fact, have ecclesiastical establishments had on society? In some instances they have been seen to erect a spiritual tyranny on the ruins of the civil authority; on many instances they have been seen upholding the thrones of political tyranny; in no instance have they been the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wish to subvert the public liberty may have found an established clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just government, instituted to secure and perpetuate it, needs them not."
- "A Memorial and Remonstrance", 1785

John Adams
"As I understand the Christian religion, it was, and is, a revelation. But how has it happened that millions of fables, tales, legends, have been blended with both Jewish and Christian revelation that have made them the most bloody religion that ever existed?"
-letter to F.A. Van der Kamp, Dec. 27, 1816

"I almost shudder at the thought of alluding to the most fatal example of the abuses of grief which the history of mankind has preserved-- the Cross. Consider what calamities that engine of grief has produced!"
-letter to Thomas Jefferson

"The divinity of Jesus is made a convenient cover for absurdity. Nowhere in the Gospels do we find a precept for Creeds, Confessions, Oaths, Doctrines, and whole cartloads of other foolish trumpery that we find in Christianity."
"God is an essence that we know nothing of. Until this awful blasphemy is got rid of, there will never be any liberal science in the world."
"This would be the best of all possible worlds, if there were no religion in it."

Thomas Jefferson
"Millions of innocent men, women and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined, imprisoned; yet we have not advanced an inch towards uniformity. What has been the effect of coercion? To make one half the world fools, and the other half hypocrites. To support roguery and error all over the earth."- "Notes on Virginia"

"It is too late in the day for men of sincerity to pretend they believe in the Platonic mysticisms that three are one, and one is three; and yet that the one is not three, and the three are not one. But this constitutes the craft, the power and the profit of the priests."
- to John Adams, 1803

"Gouverneur Morris had often told me that General Washington believed no more of that system (Christianity) than did he himself."-in his private journal, Feb. 1800

"Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion. The several sects perform the office of a common censor over each other. Is uniformity attainable? Millions of innocent men, women and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined, imprisoned; yet we have not advanced an inch towards uniformity. What has been the effect of coercion? To make one half the world fools, and the other half hypocrites. To support roguery and error all over the earth.""Notes on Virginia

"I do not find in orthodox Christianity one redeeming feature."
"It has been fifty and sixty years since I read the Apocalypse, and then I considered it merely the ravings of a maniac."
"I have recently been examining all the known superstitions of the world, and do not find in our particular superstition (Christianity) one redeeming feature. They are all alike founded on fables and mythology."
"Christianity neither is, nor ever was, a part of the Common Law."-letter to Dr. Thomas Cooper, 1814

George Washington
(Also a noted Freemason and Deist)
"Religious controversies are always productive of more acrimony and irreconcilable hatreds than those which spring from any other cause. Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by the difference of sentiments in religion appear to be the most inveterate and distressing, and ought most to be depreciated. I was in hopes that the enlightened and liberal policy, which has marked the present age, would at least have reconciled Christians of every denomination so far that we should never again see the religious disputes carried to such a pitch as to endanger the peace of society."- letter to Edward Newenham, 1792

Benjamin Franklin
". . . Some books against Deism fell into my hands. . . It happened that they wrought an effect on my quite contrary to what was intended by them; for the arguments of the Deists, which were quoted to be refuted, appeared to me much stronger than the refutations; in short, I soon became a thorough Deist."
"I wish it (Christianity) were more productive of good works ... I mean real good works ... not holy-day keeping, sermon-hearing ... or making long prayers, filled with flatteries and compliments despised by wise men, and much less capable of pleasing the Deity."- Works, Vol. VII, p. 75

"Lighthouses are more helpful than churches."
"The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason."-in Poor Richard's Almanac

Thomas Paine"Whenever we read the obscene stories, the voluptuous debaucheries, the cruel and torturous executions, the unrelenting vindictiveness, with which more than half of the Bible is filled, it would be more consistent that we call it the word of a demon than the word of God. It is a history of wickedness that has served to corrupt and brutalize mankind.

"What is it the New Testament teaches us? To believe that the Almighty committed debauchery with a woman engaged to be married; and the belief of this debauchery is called faith."
"Take away from Genesis the belief that Moses was the author, on which only the strange belief that it is the word of God has stood, and there remains nothing of Genesis but an anonymous book of stories, fables, and traditionary or invented absurdities, or of downright lies."
"All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit."

"The study of theology, as it stands in the Christian churches, is the study of nothing; it is founded on nothing; it rests on no principles; it proceeds by no authority; it has no data; it can demonstrate nothing; and it admits of no conclusion."

Ethan Allen"I have generally been denominated a Deist, the reality of which I never disputed, being conscious I am no Christian, except mere infant baptism makes me one; and as to being a Deist, I know not strictly speaking, whether I am one or not."
preface, Reason the Only Oracle of Man


Abraham Lincoln
"The Bible is not my book, nor Christianity my profession."
-Spoken by Abraham Lincoln, quoted by Joseph Lewis

Lincoln's first law partner, John T. Stuart, said of him: "He was an avowed and open infidel, and sometimes bordered on atheism. He went further against Christian beliefs and doctrines and principles than any man I have ever heard."
Supreme Court Justice David Davis: "He [Lincoln] had no faith, in the Christian sense of the term-- he had faith in laws, principles, causes and effects."


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. 

The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry.  Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work.  Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.


Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid 

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There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

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
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

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

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Thursday, August 7, 2008

Neil Young, Better MPG To Help Your Bank Account, The Poor, and Lessons From Fargo

Now for those that actually read this, I actually do provide some information later on that has helped me, and will likely help you if you take advantage of the links provided. Just check those links out, see for yourself. There will also be some video to show some of the benefits of what I am speaking of.

I have to admit, I have been a little disturbed lately by some of the goings on in our world. After taking my annual July Hiatus I am back home after a visit to Fargo North Dakota. One of the things that stuck out to me right away was the current issues surrounding our economy, especially centered on oil and fuel prices.

As I traveled through the plains of Kansas and the Bluffs of Iowa I couldn’t help but think about the gas prices and the impact they were having especially on the poor. What had our society done? How could we have a good conscious about the fact that our government seemed to care so little about those so dependent on low fuel prices, affordable groceries, and utilities. From $3.89 a gallon to $4.17 my wife and I would pay the most we have ever paid for a gallon of gasoline.

Along the way between Wichita Kansas and Fargo North Dakota I would see things that provided a little hope, the windmill farms intended to supplement energy needs was one of those things, the large amount of hybrids on the road, plus an even larger amount of fuel efficient cars like my Yaris were on the road. The owners of these vehicles were doing their part in trying to help with the fuel situation. Then it seemed that the further north I got into Nebraska and the Dakota’s the more I noticed Ethanol fuels. While there is some debate on Ethanol and the usage of various forms of Ethanol apart from the usage of corn, there was little or no doubt about how corn products made at least the fuel prices less expensive. Of course, one of the problems with my Yaris is it is strongly recommended that I not use any gasoline more than 89 Octane, and for Ethanol that includes most as most Ethanol/Gas blends are 89 Octane and higher.

None of this helped relieve my concern though regarding the poor and the impact the current gas prices were having on them, heck not just the poor though, but all sectors of society, including individuals like myself.

From Exodus to Revelation, the Bible talks about the need to help, and provide for the poor. Unfortunately this is a concept many wealthy Christians have forgotten about. It isn’t just Christians who don’t believe in helping the poor though, that lack of concern crosses all races, cultures, economic groups, including the poor, as well as all belief systems. The bottom line, it seems to be popular in Western society to care for self, and to hell with those in need.

One of my favorite, non practiced Biblical concepts is the concept of Jubilee. We first read about this concept in the book of Leviticus. The concept basically involved helping and providing for the poor every seven years. There is more to it than that, but it is a concept that every 7 years, and every 49 years saw major adjustments and provisions for the poor involving finances, land and so forth. It is evident from this concept, and many others in the Bible that the poor have a special place in the heart of God. It isn’t just this though that caught my attention as I thought about the “oil crisis” around the world. I also thought about the depletion of oil resources and the seemingly limited supply of oil that our nation is so dependent on.

Obviously, depending on who you talk to the depletion of the oil sources on our planet are either real or imagined. That doesn’t change however the need to seriously consider a variety of alternative forms of fuel and energy sources. From conserving in what ways we currently can, to exploring additional resources we have to take steps that will ultimately keep prices down, again, not so much for the wealthy, but for the poorest of the poor. While some will argue, the additional need to drill for new oil sources, to the development of nuclear, wind, and other energy needs, we have to do what we can. For many of us, that includes maybe driving a little slower, making sure our tires are aired up, getting vehicles that take less fuel, and maybe doing something like use of public transportation, riding a bike or who knows, even walking. It is here that our family has made the decision to do several things that will help us do our part.

The first thing we did was purchase our Toyota Yaris. So far, this has been a very pleasant surprise, but more on this later. We are also doing things like having my wife car pool to her job some 14 miles away. While this may not seem like much, the 28 – 30 miles round trip shared with two people, thus reducing two cars making this trip will be of value. We are traveling less as well, doing things like making grocery shopping visits in conjunction with other trips, in other words trying to double or triple up on our duties when we do drive. If a store is on the way home, we shop instead of making that special extra trip. My daughter and son in law have purchased a scooter, motorcycle, and are walking more. I know of others riding the bus, and I have searched for ways to improve the mileage on the vehicles I have. It is there that I would encourage every reader to consider the following.

I recently became aware of a company in Wichita which is doing their part at helping with the fuel related issues. From their development of electric/gas hybrids, to their development of BioDiesel this company has worked at being on the forefront of energy and fuel conservation. While currently working on an electric/gas hybrid for Legendary Rock Star Neil Young of a 1959 Lincoln that will get 100 plus miles a gallon Goodwin Concepts has other products that can greatly enhance and likely improve the mileage and performance of most vehicles. Notice I said most, as some of the products may not work on all vehicles. With the warranties, testimonies and information provided though, most should be willing to give the products a try as there is little or nothing to lose.

I recently decided to give two of the products a try with my 2008 Yaris. The Enzyme Catalysts at $19.95 per 150 gallons of treatment proved to be well worth its costs. While the mileage hasn’t been consistent I have averaged between 41 and 42 miles per gallon. This improvement has taken place for a vehicle that has a Manufactures MPG of 36 miles per gallon. I have also added the Super Luber treatment and increased my MPG by 2-3 additional miles per gallon. This product is good for between 10,000 and 12,000 miles. This is pretty good for a new car with little wear on the engine. I have been so excited about the improvement I am anxiously awaiting to try it out on my 1998 Dodge Neon. I suspect that with the wear on that particular engine, I will see a dramatic improvement, even more so than what I have experienced on my Yaris.

Some may ask why the promotion of products like those mentioned above, simply put, it gives me some assurance that I am doing more to help with the consumption of oil products. The less oil products I and others consume the likelihood that prices go down and the more I can do my part to assist in this crises the better not only for me, but others. I realize many don’t care if they do this, I feel sort of sad for those people. It is amazing that people like Neil Young, Arnold Schwarzenegger and others have sought services from Johnathan Goodwin's conversion company H-Line Conversions and even gone so far as to trust them to develop high end biodiesel vehicles for them. I for one am personally grateful for individuals like this that are developing new products to help the public. There are those doing their part at helping with this oil crisis, and helping lessen the consumption of petroleum products.

The bottom line is I am hoping that those of us who can do something about the oil crisis, whether cutting back on travel, finding a way to get better mileage, or simply finding ways to consume less are doing it. We all have a responsibility to do what we can and while we may not realize it, helping keep costs down benefits not only those of us who use oil products, it helps the poor as they simply can’t afford the rising prices. I hope those of us, who call ourselves people of faith, take our faith seriously enough to do our part. While I know this isn’t a typical thing to write about after a trip to Fargo North Dakota, it is something I couldn’t help but think about. Am I doing enough on my own? Likely not, but I am still looking and trying to consume less, and do more, hopefully those reading this will do the same.

The following links can give you more information about the products I recommend and Goodwin Concepts. Following that will be several videos which will show some of the products and work Goodwin Concepts are doing. Jonathan Goodwin is an individual making a difference for our planet. We can all do our part with a little effort. Sometimes that effort is as affordable as $19.95 which could lead to substantially more savings than that.

Johnathan Goodwin's Linc Volt Web Site

Gas Prices Bite. A Wonderful Site Where Product, Testimonials and More Are Available

Direct Link For The Engine Enzymes For 150 Gallons of Fuel

The Goodwin Concepts Store

Direct Link to Information About Super Lubers Additive

Check out the following videos, starting with the Super Lubers Demonstration, following that are other videos featuring the work Jonathan Goodwin is doing.

Super Lubers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0fubukeP7U


Neil Young 1959 Lincoln Linc Volt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVUIpLYsgIo


A Visit With Johnathan Goodwin Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBhOCRulJgU


A Visit With Johnathan Goodwin Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fTx5gwSCAA


Johnathan Goodwin on Media Talk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHsIniEVEoE


Neil Young on David Letterman Talking About The Car Johnathan is Building

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_vzNH0nkX4



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