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.

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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

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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/.

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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

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Daily Devotional Matthew 11, 12 Jesus Challenges the Norm of Religion and Government

 

Daily Devotional, Matthew 11, 12
Jesus Challenges the Norm of Religion and Government

Jesus said of John the Baptist (His cousin,) that he was the greatest of all who had come before Him. Yet, we don't really read much about John. There are things we can learn if we read between the lines.

This chapter starts with John in prison, asking questions about Jesus. He asks his disciples, followers, to go ask Jesus if He is the Messiah promised in scripture.

Jesus knows John's situation but does nothing to change the situation although He could have. Sometimes the truth is, not only does it rain on the just and unjust, but sometimes, bad things happen to good people, like John.

Jesus speaks to those gathered around who have just seen the conversations take place between Him and John's followers. He does something rather remarkable, He praises John but in His praise of John He also praises the reality that John was among the least of these. John didn't dress like, act like someone in authority. Jesus tells those around Him that John was the one God chose to prepare the way of the of the Messiah and that none were greater than John among those born on earth.

Praise, recognition, worth, are not always based on material things. John certainly had none of those but the spirit of his heart spoke to the truth to the need of redemption and salvation as well as his willingness to live among the least of these. A concept we read about later on in Matthew. If this chapter does not play havoc with the thoughts of some in the prosperity name it claim it area of "christianity," we clearly see they are not reading and taking to heart the words of Jesus here.

For the remainder of the chapter Jesus does what I call, complicate things, especially in a time and era where we seem today to blend nationalism and faith with some going so far as preaching a gospel that promotes health and wealth. There are those who would deny God's judgment and condemnation for those who refuse to listen to the message. One may not like the message but that doesn't change the message unless we put words and intent into Jesus own words and actions, If we're doing that we are making ourselves the savior as opposed to listening to the Savior.

Jesus gives the warning for not listening to His teachings here. There are consequences to pay that He says will make Sodom and Gomorrah look tame. It doesn't stop there, there is also praise and recognition to those who do listen. There is relief, salvation, and one who will help us carry on the burden's that life throws our way.

In Chapter 12 we see a new direction. The first part of the passage has Jesus and His disciples picking grain and then eating it in the temple. The Pharisees confront Jesus about this and He speaks to the intent of the law as opposed to the letter of the law. He emphasizes the importance of treating others with compassion. This continues through the chapter. Jesus shows mercy and love be it a healing, eating, whatever. The religious leaders try to nail Jesus down for not practicing the faith as they thought it should be practiced. They have more of a focus on the law as opposed to the needs of the people. Even today, we see this in our world, in my country, the USA, where many people find reasons to not show compassion for those suffering from this terrible virus, Covid-19. We see it in their constant attempts, just like we do the Pharisees who look at the concepts of the law, as opposed to the needs and compassion of the people. The Pharisees didn't like being challenged and for the first time we see their plan start to take place; find a way to kill Jesus. It wasn't just Jesus they wanted to kill though, it was the things He taught, mainly, caring for, loving and showing compassion to others over the importance of the law, or their political beliefs. Does our faith model and represent those ideologies? 

Jesus left that place aware of the efforts of the Pharisees, yet, He knew He had work to do and went about showing compassion and love. We see here the references to the prophesy of the Messiah in the book Isaiah in the Old Testament that speaks specifically of how the Messiagh will be different, especially in the following verses quoting Isaiah starting with verse 18.

“Here is my chosen servant!
I love him,
    and he pleases me.
I will give him my Spirit,
and he will bring justice
    to the nations.
¹⁹ He won’t shout or yell
    or call out in the streets.
²⁰ He won’t break off a bent reed
    or put out a dying flame,
but he will make sure
    that justice is done.
²¹ All nations will place
    their hope in him.”

Jesus continues the miracles that show He is the Messiah.  The Pharisees continue their attack on Jesus going so far as accusing Him of being the Devil. Jesus responds in ways that puts them in their place, using reasoning and logic. He also attacks their intentions.

Jesus goes on to address the ways we can tell those who are and are not of God. You tell it by inspecting their fruit, in other words, what are their results? Who are they reaching? Who are they saying Jesus is? Do they promote the Kingdom of God? These ideas and more are the things Jesus starts to emphasize. He also addresses the attitudes of their hearts. Are their concerns more about the law, rules and so forth? We are supposed to show love and compassion the way John the Baptist did. In their attempts trick Jesus, He tells them the story of Jonah, in reference to how He will be in the grave for 3 days and then return. He also tells them that because they are evil, they won't understand or accept Him.

The next part of this passage is troubling and is often taken out of context. Jesus tells of the need to search for and fill ourselves with truth, not misperceptions. While demons are the analogy He is using, I believe Jesus is speaking about much more than that. We have to be on the search to not just understand and formulate our ideas but to do so with truth as opposed to perceptions. If we fill our minds with falsehoods those falsehoods only create more falsehoods. It won't take long before a false narrative takes over our minds and we will have to do a total cleansing to replace all of falsehoods. I believe Jesus is saying, truth is from God, fill it with the things and ways of God. Remember, Jesus just finished talking about and showing the importance of compassion with the attitudes and ways of John the Baptist.

The chapter concludes with the popular story of Jesus mother, Mary and family wanting to talk to Jesus while He is doing this teaching. I recognize there are many different ways to interpret Jesus words as to who His brothers and sisters are. Yes, Jesus says this, but I think it's because of the importance He wants to place on actually being there for our real brothers and sisters in the faith. This is how we show real compassion. Are we there? Do we show love, or, do we make excuses?

To see this post in it's original setting, along with information on how to support The Virtual Pew, click on the link in the comments. of who is his mother and father, and the importance of obeying. To see Matthew 11, 12 Click the following link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%2C+12&version=CEV

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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 will be out in September of 2020 and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album will be released in October of 2020

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.

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

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

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The Virtual Pew Blog

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