Being Teachable and Its Importance

 

There is a concept among various circles that seems to constantly come up, that is, the need to be teachable. Whether it be in the religious or secular, (non-faith world.) It is a concept that each person must consider and think about regarding their attitude about learning. As one credentialed into the ministry in Evangelism and as a Pastor, I am going to approach this from a Christian perspective.

 

I recently asked the question of what does it mean to be teachable on Facebook? I got a myriad of answers, but one of the things that seemed to come up most was humility and humbleness. Those are good responses I believe to start because often what happens in life is many think they know it all and are unwilling to try and learn new things. As a follower of Jesus, we must seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, elders in the church, and those in leadership to seek truth.  Of course, there are ways to make sure they are giving good advice as well and are teaching the concepts of God, much of the following applies to them as well. After all, we need to remember we follow one who is called truth, (Jesus). Shouldn’t we be about discovering the truth of the one called truth?  Far too often our own opinions and pride get in the way of truth. This can cause problems.

 

The one area I believe must be used to determine what ultimate truth is and being teachable is the Bible.  The Scriptures are I believe God’s truth and especially for a Christian, when we use our truths to determine God’s truth as opposed to God’s Scripture, then we run the risk of making ourselves out to be God and the ultimate determining factor as to what truth is. For obvious reasons, this can be dangerous and not only cause problems in the application and practice of our faith but also in the relationships of those we call brothers and sisters.  While the Holy Spirit will give us truth in being teachable, that truth will never, let me repeat, NEVER be inconsistent with scripture. This was a prevailing thought in the responses I got today at Facebook on the question of being teachable.

 

If the above is true, and I believe it is, it is catamount that we study scripture to have a starting point, whether it be a place we perceive to be true, or want to be true, the scripture gives us the assurance that certain things and thoughts are true. When we negate scripture, try to avoid what it says, often because of a sinful concept called pride we do so because we don’t want to admit that we might be wrong.  Remember the phrase that pride comes before the fall?  For the follower of Jesus, as one who believes that the Bible was inspired by God and is God’s truth, this can cause serious issues in our walk with God and relationships with other Christians.

 

Let me say at this point, there is often struggle in being teachable, I know, because I have had those struggles in areas where I thought I was correct about something but then being challenged in some instances, after a study of scripture, I did indeed find out I was wrong. Thus needing to change my opinion and admitting to others that I was wrong.  That process is not nearly as painful as going through life, making bad or poor decisions, or promoting a concept that is, wrong.

 

There are various verses that talk about the need to be teachable and some flat out telling us, while others giving us great advice.  Some of those include the following:

 

 All of you young people should obey your elders. In fact, everyone should be humble toward everyone else. The Scriptures say,

“God opposes proud people, but he helps everyone     who is humble.” ~ 1 Peter 5:5

 

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so ~ Acts 17:11

 

Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge. ~ Proverbs 23:12

 

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. ~ Psalm 86:11

 

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ~ 2 Timothy 3:16

 

Believe me I am only touching the surface on scriptures that reaffirm the concept of being teachable, a willingness to learn and so forth. The question becomes, are we willing to search for the truth through scripture or even defend our positions with scripture.  If the answers to those are no, then maybe just maybe we have a bigger problem than being teachable, maybe just maybe we need to search to see if we truly have a relationship with God and are willing to make sure we are right before going ahead with a belief that may be wrong according to the scripture. It’s not a rules thing, but a thing where we strive to be imitators of Christ because we love Him so much and has such important consequences to those around us.  With that, I’ll close with another scripture.

 

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord! Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. ... ~ Psalm 25: 4-9

The following is information on how you can support the work of Mike through The Virtual Pew and his Movie Reviews that provide spiritual insights. 

 

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. 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.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

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

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

Not Proper for Church

 

Recently at church an event occurred that greatly troubled me, so much in fact that on that Sunday I didn’t feel right about taking communion.  My fiancé sings in the choir at church and comes out to sit with me after the choir is finished. I was a little tired, she was a little late and I met her in the hallway as I left my seat prior to the pastor starting his sermon. I went to get a cup of coffee with her prior to going to our seat and there at the coffee booth was an individual talking about a current politically driven subject, telling the person he was talking to that he needed to consider taking some serious steps and talking about “religious” exemption. 

 

Now don’t get me wrong, discussions like this, although I may strongly disagree with the opinions are fine with me, outside of church. I must wonder, why do people go to church? I also ask the question, do we as individuals who say we are followers of Jesus give him the time he deserves in trying to understand his word, the teachings of the church and so forth?

The Bible is clear on the role and responsibility of the pastor, it is also clear on the responsibilities of the attendee of church.  The pastor historically is called by God, prepares, and prays about the teachings the congregation needs to help better equip the congregation in the carrying out of the gospel, (the good news of Jesus). It isn’t that politics are never discussed in church, but as the Bible is taught, where political concepts are taught, it is in context to the teachings of the Bible, not a political position. Unfortunately, the church in many ways has become married with the political process, despite the reality that research clearly shows that one of the greatest deterrents to people going to church is that it has become politically driven. With that the case, and reality, what should people be doing when they go to church.

 

I think the first thing one needs to understand is that church is not nearly as much about them as it is about the worship of Christ and coming to the place to worship God almighty, and in that love, equip and be there to show love for each other, but mainly, it’s about God. The pastor prays, seeks God and direction from the Holy Spirit in that teaching, often spending hours upon hours in prayer and study. When there are those in the congregation who either pull people away from that teaching or are involved in other activities in the church in ways other than the worship of God and the study on how to become better followers of Jesus, maybe we are going to church for the wrong reasons.

 

Many over the years have called The Virtual Pew “the first online church.”  Let me make it clear once again, we are not a church. We are instead more of a mission organization or what is sometimes called a parachurch organization.  I believe it is critical and called upon by the follower of Jesus to be involved in, plugged into, and a part of a body of believers often called “church.”  The size of church doesn’t matter, the denomination I think does as I wouldn’t encourage anyone to be in a body of believers who taught differently than what the Bible teaches but even here, there are many appropriate denominations.  All of that said though, each follower of Jesus should be involved in church for the right reason, and in the right way, not to “network,” as a social club or anything of the sort.  It is about God, the worship of Christ, and the receiving of the teachings and influence of how to use the Holy Spirit in our lives to reach those in a world that needs to hear the message of Jesus. 

 

Yeah, I was bothered about what was not only politically driven conversation, but including some advice that was in my opinion, frankly detrimental and not well thought out that could do harm to an individual, and his family if he had a family.  It’s kind of sad in a lot of ways really, most importantly, because as usual, the pastor had a great message, clearly inspired by the Holy Spirit and information and teaching about how to actually carry out the work that Christ has commanded us to be involved in. 

 

My thoughts in closing, pray that God would teach you when you go to church, have a heart to listen and ears to hear what God may have in store for you to hear. Be prepared to worship a God who loves you, and to take home the message to apply to your life to make you a more Christlike follower as opposed to one going our on way, like sheep, who have been led astray.

The following is information on how you can support the work of Mike through The Virtual Pew and his Movie Reviews that provide spiritual insights. 

 

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. 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.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

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

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

Just Say No To Procrastination and Laziness

 

Procrastination:  believe me, this one has me pointing 4 fingers back at myself as I point one towards anyone else who has the tendency to, “put things off.”  This is troubling to some extent, at least for me especially as I consider this verse out of Colossians.

 

“Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” ~ Colossians 3:17

 

The author is clearly making it clear, do what we do well. Not halfway, not as unimportant, but do it well and while we are doing it, be grateful that we have a chance and opportunity to do it, doing it as if, because we are, doing it for God the Father. This isn’t all though, it is such an important theme to address in our lives, that being doing things well, that the author reiterates it just a few verses later saying.

 

“Do your work willingly, as though you were serving the Lord himself, and not just your earthly master” ~ Colossians 3:23

 

Unfortunately, many, again, including myself at times, have these habits unbecoming a follower of Jesus, poor planning, and laziness. We must realize that our lives are an example to the King of the Universe, the Savior of the World, and the one who ultimately gave His all to provide salvation for us. It’s not about a saved by works thing or anything of the sort. It is a recognition that our lives are an example to others, but our lives as followers of Jesus should also immolate Jesus and be of service to others, be they a spouse, child, co-worker, friend, whoever. Is that easy?  Of course not! That does not excuse us though of the call we are given as followers of Jesus. I would also strongly recommend a reading of all Colossians chapter 3. It has a lot to say as to why, and who we do what we do for.

 

Now in closing, does this mean we are to constantly be about work, doing the things we do?  I don’t think so. I am reminded of passages of relaxation in the Bible, even Jesus took time to be alone and take a break. One of my favorite verses in the Bible also has God telling a prophet to literally to, “go take a nap.”  We are humans, we must take care of our bodies, get enough rest, and yes, take time to enjoy life and reflect on God’s creation. We need to also make a priority time for our spouses if we are married, or in a relationship that leads to a lifelong commitment, our children, etc.…  God understands but we must also use what time we have wisely, not wasting it and putting ourselves in places where we can't effectively be the examples to others that God wants us to be.

 

So, what do we do? We take the time to plan, we pray, we do what we can to seek wisdom from God through the Bible, we speak with others who are rooted in their faith to seek guidance, (on this point, we must be careful to distinguish Biblical wisdom from secular wisdom. Many will say they are of God but are not, stay away from those people in the seeking out of wisdom.)

 

The thing is get started, let’s not put off until tomorrow what we should have been doing yesterday. May we serve and be like Jesus in all ways, not just in word, but also in deed and by our actions.

"Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for he winter." ~ Proverbs 6: 6-8

The following is information on how you can support the work of Mike through The Virtual Pew and his Movie Reviews that provide spiritual insights. 

 

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. 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.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

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

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News