The Virtual Pew Daily

Monday, July 6, 2015

Death, Dying, Serving

You evil person, how can you say you promote the Kingdom of God? What has your ministry really done to help someone? Why does your ministry ask for money? These three are but three of many questions I am often asked but yesterday was another example of how effective this ministry is. I must first state emphatically, the ministries I am part of, The Virtual Pew and Mosaic Wichita are not my ministries, they are ministries God has called me to and ministries that are His, not mine. They are ministries I have been blessed to see fruit from, not always the kind you hear about on television but the kind that if you step back, think about; you will realize it is a ministry that is different and is in fact, making a difference.

This last weekend I commented on social media about how lonely it is being in ministry. I have never lived close to my family, other than my immediate family since my mid-teen years for any extended period of time. There have been moments, but in the course of years, only that, moments. It is easy to get to the place where you experience the pain of loneliness but how about the pain of loneliness that comes from one who is literally in their last months of life?

For me, at times, it is very hard to distinguish the differences between the work of Mosaic and the work of The Virtual Pew. Both have as a purpose to reach out to and serve those who are hurting. One brings in some level of support for Mosaic, the missional church ministry, the other, The Virtual Pew, in many ways serves others in various forms of hurt with an evangelical twist but it also brings in some money for Mosaic. Of course you need to understand, neither brings in enough to operate a full-time ministry but the ministry is effective.

One of the things we have done at Mosaic is to follow the Biblical expectation that we care for our neighbors, especially the orphans and widows, the poor and needy. We do many things including we mow and take care of the lawns for two individuals across the street, living in different homes, one an elderly lady and the other a elderly man who has for the last year been seriously decreasing in health. We have made it clear to both, we want nothing in return, we just want to serve them. We also take them food and offer other helps. The little lady has another gentlemen in the community who is helping her out, the elderly man we have noticed has no one.

The man, Gene was given 3 - 6 months to live a year ago. He has lasted the year but has declined so much that he now realizes he is in his last months. I along with my wife meet with him again today to discuss a request from him. He wants to move in with us here at Mosaic so that he doesn't have to die alone. Think about that, he doesn't want to die alone in a nursing home and appreciates what we have been doing for him over the last months that he is asking to move in with us, so he can be around people who have shown him compassion before he dies and doesn't have to die alone. Stop for a bit before reading on to think about this.

Gene has no family outside of some nieces and nephews whom he has no idea where they live. If he were to move in, for us at Mosaic, it would require a great deal of sacrifice for all of us. He would have to stay in an upstairs room, not able to get around much, require nursing care that comes into the house and for those that live here, during the times Mary Jane and I are away, extra effort on the other residents part to help out. It means all of us spending more time upstairs with Gene during his last days on earth. It means at some point, having to help clean him if he can't get to the bathroom, helping sponge bathe him because he is too week to get into a shower or into a tub. It means taking meals upstairs, it means befriending someone even more so to be with them as they die. Those are not easy things, for family who has done this with others you know of the wear and the tear, for others, you can only imagine doing that for someone who isn't a regular part of your life. Could it be a challenge? How could it help but be anything else?

Many ask as to why to support Mosaic or The Virtual Pew, it is really quite simple, what we are talking about will cost more money which we don't have, it will take more time which is hard to come by but it will be showing love to someone who frankly, needs love and has no one else that is willing to give it, not a big church, not a big ministry, not even a wealthy individual, it has in fact, fallen on us to make the sacrifice of offering love which on paper, financially and from a time commitment is hard to imagine being done. Others will come up with their solutions which would likely include him dying alone, not feeling loved, wherever that may be. That solution is not acceptable to us. It wasn't acceptable because our residents have taken the time to serve this man, to get to know him and thankfully, get to the place where we don't want to see him die alone.

Does all of this mean we are taking him in right away? To be honest no it doesn't mean that, but we are meeting with him today, will meet with hospice care this week to also speak with them about how and if we can make this happen. I don't know the answer right now but will say, there is a better than 50% chance that we will be having him move in with us very soon, so he doesn't have to die alone. Let me ask a simple question, what are you willing to do to help, if not with this man, but someone who lives near you, someone you know? Can you think of someone who doesn't want to die alone? Would you be willing to bring them in to sacrifice to show them the love that God expects all of his children to show others?

This isn't written to make Mosaic or The Virtual Pew to look good, it isn't written to make you feel guilty, it is written so that those of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus will think more about the role and impact we can have on the hurting around us. Will we act like Jesus and show love to those who are hurting, those who struggle, those who need a companion and a friend named Jesus. Will we be willing to be the mirroring example of the love Christ has for them by loving them as Jesus loves them? What you do with it will be entirely up to you, but I challenge, do something.

I love this song a great deal, to watch and listen just click on the video, otherwise if problems, click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm5kx3xqmg0

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

You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audio book at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.

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Thursday, June 18, 2015

Another Church Shooting and My Meeting with the KKK

A number of years ago we adopted our son. He was born in Charleston South Carolina. He is a creation of God that came about via a rape of a very young woman. He is half black and half white. We knew at the time of the difficulty in the South, especially in South Carolina of child placement in a state with strong roots and history. We felt the call of God to do what we did and for the first part of his life, he grew up in South Carolina.

During that time I actually ran for political office, a state House Seat which I barely lost to a retired postman. It was unique, while I ran as a Democrat I had garnished the support of the NAACP and the National Right To Life and many Republicans, some would say strange bed fellows but both areas of support I appreciated and cherished. From the NAACP for my willingness to stand up against Dick Riley, (former governor and Secretary of Education under Bill Clinton) who sought to take away land rights deeded to a slave right after the Civil War and from the NRTL for my strong pro-life, Anti Abortion positions. At the time, I even addressed a strong pro-life position of which I received a standing ovation at the time the largest Democratic Convention in the Country, The South Carolina Democratic Convention. It has always been my desire that we come together as people of faith regarding the need to bring about racial reconciliation. Believe me, I learned early on, we still needed that reconciliation. That place where we see each other, "judged not based on the color of our skin but on the content of our character." (Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.)

I learned early on that would be difficult, seeing posters for the KKK posted around regions of the Upstate where I was campaigning, hearing the opinions of separatism by the many I came into contact with on the streets, the looks towards us and our son while standing in line at a grocery store and I could go on. One particular incident in particular I will mention is when I appeared as a guest on the Mike Gallagher Show (now nationally syndicated) with members of the KKK. Mike knew of my situation in adopting a child of biracial origins when I was trying to make a point to the members of the KKK on the show who didn't know of my situation. I asked a question to show and draw out their hatred, as to what their recommendation would be to someone who had adopted a biracial child but had later recognized the wrongs of their actions and wanted to join the KKK. Now understand, this is something I would never consider but I wanted to show their hatred and lack of understanding live on air. Their response helped me prove my point, "That person would be better off going to a dog pound and adopting a dog," they said, "They could at least legally put the dog down which is what it would deserve." Their anger was fuming, not over the desire to have others in their organization, but that someone would consider such an act, which I had not only considered, but done.

In that answer, they became vile, hateful, and let their pure hatred shine through. I thought Mike Gallagher would have a heart attack as I think he fully expected me to come across the table after them. But I didn't, I knew they had castrated their own points by the spirit and attitude they had just displayed.

I understand the reality of my situation, while my ancestry is French/Indian, I largely grew up in Black communities, even have a Black son, I appear white and for those that don't know me, that is their first impression. This has me reflecting in many ways regarding the news lately but it also has me reflecting on another church shooting that has 7 people dead in Charleston South Carolina, the birth place of my son. It is unfortunate, that hatred still exists based on little else other than the color of ones skin.

I was a huge fan, still am of the Reverend (I try to never leave that part out of who and what he was) Martin Luther King Jr. I believe in his approach to teaching, living and sharing the gospel, I pray for the time when Red and Yellow, Black and White, and every mixture in between sees each other for the character of the person and not the color of the skin. I understand the power of hate but I also understand the even greater power of love. I understand the difficulty of displaying it, sharing it, giving it, but I also understand the total value of love I am called to display from the one I call King, that being Jesus Christ. I have to question, why do so many of his supposed followers choose to display actions of hate as opposed to actions of love? Why don't we take seriously our actions and beyond that the struggles of those God would have us call brother and sister. This morning I am once again, reminded to pray; to pray for the hurting, the need of our world to experience total, unrestrained, perfect love that only comes from the Son of God via The Holy Spirit.

Today, I pray, I pray for those who suffer at the hands or racism, hate, and a desire to be something other than the intent of God. May all of us who call ourselves Children of God find ways to come together to show the world around us that there is the possibility to love despite differences. In a world where political hatred seems to drive the bus we all travel on, may we seek out a new bus, a new driver, one who would stand for above all things, love and for me, in the conclusion of that, may Christ be glorified and the miracle of love be birthed among those who have never experienced that love.

There will be those who will attempt to justify racism, but I am reminded by the words in

1 John 4:20 ~ But if we say we love God and don’t love each other, we are liars. We cannot see God. So how can we love God, if we don’t love the people we can see?

A song I wrote regarding holding fast to dreams. To see the video just click on it, if there are problems, click on the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G58ekJj0F2A

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

You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audio book at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Birthday Wishes and a Thank You

Why in the world would someone take the response to reply to some 600 or so birthday wishes on social media? For me the answer is quite simple and something that recently took me almost a full day to figure out how to do it, (with facebook settings it can be tough) and then get the effort done.

You see it is like this, some years ago I was serving as pastor at United at the Cross in Southwest Wichita. One day while out doing home visits, that is visiting the folks in the community, I would often go door to door introducing myself. I will never forget the conversation with this small widow lady and her reasoning's for not attending church.

I knocked on the door, introduced myself and the lady rather quickly stated after figuring out who I was, "I'm not interested in church!"

Now understand, I have never been the hard recruiting type because I truly think I understand some of the reasoning's some have issues with the Church. This lady confirmed my thoughts as I responded, "Ms. I am not here to recruit you to church but to let you know I live in the community and if there is ever anything I can do to assist or help with I want you to know I and our church are available."

Now serving others, in the community has always been a part of the ministry I believe God has called the Church to do. It is one of the reasons that at Mosaic, as small as we are, we help take care of the orphans, widows, widowers, poor, handicapped and the needy among others in our neighborhood as we can. I believe it is a part of the call of the Church to care for the community of which they exist. It is one of the things I have said over the years about the Catholics, they seem to understand the community or parish concept.

The lady, in her early to mid 60's, small and frail, but feisty, was shocked. "Well I appreciate that and it is the first times a church has offered to help me with anything." She went on to tell me and the person with me, "My husband and I used to go to church, (she was specific to the name and one not far from our church in Southwest Wichita) but he wasn't doing well, not that anyone at that church would know. It was near his birthday and I asked the pastor if the church could sing him Happy Birthday. The pastor responded that if they did that for him they would have to do it for everyone and they just didn't have the time for it. Truth is, that was the last Sunday I ever attended church."

I grieved for this woman but also for a church that was to be a representative of the work of Jesus, the Bride of Christ. How could they Biblically justify this type of action for a family in need? My response to this lady, was "What would have been wrong with that, we sing Happy Birthday all of the time and so what if you had to do it for everyone? That's a part of celebrating the life of those in church."

For years, I have made a point that at churches I have been involved in to sing happy anniversary, happy birthday, celebrate days of recovery from addictions and to find reasons to celebrate the things God has not only given the church but the individuals that make up the church. Recently we had an entire service to celebrate the graduation from High School for one of our members who has Asperger's. It was a great service and a service that I think let that person know they are important. Unfortunately, sometimes the church is more caught up on the programming than they are the people. I understand why some have issues with that. Can you blame them?

Long story made short, I later found out this ladies husband died from cancer and this event kept them from ever attending church again. While we all, (speaking of the church and the members of the church) have issues and at times fail, we have to be careful I believe to make sure to say things like, "Thank You," or sing happy birthday or show an interest in the life of each other. The flip side of this is everyone expects this to always be the pastors job, even though the Bible clearly speaks about the role of the pastor to teach and equip those within the church to carry out the work of the church. This doesn't excuse the pastor for not doing it, but neither should we condemn the pastor when others participate. The bottom line is the church is a group of people, not just a singular one.

Now on a side note, my time on facebook is largely ministry related time for me through The Virtual Pew. It is why I challenge some to search deep for answers, share my heart, and just try to be honest. It has also been a time though that has been a blessing to me and those I love. For that, I am grateful.

Now let me say a few things, please, never take lightly the "Happy Birthday," comment you leave for someone at facebook or the kind words you may share with another. For some, those who are lonely, hurting, or down and out, it may be the boost to get them over the hump they are at in that point in time of life. For others, like me, it is worth it to also take the time to try as best as I can to respond and at the least say thank you. For me, I try to genuinely respond, for those I know well, to add a note of thanks, blessing or a personal note of where God may be leading me. Does it take up time to do so? With approximately 600 responses, you bet it does. Do I regret it? Heck No! These are people who took the time to offer a well wished thought. I am honored that real friends as well as FB friends would take the time to do this.

Now in conclusion am I saying everyone should do this? No I am not, I am saying though, that for a community of believers, a church if you will, it is important to take the time to give the individual the time they need, as we can, even if that time involves singing happy birthday to a dying man looking for the comfort of friends. I am also saying there are those in the church who can find ways to make special days special. I will never forget at United at the Cross the effort to sing Happy Birthday to each individual but I am also reminded of a lady named Katie Flores who each year took the information from each member, or participant, and writing out and addressing a birthday card to them. All I had to do was put a stamp on it, sign it and mail it. It was a practical way that those of us in the body let each other know that we loved each other. So there are ways to do it, we should never be answering questions on things like this on why we can't do it, instead, may we search for ways that we can.

In that regard, for those taking of their time, to show and share love and the kind words to me. I know, I can say with all sincerity, yes it was worth it to take the time to personally thank you and if I failed to do that with anyone, forgive me, it was never my intent to leave out anyone. Now there is another reason to share this though, that is to let you know, that you actions matter and saying Happy Birthday to someone like me, or anyone for that matter, may have more of an impact than you will ever know.

Once again I say to all of you, Thank You and all of God's Blessings!

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

You can also order the book at all major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and so forth. It is available via e-book for .99 Cents or if having a way to download, can download the full audio book at soundcloud.com and simply going to Mike Furches / The Keystone Kid. The audio version of the book is available for a free download.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Scarred for Jesus

I know some take me wrong sometimes, and this may be one of those times but I try to always share with the utmost of integrity my heart and I sincerely post things to get people to think; to think about their faith, the world around them, the reality of God etc...

In all honesty, I don't want people to take this wrong, so please understand it is not my intent to get sympathy, I am not trying to raise money or anything of that nature, I am just trying to be honest and share my life and thoughts with you.

I just got back from a visit with my doctor this morning to check on recent headaches and a rash type thing I experienced during my last couple of days in Sedona and for a few weeks thereafter. He explained what it was, (a medical term I don't even know how to spell) and had him check out my chest as he had wanted to do a few weeks after he had removed a skin cancer on my chest. He explained to me there would be a lot more to cut out after the biopsy came back but wanted to do a follow up even after that prior to cutting.

I some get upset at me getting upset at others sometimes. One such thing came up a while back after a gal said we were using church money for vacations and the like. The truth is, we have never done that, my wife and I have made many sacrifices for the ministries we have believed in over the years. Not just at Mosaic, but for the duration of our marriage and walk with Jesus together. I can honestly say, while I have had weak moments in my life around various issues, I have never given up on, doubted, or not loved Jesus with all of my heart since I came to know Him. I have not accepted or received a salary from Mosaic for over 5 years and most of the time don't get a housing allowance, in the amount of $300 a month. Which has been less than 6 times in the last 12 months and less than 10 times in 2 years.) Do we get to travel? Yes, from speaking, (where I give the money back to the church) and from friends who gave us a time share which we get to visit (and or others) 2X's a year and other times from friends that take us with them once or twice a year. We have learned, like in Sedona to get free visits to other places and take an hour and a half of our time to sit in on a presentation, say no thank you and receive free food and or show tickets. It is a way we believe God has blessed us.

Now, not to be political but I know the Affordable Health Care Act helped many people, it hurt me as I have not had insurance since it went into effect. Our income before deductions is too high and my premiums went up while the benefits went way down. You see our donations back into ministry are extremely high on a percentage level. That said, I have no insurance as we simply can't afford it. We are extremely blessed that I have a good friend who is a great doctor who sees me for free and everything done at his offices has no charge. Over the last 3 - 4 years though, there has been extreme medical debt, from CT Scans, MRI's and much more, most recently, the skin cancers I have had that could not all be done at the offices.

Today I was told that I needed to have an even bigger section cut out of my chest than even last thought. Tom wanted to schedule it today if at all possible as the cancer has rapidly grown but he also stated it would be best to see a plastic surgeon. He could do the surgery in his office but would look liked a botched tummy tuck that would leave a pretty nasty scar. No money and no insurance will lead to a nasty scar that will look like a botched tummy tuck in the center of my chest. That surgery will be at 2:45 PM June 15, the soonest we could schedule it in the office. The size cut out of the center of my chest will be about the size of an egg. In this, I remember Isaiah and the scorched lip that reminded him of the touch he had received from God given to him by an angel touching his lip with a burning coal. While it may end up looking like a "botched tummy tuck" to many, it will be a reminder of God's call on my life to give all.

Now why do I say all of this? Actually for 2 reasons, don't tell me about the cost of ministry, from losing our dream home on the lake, a Cadillac, Mustang GT, and boat in the driveway and a 6 figure salary to now giving it almost all back and our family living on less than $10,000 per year, it has been worth it. We haven't taken a proverbial vow of poverty but in many ways a literal vow of poverty. We don't do work with the homeless, we are blessed to be a part of a ministry that has set some of the homeless free and works at giving family to the homeless who have not experienced family. But, this all hasn't been just for the homeless, we have friends through The Virtual Pew and real life that we have been blessed to share in life with, whether they be people who have been physically and sexually abused, someone going through sexual confusion and gender identification, atheists who can see the power of Jesus in a life like mine, those who ask questions but have been judged once too often by a Christian who doesn't come across as loving and I could go on and on. None of this to brag, but to simply say this, I would live my life no other way than walking side by side with my best friend, the leader of my life, the savior of my situations, Jesus Christ. I say it to instill and offer hope because without Jesus, I would have no hope and believe that Jesus Christ is easily, the chief author of Hope. I believe God is no respecter of persons, if he will reveal Himself to me as The Great Provider, He would love to reveal himself to you as The Great Provider.

I say this for another reason though; there will be those who will offer to pray for me. While I appreciate that, the truth is, my situation is my situation, God has I believe instilled natural law and spiritual laws. It is simple, there are consequences for violating those laws whether you intend to or not. You get out in the sun without appropriate sun screen and it is possible that skin cancer is the consequence. I have some Indian blood, (I am French Indian) but part of the dark skin does not negate the need for me, or any of you, to protect yourself from the ultraviolet sun rays which can do harm to your body. That is a part of the consequences for violating this natural law. I will likely have a pretty nasty scar for the rest of my life that will be a reminder to use sunscreen instead of Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil, (or any other brand for that matter).

The lessons from these two things? Learn to protect your mind, body, and soul. Do the things necessary, and instead of making this an argument or debate about healing, politics or whatever, let that BS go, let it instead be a lesson or discussion about how we should take care of ourselves and beyond that, best serve those around us who may need some measure of hope, not speaking of me, (I promise), but for those worse off, those who have no support, no love, no compassion, no understanding, no hope.

May we accept the consequences of our actions, learn lessons from them and fall so much in love with Jesus today that we can't help but share him with those we come into contact with tomorrow.

Monday, May 4, 2015

Social Media Religious Posts and Fishing

I often wonder: How many followers of Jesus actually think about the totality and complexity of the teachings in the Bible? For example a few things always get me thinking. There are the references to "become like a child," "the body of Christ," "running the race," "wrestling...," then the one that got me thinking this morning, "fishers of men."

Matthew 4:19 ~ And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Over the years I have loved the opportunities I have had to fish, especially when having the rare chance to go deep sea fishing. I loved fishing on a regular basis when we owned our home on Lake Oolagah in Oklahoma. I learned quickly in my fishing experiences in life, if I wanted to catch fish, I needed to learn to fish, you see, fishing entails far more than putting bait on a hook and throwing that bait into the water. I never liked waiting as opposed to fishing, I liked catching fish, so instead of quitting, I learned how to fish.

I have become a decent fisherman. I have learned a lot about fishing and about becoming a fisher of men. There are often those, who no offense taken, really haven't learned how to fish. They throw a big line with a big floater and a super heavy sinker on it into the water, often splashing it with the tip of their pole, talking away, making all kinds of noise and using the wrong kind of bait. They would be better off dropping a line into a goldfish pond. You see when fishing, to have the best chance of catching fish, you have to know what kind of line to use, the best kind of pole, unless casting a net, (dynamite fishing excluded,) You have to know the kind of fish you are fishing for, the habits of that fish, are they bottom dwellers, scavengers, top fish, etc..., what are the best times of day to catch the fish, what are the best water temperatures and conditions and far more. Bottom line is, if you want to be effective in being fishers of men and women. One needs to make the efforts to learn the appropriate ways to fish.

In the passage above it is important to remember who Jesus was speaking to. He was speaking to experienced fishermen who understood how to fish. What Jesus said was appealing enough that they threw their nets down right away followed Him. They had if you will, a head start in understanding what it meant to fish.

The thing that got me to thinking about this was the number of posts on social media by people with religious connotations. I couldn't help but think, what was the purpose of the posts? It seemed to me that many were taking on the role of prophet, pastor teacher and preaching to the choir, or talking to the church about what the church needed to do. That is what it seemed like except when looking to see the posters comments outside of the quoted passages were specifically directed towards those that didn't know Jesus or were followers of Jesus. It is one of those things that always confounds me, that is Christians who expect non Christians to already be acting like Jesus. Then there is that thing where it looks like people are trying to clean the fish before they catch them but that is a whole other topic.

It seems to me, that posting and talking about faith related things should fall under really only one of a few categories for followers of Jesus on social media. By the way, while this can be effective, I know because of the time I have been doing ministry on social media and my research on the topic, there is still no replacement for face to face, or at the very least conversation to conversation, (and I don't mean texting, pictures or anything, I mean at least picking up the phone and conversing.) Anyway, the categories of which I think one can safely assume as to why discuss faith related issues on social media.

1) To educate, train, and equip individuals who are followers of Jesus on how to better carry out the work of God as illustrated and directed through the Bible. This is first of all, a perfectly acceptable reason. I do think one should make sure that they fall under the Biblical expectations of leadership and teaching as outlined in the Bible, (a simple Google of Biblical leadership will turn up an abundance of material.) Now this isn't to say lay persons shouldn't teach. May that never be! Many a great teachers are lay people, (those not actually pastors, preachers or those credentialed by the church.) Remember the greatest qualification for Biblical teaching isn't Seminary, it is that you have been to Calvary. However, the Biblical expectations, of studying the Bible, how we teach and so forth are to be practiced. Here is the sad truth, we as followers of Jesus are directed to test the teachings we receive, we should be qualified to give an answer and so forth. This does not mean that the teachings we don't like are bad, maybe it is our individual theology that needs work.

In college I learned an incredibly important task that unfortunately many seem to not practice, that is understanding the points of and practice of logic and reason. We especially as followers of Jesus need not throw out these principles. I studied these concepts in my philosophy courses at East Tennessee State University and at Tabor College, as well as over the years, on my own. Understanding the process of logic and reason is a tool that will greatly benefit those who teach and debate. There is a process of doing this, it is one I believe, if being a great or even just an effective fisherman (or woman) will enable us to exceed our wildest expectations in catching fish.

2) Now there is another reason to do these things online or within social media, that is to reach those who do not have a relationship with Jesus, or catching fish. Unfortunately, when Jesus says we should draw people to him, we more times than not chase them away. I recently saw a great example of this on the television show The Amazing Race where the contestants were charged with corralling sheep. Most did what we do in our social media and personal habits, we chase people away, (remember the Bible calls us sheep) and remember what I said in that first paragraph about the complexity of the illustrations in the Bible. We seemingly condemn, say we speak love but it really mirrors hate, and wonder why we are not effective in developing relationships with people where they are asking us about the person of Jesus instead of us having to preach to them. A point of fact here is that we see approximately 11 one on one conversations with non disciples or followers in the Bible between individuals and Jesus. In 9 of those conversations, the other person started the conversation. The unfortunate truth is, while we may want to catch fish, our lack of knowledge on fishing prevents us from catching them and instead we chase them away, scare them, even give them cause to stay away from the messenger of the love of God as far as possible, often times, us.

There may be instances where a person has a sincere desire and has learned some things about fishing, for example what kind of line to use, how to cast, how to bait a line but they haven't learned how to fish for a trout as opposed to a catfish, or even worse, fishing for a Snapper in a fresh water stream. (now if you don't know what that means, look it up, it is about time to learn something about fishing.) We should learn how to catch specific fish. This is an area I get criticized for within many in the church. I fish specifically for those who have been hurting and have experienced hurts and hardships in their lives in an extreme way. I use specific tools to plant seeds the Holy Spirit can work with, it may be a movie, music or other forms but I doesn't always use the niceties that some followers of Jesus are so accustomed to. It is the bait, the realities those I fish for understand though. The sad part of this to me is that many write off the hurting, the abused, the homosexual, the biker, the drug addict, the prostitute and others, they not only don't like the methods of fishing God has instructed me with, the truth is, they don't like those I fish for. They have a taste for trout while I fish for catfish. Here is the sad truth, just like Paul and Peter as we read about in Acts and Galatians among other places, they reached out to different crowds and understood the call of God on their lives, it was those on the outside looking in that had the issues. They both supported the work of the other yet so many still judge without looking at the need to reach the lost. They want to judge the method of fishing, (of which they really know little) and never look at the streamer line with the fish you have caught and God has used to touch and provide healing and knowledge. Often those telling you how to cast has never actually cast themselves.

I am sure there are other reasons for sharing religious things on social media but I believe these are the primary two reasons we should be sharing. Do we take seriously what we share? Do we understand what we are sharing and take seriously how we share it. I want to be the best fisherman I can be and I will tell you, I am at times honored that I am critiqued in the same way at times by the same types of people who critiqued Jesus, that is the religious community who had more of a focus on the law, (which Paul calls "The False Gospel") than they do the grace, liberty and freedom given to us by Christ to reach those he died on a cross to have relationship with. Despite the sin, despite the type of fish, or sheep for that matter. Christ wants to have a relationship with each us, the whosoever's if you will, hopefully, more of us consider these two things, our purpose and methods so that we will in fact become fishers of the very people Jesus loved and died for.

Now that letting you know stuff:

Friday, May 1, 2015

The Head Of The Snake Will Be Crushed! What Is The Snake?

In the Bible, specifically in Genesis 3:15, we read:

Genesis 3:15 ~ You and this woman will hate each other; your descendants and hers will always be enemies. One of hers will strike you on the head, and you will strike him on the heel.”

It has been presumed for many years now that this is one of the first prophesies about Jesus in the Bible. It is speaking of the snake, (satan) and how he will be crushed by Christ.

I have a question though, something I have been thinking about for a few months now. Is it also possible that this is speaking of religion and/or religious concepts? I ask because in the New Testament, Jesus also speaks to the keepers of the Law, the Scribes and Pharisees often times as snakes and vipers. Is it possible, that this passage is also speaking of them? I think both are possible, but when you consider how the religious community, the keepers of the law, those who focus on the "Thou Shalt Nots," as spoken about in the book of Galatians as opposed to the liberty and freedom that comes from Christ. Jesus own warnings of the keepers of religion as well as the Apostles like Paul and Peter among others who addressed this issue, I think a concept we need to consider. Of course I think it is also possible to actually be a prophetic moment that addresses both Satan and Religion, but when considering that Jesus called the Scribes and Pharisees snakes and vipers, the issues with them, their hatred of him and ultimately their involvement in his crucifixion, you can't help but wonder, at least I can't. Of course, in all of this, neither can I help but reflect that the freedom, salvation and more that is offered through Christ when we accept and make him our Lord, Leader and Guide, that he has in fact, also crushed the head of religion.

Scene from the movie The Passion of The Christ. To watch the video, just click, otherwise, click on the link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUk-CNc3s3Q

Monday, January 26, 2015

Becoming Friends With Him And Them

One of the things that sometimes surprises those getting to know me is the studies I was involved in while in college. My majors are around the areas of Psychology, Human Services, Church Ministries and believe it or not, Philosophy. It is the area of Philosophy I find myself using many of the things I learned, especially logic and reasoning.

Many know I do a regular teaching whether at church, online, in my writings, or other settings. Many may not realize the number of times I personally contemplate on those teachings, thinking about how to apply them in and to my life. Many teachers and speakers will tell you, especially on matters of faith, that their teachings often apply to the teacher more than the student. While a teaching can have specific meaning for the teacher, it is likely a listener is in the same boat as the teacher and needs the teaching.

This last weekend I taught on the concept that God chooses to be our friend. I used the following passage:

John 15 - (13) The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them. (14) And you are my friends, if you obey me. (15) Servants don’t know what their master is doing, and so I don’t speak to you as my servants. I speak to you as my friends, and I have told you everything that my Father has told me.

I want to share a few brief points:

1st, God wants to be our friend, but there are conditions to that friendship. Verse 15 gives clear indication that we have to obey.

The bible is full of instruction, one of the benefits of the church is that appropriate instruction should be given. Remember, the role of a pastor is to teach and equip others to observe the instructions from the ultimate love letter and instruction manual, the bible.

We all have friends and family, Christ gave the clear example of how to display love, to the point that he:

2ndly, Gave the example of what it meant to literally love so much that one is willing to lay down

their life for another.

The truth is, many of us have friends and family we deeply love, whether it be a best friend we have had since high school, a brother, sister, son, daughter, mother, father, and you likely get my point. Let me ask a simple question, if we haven't experienced the ultimate and best friendship and love possible, the perfect friendship and love if you will, if we don't observe and obey and take part in the instruction of scripture, the aspect of sharing in life with others who have learned this concept, how is one to expect to be the best friend, providing the best love possible to those around them, whether, a best friend from years gone by, or a family member, brother, sister, son, daughter, mother, father, and you likely get my point?

Today, I want to challenge you, not to be just a so called friend, but instead, be a real friend, whether a Facebook friend or a real life honest to goodness friend from years gone by or a family member, brother, sister, son, daughter, mother, father, and you likely get my point, friend.

Discover ways to access appropriate teachings, dedicate yourself to be the best you can be from academics, teaching received at church, then go into your practicum of becoming a good friend using those examples, then, graduate to the place where you are using those examples, teaching those you love about ultimate friendship and love and the best and perfect example, Jesus.

As a footnote let me say, unfortunately a lot of churches don't practice this concept of loving each other as they should. Keep looking if having trouble finding one. I also know this, fortunately, there are those good teachers, consistent with the teachings of scripture, putting into practice, that ultimate example of love and friendship, initially displayed and still given by that perfect love and example, Jesus.

Good luck, carry on, and love.

A great song on the area of friendship. To see and hear the song, just click on the video, if there is trouble, try the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XGX98OW4Rc

Just For You

You are important and I want you to know that you can feel free to contact me at any time. I always try to respond to comments posted here, when appropriate, and have learned from my work as a counselor and pastor that people need to know that they are important. My contact information is available and I encourage you to contact me when need be. The fact that you are a real person is not lost on me. While you are at it, if needing a place to plug in, you can also join and become a part of The Virtual Pew. Message boards and interaction are available there as well. Thanks for visiting and know that God loves you and so do I.