My Favorite Bible Story

Well, ...one of my favorites.
It's the one I think of whenever someone asks the question, "What's your favorite Bible story?"
The first time that happened to me was at an evangelism conference in Southeast Missouri. I was the new guy on the circuit and I was at breakfast with two of the oldest and most experienced of the group. One of then asked, "Hey guys, what's your favorite story from the Bible?"

I jumped on it! I said, "I've got this. At the end of The Sermon on the Mount, chapter 8 begins with the story of a leper that encounters Jesus. He says, 'Lord, if you will it, you can make me clean.' Then the Bible says that Jesus reached out and touched him and said, 'I will it. Be clean,' and immediately he was healed." 

Okay, it isn't that spectacular of a story when you consider all of the other miracles that are laced throughout the gospels. Big deal, right? Jesus heals a leper. So what?
What strikes me about this story is that the Bible says that Jesus touched him and then he healed him.
Jesus touched him while he was still unclean!
I wonder how long it had been since he had been touched by another human being? From the moment he had been diagnosed with a disease determined to be leprosy, he was unclean and shunned by everyone. People wouldn't even sit where he had been sitting until that place had been cleansed.

Look, I know that preachers fit the lessons they want to teach into the stories of the Bible all of the time. Maybe that's what I'm doing here, but I don't think so. I often try to read the Bible like I'm reading it for the first time; like I don't know what's coming. I had read and heard this story so many times before, and then one day--it hit me! Jesus touched him before he healed him! Why would he do that, and is it important? Or was this just the way Matthew wrote the story and it all happened in the same moment?

It think Jesus did it on purpose and even though the moment may have been lost to the disciples, the leper knew. He had been stripped of his value, his humanity. He had been condemned to live out his life alone or with other outcasts. He was nothing -- until that moment. While he was still unclean, Jesus touched him. I imagine that touch conveyed so much love. Jesus, looking into his eyes and saying, "I feel you, man. Be clean."
Actually, until he completed the rites of purification and presented the required offering he was still technically unclean, so I guess Jesus was, too(?). I don't know how that part works, probably some divine exemption or something.
Anyway, I think the dude got way more than he asked for, way more than he was expecting.

And so did we.
Maybe we can takeaway a lesson that even when the rest of the world thinks that you are unworthy of love; even when your own people, your own family, your own church have cast you aside, Jesus is there to tell you that you are worthy of love, that you are valuable--just as you are!

One of those two men at breakfast that day has been blessed with the most incredible memory and has memorized the entire New Testament of the Bible. He said, "I know you know this already, John, but I'm going to give it to you anyway," and he reached into his memory and recited the story verbatim from the Bible.

John

The Bible Says It. I Believe It. That Settles It.

Yeah, okay.
If you have been reading Out of My Hat for very long or if you know me even casually, you've probably already tossed the BS flag on me.

I mentioned that I'm reading through the gospels old school, and the Bible I'm using is one of those red letter editions where the words attributed to Jesus are set apart by being printed in red. Today I am wondering (not for the first time) about The Sermon on the Mount -- chapters 5, 6, and 7 in Matthew's gospel.

Is this how it really happened?
Jesus sits on a mountain side. His followers gather. He speaks the words recorded (30 years later) in the Bible.
Or does it even matter?

I suppose it mattes to those that want to stand on the inerrancy of the Bible, but what about those of us that really focus more on what the Bible teaches than on how the lessons are presented?

Here are some of the weird thoughts that run through my head:

   * It takes fewer than 15 minutes to read The Sermon on the Mount. I know preachers (and you probably do, too) that can't preach on "the poor in spirit" in less than an hour! Did people gather out on a mountain side for a 15 min TED talk by Jesus?

    * Jesus must not have had any seminary classes on preaching, because he goes from one thing to another, hasn't developed a six week sermon series, doesn't have an altar call with every head bowed and every eye closed, and never passes an offering plate!

   * How did Matthew remember all of this -- THIRTY YEARS LATER?

So are chapters 5, 6, and 7 of Mathew's gospel an accurate representation of what really took place that day? And does it really matter?
My answers are "sort of" and "not really."

For about twenty years I served as an itinerant evangelist, going to different churches and often preaching the same messages. I'm pretty certain that Jesus taught the same lessons everywhere he went and the Apostles (like Matthew) that heard them over and over again, learned them very well.

We know from other accounts of Jesus's teaching that he sometimes taught for long periods of time that resulted in the large crowds being hungry and in need of eating something.

I would say that Matthew's account of The Sermon on the Mount is a kind of a Reader's Digest version that covers the lessons that Jesus regularly taught, and a setting that was common for teaching large crowds. Regardless of the actual setting or the order of what he taught, the values and truths of the lessons are still valid. I know that I'll read similar stories and variations on the teachings as I make my way through the gospels. These are not necessarily inaccuracies or contradictions; just a different persons perspective or remembrance of something that took place a few decades ago.

It's a weird little post -- I know, but just what I felt like sharing today. As I continue through the Bible, I'll circle back the the teachings of The Sermon on the Mount and continue to share my strange insights and questions about what I'm reading.

John

I've Repented (about Repenting)

In Matthew's Gospel, John the Baptist is preaching the message -- Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! (3:2)
This is the same message that Jesus uses to begin his preaching/teaching ministry. (4:17)

I'm wondering about this translation and how I've been taught to understand it. 
The Greek word metanoeo is translated here as repent, but it means to think differently or to reconsider how you think. It means to change your way of thinking.

What if John and then Jesus are teaching that the Jews of the day (and possibly us today) have the wrong idea of where (and what) heaven is? The Greek word ouranos -- the abode of God, is the word translated as heaven.

What if the real message for us is -- You've got it wrong. You need to change your way of thinking. Heaven isn't where you go when you die. Heaven is here! This is where God lives! God is with you and you are in God's presence right now!
If we believe that the Universal Christ--the very essence and Spirit of God, lives within us, then heaven is here. Is it possible that the spiritual realm of heaven and the physical place on earth overlap but we have forgotten how to see with our spirit? 

I have repented about repenting.
I have changed how I think and am reconsidering what I've been taught.
I am re-examining life through the eyes of the Spirit in me rather than how I perceive things through this physical being.

Something to think about...

John

Wednesday Wisdom

 

John

Going Old School

I've decided to going back to the old school way of reading my bible.
I dug out the faux leather covered book and am reading through the Gospels old school.

In a recent conversation, someone expressed that it is impossible to read the gospels, follow Jesus's example, and not become more liberal.
Hmmm...

I decided that maybe I needed to reread the Gospels and really pay attention to what Jesus was teaching, both in word and in his life. I am learning to see Jesus as two distinct persons: Jesus the human being, and Christ the eternal one. Sometimes I get this weird scenario in my head that is like an episode of Undercover Boss where God (the CEO) disguises himself and joins us (the workers) to see how we truly feel about him, life in general, and our co-workers. At the end of the episode some people will get big rewards and others get special remedial training or worse -- fired! (See what I did there?)

Rereading the book while trying to forget what you have been incorrectly taught is difficult. To be honest, studying to find the original meaning of Jesus's teaching to a 2000 year old foreign culture is kind of a pain in the ass (pardon the irreverence). I'm not sure that I can find a way to put it into words as I go through it and discover new revelations or develop new thoughts on how to apply his teachings to my life. It's so weird how reading the bible as a daily devotion can be quite peaceful and comforting, but reading it as a study can be so frustrating, a bit confusing, and yet exciting. I guess it's a matter of perspective. It's still weird.

I'll work on sharing some of what I'm thinking. I'm cautious about that because my thoughts and opinions are just that -- my thoughts and opinions. Not only are they subject to change as new information is learned, they also come from an uneducated seeker of knowledge and are quite possibly way off the mark. They should be taken as food for thought, not as...well, -- gospel.

Here are some questions I ask myself as I read:
     Why did Jesus come?
     Did he come to die?
     Or to teach us how to live?
     Maybe both?
Obviously, the Christ person didn't come to know us better, but what if he came so that we could know God better? What do we learn about God through the life (and death) of Jesus?
     Was Jesus's death on the cross necessary for our salvation or is there an important lesson about the character and love of God?
     What if everything I already know about God is wrong?

I have to admit that I have become increasingly wary of lessons from organized (think denominational) religion. Pretty much every man-made organization has an agenda that it is willing to use people to attain. The spiritual abuse and cult-like control over members has made me very skeptical about churches. My religion is now more personal than congregational. I think that's the way it is supposed to be.

John

Wednesday Wisdom

 

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John

Another Overcast Day

Yes, it is another overcast day with occasional rain and thunderstorms forecast throughout the day. I have plenty to do other than needing to mow the yard and over-seeding it in hopes of eventually having more grass than weeds. 
I may try to get most of the yard mowed early today, but it's not too big of a deal as I won't be seeding until Friday when the threat of heavy rains has passed.

I have another project -- disassembling and moving our current deck futon and replacing it with the one I picked up from the kids in Chicago. Chris says the kids' futon is more comfortable, both for sleeping and sitting and since they are downsizing for a future move, well...

In any case, working on futon disassembling and reassembling on the deck is way better than following the bombing in Gaza, the antics of the GOP protesting a Jan 6 commission, or making my way out into public to deal with the many wonderful people of the Ozarks.
Although the day will be cool enough, I know that I'll be sweating due to the humidity. But a shower, followed by a cool IPA, a good Dominican smoke, and a good book is something to look forward to.
I've been thinking that I might start writing out more sermon type bible story messages. I've been enjoying looking back (retrospect) at the old stories with a different (and more reasonable) perspective. Maybe my new insights are worth sharing and considering. Maybe not. We'll see.

While sitting here all day and listening to the birds is quite pleasurable and wouldn't be a bad way to spend the day, I suppose I should be a little productive -- not in the contribution to society or anything noble, just in getting some things done around the home to make the retired life even more comfortable and peaceful than it already is.
I've already accepted that I am no longer a productive member of society -- contributing nothing to the betterment of mankind, providing no service, no product, no knowledge. My minor contributions to the economy are pretty insignificant at this point and the semi-isolated life seems to suit me quite well. 

Hmmm...
Maybe I'll have another cup of coffee first.

John

Wednesday Wisdom

 To live is to change. To be perfect is to have changed often.

--Cardinal John Henry Newman

Is Democracy Working in the US?

It would seem that most Republicans believe that democracy no longer works in the US. Later this morning, House Republicans will hold a secret ballot No Confidence vote on their #3, Liz Cheney. She will likely be removed from her leadership post.
All because she will not stand down from her vocal opposition to the lie that the 2020 Presidential election was stolen. She virtually stands alone in her opposition to continued support of Donald Trump. 

The saddest thing is that there are so many Americans that (whether they believe the lie or not) are willing to sell off democracy in order to support a guy that has won only one election more than four years ago (and didn't even win the popular vote). Under his leadership, the GOP has lost control of the House of Representatives, lost control of the Senate, and lost the White House. 
For the life of me - I can't understand why the party continues to follow him and support someone that so blatantly opposes the Rule of Law and The Constitution of the United States.

I know there are few Republicans that follow me or read this blog, but I'd be interested in hearing from someone that can give some insight. Should someone weigh-in, no hateful comments or replies allowed.

Are our elections secure?
Does democracy work?
Or will every lost election be considered to be a "stolen" and illegitimate election? 

John

The Never-ending Task

Yardwork!

It's a good thing that I enjoy being outside and find comfort and strength from contact with the Earth.
Our property is five acres of former pasture land. About 1 acre is what I would call our "yard," and the rest is "the field." It all has to be mowed.

Most of the daily work is in the yard. Most of the original lawn (both seed and soil) washed out and is growing nicely at the bottom of the hill where the yard slopes away from the house. That leaves mostly weeds and rocks where our current yard exists. We brought in a few tons of soil for the washed out areas and reseeded last fall, but it will take a few years to get a nice lawn. Plus we have a few flower beds and landscaping plans to tend to that take frequent care.

This year's garden is relatively small, but I have a feeling that it might be growing a little bit as the years pass. It is exciting to see seeds sprouting and plants pushing through the soil. I still have the desire to travel and even live on a tropical beach, but have to admit that I'm starting to feel connected to this little piece of land and this home.
I would like to have a couple of bee hives and hope to add solar panels, but doubt that those things will happen this year.

Today will be more raking up straw from the areas I reseeded last fall and will be applying weed and feed tomorrow. I hit half the yard with weed and feed a week ago and some of the little weed boogers are dying off. After the second half gets its dose, I'll be over seeding again and trying to get some decent grass to grow.

I'm also hoping to add some fruit trees to the field area. I bought some root ball makers and if anyone local has fruit trees and would allow be to have a small branch to replant I would be grateful. It's supposed to take about two weeks to produce the roots before cutting the branch and replanting.

I'm actually kind of excited to try this out. 
We may end up with a mini orchard, too!

As you can see, it truly is a never-ending task.
So far, I still enjoy it. Part of what makes it enjoyable is that I work until I don't feel like working anymore. Some days it's only a couple of hours, others it may be most of the day. Most days are started on the deck with coffee and my computer (like now) and most days end on my deck listening to the night sounds and finding peace in the moment. At some point during the afternoon, I might be relaxing with a good cigar and a cool drink.

Retirement does not suck.

John

Happy Mother's Day

It is a rainy Sunday morning in the Ozarks for  Mother's Day 2021.
This is a special Mother's Day for Chris as it has been a while since she's been able to spend it with both of our kids and their spouses. In a few hours we'll all meet for a Mother's Day brunch and then our Chicago kids will head back to Chicago and our local kids will spend the afternoon at our place.

All the kids have had quite the exciting weekend with both of their homes listed and nice offers coming in. The Chicago condo on the market for just over a week and the local house listed for only a couple of days! Aaron and Jenny will be looking to relocate to Puerto Vallarta in the fall and Hannah and Daniel will be leaving the local area for the mountains around Colorado Springs. If they'll each buy homes with room for us we can sell our house and spend summers in the mountains and winters on a tropical beach!

My own mom has been spending the week in Florida with her oldest grandson's family. I think she'll be homeward bound sometime today. We'll have her here for a short visit early next month as she makes the rounds visiting all of us as we are getting fully vaccinated. It is nice to get back to a more normal world. Like so many others, I haven't seen my mom for a year.

I'm going to enjoy the quiet rain and a cup of coffee on the deck while everyone else sleeps a little longer. Tomorrow I'll plant the two peony plants that are Chris's Mother's Day gifts and will make beautiful additions to our landscaping. It was great that she asked for peonies since they are also among my favorite flowers. I got both red ones and white ones.

Happy Mother's Day!

John   

Preparing for Something New

It's Thursday afternoon and I am relaxing on the deck with some easy listening music and a good cigar. Hopefully, that doesn't surprise anybody that knows me. I spent a few hours working in the yard and getting connected to nature. Now I am mentally preparing myself for Thursday night barchurch.

Tonight is a welcome back kind of evening after we have been doing barchurch via online streaming for most of the past year. It will be different than it has been in the past. Staff changes at The Venues means that the teaching will be different and with new staff will come a new style and a different personality for the weekly downtown gathering.

The reason I need the time to prepare for tonight is that I really want to be able to appreciate the new without making comparisons to the old. Barchurch has been my go to midweek charging place for a few years now. We have had to make changes and adaptations in the past. We've changed the teaching personalities and we've changed the location. Each change brings a different vibe and reaches people in different ways. I'm sure that this will be another shift in how it feels to me and to others that come.

A part of me is concerned that I'm going to miss the old energy and may not make a good connection with the new. I want to be open to a new and different kind of barchurch experience and really need to see it as something new and not make unfair comparisons to what was. Perhaps the well known quote of Theodore Roosevelt is appropriate for me as we move forward in a new direction.

  
John

Changing My Mind

Okay - not really changing my mind, more like changing how I see things and how I think.
Changing my perspective.
Changing my mind would be much easier.

If you know me at all or have been reading my ramblings for any length of time, you already know that my general opinion of people is that people mostly suck. I suppose that believing people suck works for an evangelist as people sucking at life is a good reason to get them to believe in something or someone that doesn't actually suck. Nobody wants to suck at living, especially if that seems to be a sure way to end up in hell after being judged by a loving god that created us to suck at living (sarcasm intended)!

Do you see the problem of American evangelism?
We teach about being created in sin, being totally depraved, being evil from birth and then also say that God doesn't create junk.
What?!

What if people don't suck?
What if people are generally good, but we have been taught that we suck by people that are trying to control us?
What if God really made us in the image of the Divine and we -- every single one of us -- is basically a good person that just needs to recognize our goodness (or our Godness) and work on becoming more like God?

What if that whole idea of a Doctrine of Original Sin is just some fourth century bullshit to get people to need the church? If we need the church, then we'll follow rules, give money, serve willingly, and become a part of the grandest idolatry that man has ever conceived and conned others into following, right?

If we were to believe that God is a part of who we are, and if God guides us to love and care for each other and the world around us, then we don't really need a church organization to separate us from one another and stir up hate, discontent, and disharmony. Mankind has gone so far beyond separating us into good and evil, saved and lost, heaven bound and hell bound -- that we can't even agree on how good people are supposed to worship the God of the Christ followers! 
Current estimates are that around 200 different Christian denominations exist in the US and as many as 45,000 worldwide! If we have disagreements, we just declare others as heretics and start our own religion.

In John's Gospel Jesus says that God is looking for those that worship him is spirit and in truth. I've long taught that if you are looking for God and not having much luck, stop looking for God and start worshiping him -- and God will come find you.
In Romans, Paul teaches that God is found in all of creation.
It's so weird that I find it easier to see God in the finches nesting in our hanging ferns than in the people blocking the aisle at the grocery store. If man is God's greatest creation, why am I finding it so difficult to see God in my fellow humans?

Is this the problem?
We have convinced ourselves (and each other) that we are all vile and in need of saving?
What if we don't need to be saved from God?
What if God sees us just as he created us to be?
Could it be that we really need to be saved from -- each other?
I don't know.

What I do know is that I am really trying to see people as good people. Sure, some may be a bit misguided, but still basically good. I'll be honest -- I'm struggling. But because I truly believe it's the right thing to do, I'm going to stick with it.

You are good!
You and I are the image bearers of God.
We should start acting like it.

John

Finding My Place in the World

Isn't it the answer that we all seek?
What is my place in the world?

For the most part, my place in the world is at

That's my location as I sit on my deck.
I know it isn't where I would always prefer to be (that would be somewhere in Zihautanejo in Guerrero, MX), but for most days it will be my happy place.
If you want to visit me, plug it into your GPS and come on over. I'll probably be out here with a beer and a cigar and chillin' with some classic rock on Pandora -- like I am as I right now.
It's where I have my morning coffee and quiet time. It's where we have many of our meals. It's where I sit as the sun sets and the night sounds begin. It's even where we sleep on many nights. It is my most used spot in our home.

And it's where I read, meditate, and contemplate my more philosophical place in the world.
While I can't say that it helps me connect to people directly, it does help me feel more connected to the world around me and to humanity in a general sort of way. I think I've always been a bit more contemplative than most people, but even more so in the past decade or so, and more purposefully so in the past few years. Such contemplation can help me to find peace in troubled times and is also a source of great frustration as I wish that others could see the benefit of some serious introspection and contemplation.

Where is your happy place?
Is it a physical place?
Is it a mental or spiritual place?
Is it a place that helps you to feel more connected to the world around you?
Or maybe a place that helps you to feel more connected to God?

My place is kind of all of those things.
If you care to venture into rural Highlandville some afternoon, give me a shout and a bit of advance warning. I'll have iced tea or a cold brew and a decent cigar if you like. We can converse about life, baseball, or whatever is on your mind. We can even throw some burgers or brats on the grill and have an afternoon or evening meal. 
Welcome to my happy place.

John