Beer, Pizza, and Bible Study

Friday, February 20, 2009

Dear Fellow Travelers,
Yesterday’s perspective, the one in which I said, “Gosh, I think I’ll have a beer!”, must have been right on, as the response has been utterly astonishing! You made it very obvious that you are tired (and then some) of the hypocrisy of the church, especially its leaders. The next time I make that comment, I am going to say this: All of you, who want to join me for a beer, meet me at Joe’s Bar tonight at 7:00. Based on your response, I will have quite a lot of company! Now that I think about it, Joe’s Bar is probably not large enough!
Interestingly, I have for years now, wanted to have a Bible study in a bar, with free beer and pizza for everyone (I am pretty sure that Anheuser Bush would sponsor it!). Yes, I know that some would over-indulge, but they would over-indulge, even if they had to pay for the beer and pizza, and there was no Bible study. And, yes, (for those of you, who are worried about it) I would want to be sure that those, who did over-indulge, were provided with a ride home, even if they lived under a bridge. Just for the record, I am fully aware that drinking and driving is not only dangerous, but also foolish and irresponsible; trust me on this one, I have picked up more victims, both dead and alive, than probably all of you put together!
You might be wondering why I would want to do such an “out of the box” thing, so I will tell you: (1) I am convinced that Jesus did much of His ministry this way; otherwise, why would they have called Him a glutton and a winebibber?; (2) I am convinced that Jesus came for those who could not help themselves; otherwise, why would the gospel be a thing of grace?; (3) I love to irritate the religious, those who are quick to point a finger at those who drink alcohol, but never mention the thoughts of their own hearts (Jesus called these folks, hypocrites!); and finally (4) If I were ever stopped on the side of the road and needed help and I had only two choices, the bar on the north bound lane or the church on the south bound lane, I would choose the bar, not the church, and the reason should be obvious—the folk in the bar would be happy to help, expecting nothing in return; whereas, by the time the church finished evaluating my need and sharing their version of the “gospel” with me, as a stipulation for their help, the group at the bar, would have had me merrily on my way.
Listen to this: “And it came about on another Sabbath, that He entered the synagogue and was teaching; and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and the Pharisees were watching Him closely, to see if He healed on the Sabbath, in order that they might find reason to accuse Him. But He knew what they were thinking, and He said to the man with the withered hand, ‘Rise and come forward!’ And he arose and came forward. And Jesus said to them, ‘I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good, or to do harm, to save a life, or to destroy it?’ And after looking around at them all, He said to him, ‘Stretch out your hand!’ And he did so; and his hand was restored. But they themselves were filled with rage, and discussed together what they might do to Jesus” (Luke 6:6-11 NASB). I LOVE IT!
I really like this: “And it was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spend the whole night in prayer to God” (vs. 12). Believe me, I can surely empathize with Him, at least in this.
Anyone for beer, pizza and a Bible study?