Tag Archives: Peter Furler

Healed and Free

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He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
1 Peter 2:24-25, NIV*

Peter’s words echo Isaiah 53, and to me they speak of a spiritual healing: from sin into righteousness, from our transgressions and iniquities and sorrows into peace.

I have no insights about physical healing, but spiritual hurts go even deeper—and they are clearly promised to be  healed.

The Apostle Paul tells us to count ourselves dead to sin and alive to God, and he doesn’t mean to ignore our failings and pretend they don’t exist. I think he means to walk in the truth of God’s Word and not give in to the old ways.

To take Jesus’ promises as true and trust Him to be at work in us. To believe that His power is greater than our pain. To cooperate with Him as He changes us into what He designed us to be.

Father, there are so many things You want to heal and change in each of us. So much pain in the world. You are the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. The Message says You have named us and keep us for good. Help me love, trust and obey You.

I know I referred to this song last week, but I can’t read these verses without hearing Peter Furler’s impassioned recitation of parts of Isaiah 53 in the newsboys’ song (extended version), “I Am Free.” What I’d really like to share with you is the 7-minute version on the special edition Go CD, but this is at least more of it than you’d usually hear on the radio. It’s loud, but take the words to heart. It’s the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Newsboys’ New Sound

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In the Hands of God, a Newsboys CDWhen the newsboys’ new CD, In the Hands of God, hit stores this May, it came on the heels of the announcement of a major change for the band. Frontman Peter Furler was stepping down, and Michael Tait of dc Talk fame would be the new lead singer.

Band manager Wes Campbell said, “No one can replace Peter, but we know Michael will bring a new attitude, energy and vocal style that will thrill our audience.”  I’m glad to see the group embracing the change like this instead of trying to manufacture a Peter Furler clone.

I’d only heard Michael Tait once before this, and I liked his sound. Still I felt a huge sense of loss. Peter Furler’s voice is so much a part of the songs I’ve come to love. I’m glad he’ll still be part of the song-writing team, because classic newsboys lyrics are brilliant.

To help fans bridge from the “old” to the “new” newsboys sound, the band have re-recorded “Glorious”, the most recent release from the CD. You can listen to it on the newsboys (official) Facebook page.  (No Facebook membership required.)

I think it’s a great way to help ease fans through the transition. Imagine going to a concert with one sound style in your mind and hearing something completely different. Well… “completely” is too strong a word, but the lead’s voice does make a big difference! And some of us don’t do change well, even when we’re trying our best. After all, change brings both gain and loss.

I like the new recording of “Glorious.” It’s not the sound I fell in love with. But I really like it. Listen a few times, and see what you think.

The newsboys will never be the same again. That’s life.

They were good, something special.

They are good, something else special.

That’s the way they roll.

[Added October 2009: My son and I took in what may be the only Canadian stop on the newsboys’ The Way We Roll Tour, and it was amazing. Michael Tait is a great fit for the group, and this was my concert of a lifetime. You can see the promo here. If you get the chance to see the concert, take it!]