Free Range Faith: Roaming Beyond the Fences

by David Rush | Jun 22, 2025 | Biblical Perspective, Case Studies, The Outlaw Files

Free Range Faith: Roaming Beyond the Fences

Free Range Faith: Letting Christianity Roam Unfettered

For many Christians, faith has long been defined within the walls of a church — Sunday services, familiar hymns, and established creeds shaping their spiritual lives. But there is a growing number of believers who are gently stepping beyond those walls. Not out of rebellion, but out of a desire for something more authentic. They are part of a movement that practices what some have come to call Free Range Faith.

Free Range Faith untethers Christian belief from formal institutions and rigid denominational boundaries. It doesn’t dismiss the church — it reimagines it. This kind of faith doesn’t always come with a dedicated building, a pulpit, or a scheduled Sunday service. Instead, it grazes across biblical teaching, draws insight from varied traditions, and finds God’s fingerprints in philosophy, nature, music, laughter, tears, and shared meals with fellow seekers.

Those living out Free Range Faith often curate their own rhythms of devotion. One may begin the morning in prayerful solitude, spend the afternoon serving others in their community, and close the day immersed in the words of Jesus. Their worship may happen around campfires, over kitchen tables, or during long walks in the woods. The pasture is wide open, and the Shepherd is still near.

This kind of spiritual freedom comes with both beauty and challenge. Without a traditional congregation or clergy to lean on, the responsibility to grow spiritually rests heavily on the individual. Questions can linger longer. Community can be harder to find. Yet for many, the joy of discovering a faith that breathes and moves with real life is worth the effort.

And it’s important to say — Free Range Christians are not spiritual loners. They are still part of the Church — the true Church — the one that worships in spirit and in truth. They long for meaningful relationships, but those relationships are centered around the person of Jesus, not an institution. Their bonds are not built on shared bulletins or matching pews, but on shared burdens, honest prayer, and deep love for God.

As institutional attendance declines and people question old paradigms, Free Range Faith offers another way. It’s a path of listening to the Spirit within, marveling at God’s handiwork in creation, and walking out Jesus’ love in real, tangible ways. It’s flexible, deeply personal, and full of possibility.

For those who have felt stifled by manmade systems, yet still crave a life shaped by Christ, Free Range Faith gives permission to follow Him through open gates and unfamiliar paths. It’s not about wandering aimlessly — it’s about being led, daily, by the One who knows every pasture by name.

Where the Bus Parked and Heaven Touched Earth

by David Rush | Jun 22, 2025 | Personal Stories

Where the Bus Parked and Heaven Touched Earth

Memory

Occasionally in life we cross a line into something more memorable. A moment, or a day, that—for whatever reason—sticks to our minds forever. Some days come and go without much notice or specific memory. But once in a while, there’s a day that molds our outlook, adjusts our thinking, and even highlights our dreams.

This week has been one of those weeks. A marker in our personal history. We’ll forever look back and say, “Remember that week?”

December of 2015 has been unseasonably warm for northern Michigan. The few flurries that blew in melted away just as quickly. Most days lingered far above the freezing point. This rare warm window gave us the chance to bring the bus north when we should have been a thousand miles south, enjoying sun, sand, and sea.

We parked the bus with some dear friends and took full advantage of their hospitality. That decision was more than convenience—it was designed by God. He promises to direct our steps, and He hasn’t failed.

Our time with this precious couple and their children will leave indelible marks on our hearts. Together we shared the love of Jesus, scripture, hugs, and quiet strength. This week, we witnessed what the church was always meant to be. We saw the power of the Holy Spirit. We laughed. We cried. We prayed. Last night we broke bread, shared a cup, and remembered our Lord together. And today, we said our sad goodbyes.

Because of this family who opened their lives to us, our tomorrows will be a little brighter. Our life now has a bit more purpose. And our memories… well, they shine a little more brightly.

People often ask if we enjoy living in the bus. Yes—we love it. But more than the bus, what matters is this: occasionally, we get to be someplace special, with someone special, in a way that only God could have arranged. Hearts are touched. Lives are changed. And memories are made.

Music – A True Story

by David Rush | Jun 22, 2025 | Just for Fun, Personal Stories

Music – A True Story

Music

A True Story from My College Days

A couple days ago, Robert Collins posted about music frequencies — 432Hz vs 440Hz.
I won’t go into that here… but it reminded me of a story.

Back in 1984, I was attending Northland Baptist Bible College. And yes, just from the name, you can probably guess what kind of school it was.

I had to take a required music class. I wasn’t musical and didn’t have much interest in music, but the class was required.

At the time, bands like Michael Jackson, Metallica, The Police, Van Halen, and AC/DC were dominating the airwaves. Heavy metal was really starting to take hold.

Of course, my school condemned all “worldly” music — and they had a stack of evidence to back up their claims.

One day, a guest lecturer came to class to reinforce the point. He shared the results of an experiment:
Plants were placed in separate soundproof rooms. Some were exposed to classical music, others to heavy metal.
The plants that heard classical music grew strong and thrived.
The ones exposed to heavy metal shriveled up and died.

This, of course, was presented as proof that heavy metal music is ungodly and killing people.

I raised my hand.
“Sir, I’m a farm kid. One thing I’ve learned is that if you plant something in clean washed sand and another in cow sh*t, the one in sand will die, and the one in cow sh*t will thrive.
So if we’re comparing outcomes… it would seem classical music is the cow sh*t.”

Let’s just say… I was swiftly removed from class.
Shortly after, the school and I came to a mutual agreement that I was not a good fit for their campus.
(There may have been some girls involved in that decision too…)

The real point — aside from the humor — is that people will always find “evidence” to support their viewpoints.
Sometimes that evidence doesn’t hold up when you take a step back and think practically.

Mr. Collins has an opinion about musical frequency standards.
Maybe there’s something to the 432Hz idea, or maybe it’s subjective.

Yes, some 18th-century classical music used 432Hz, but with the rise of electronic instruments and other factors, 440Hz became the standard.
Some theorize that 432Hz has better effects on the human body, but so far there’s no solid scientific evidence to support that claim.

Still… in some circles, you don’t need scientific proof to hold a firm opinion.
We all do this to some degree. But Christians? We’re notorious for it.
That’s why we’ve got so many denominations and divisions — everyone’s got their “proof.”

Well, happy posting. I still enjoy reading the posts and the responses.

Tithing

by David Rush | Jun 22, 2025 | Biblical Perspective, Case Studies, The Outlaw Files

Tithing

In the Hebrew covenant, tithes were given in the form of agricultural produce, livestock, or other goods, rather than money. It’s fascinating to note that the concept of tithing is first mentioned in the book of Genesis. In this passage, Abraham, a man of great faith, generously gives a tenth of his possessions to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High (Genesis 14:20).

Moving forward, in the Mosaic law, the Israelites were commanded to give a tenth of their produce, including grain, fruit, and animals, to support the Levites. These Levites were devoted to serving in the temple and didn’t have their own land to cultivate (Numbers 18:21–24; Deuteronomy 14:22–29).

It’s worth noting that there were instances when the tithes could be converted into money. According to Deuteronomy 14:25–26, if the journey to the designated place of worship was too long, the Israelites had the option to convert their tithe into money. They could then bring this money to the place of worship and use it to purchase whatever they desired—be it oxen, sheep, wine, or strong drink.

So, while the primary form of tithes in the Hebrew covenant was agricultural produce and livestock, there were provisions for converting these tithes into money when necessary. The flexibility of the system allowed the Israelites to fulfill their tithing obligations with ease and convenience.

Under the new covenant of grace, believers are encouraged to give generously and cheerfully, but there is no specific requirement to give a tenth of their possessions. The focus is more on the motivation behind giving rather than the exact amount. This shift in perspective highlights the importance of a willing and joyful heart in giving, rather than a legalistic approach.

In the teachings of Jesus, he emphasizes the importance of giving from a place of love and sincerity. He encourages his followers to give to the poor, to those in need, and to support the work of spreading the gospel. The emphasis is on giving sacrificially and selflessly, rather than adhering to a specific percentage or form.

In the early Christian church, we see examples of believers voluntarily selling their possessions and giving to those in need. This communal sharing of resources was driven by a deep sense of love and unity among believers. It was a practical expression of their faith and an embodiment of the teachings of Jesus.

Today, in the context of the new covenant, giving is viewed as a personal decision guided by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Believers are encouraged to prayerfully consider how they can use their resources to further the kingdom of God and bless others. The focus is on a heart transformed by grace, motivated by love, and eager to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Polygamy in the Bible

by David Rush | Jun 22, 2025 | Biblical Perspective, Misc

Polygamy in the Bible

Polygamy in the Bible: A Complex Blessing

Polygamy often raises eyebrows in modern discussions of biblical morality, yet the Scriptures themselves treat it with surprising nuance. While never explicitly commanded, polygamy appears multiple times in Scripture—sometimes as a cultural reality, and other times with what seems to be divine allowance or even blessing.

Old Testament Examples

Jacob, Leah, Rachel… and Two More
In Genesis 29:31–30:24, Jacob marries sisters Leah and Rachel, and later has children with their maidservants. Though the family dynamic is messy and full of strife, God is intimately involved—opening wombs, giving children, and building the twelve tribes of Israel through this very household.
David’s God-Given Wives
In 2 Samuel 12:8, the prophet Nathan conveys a striking word from God to David:

“I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms… And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more.”
The implication is startling—David’s multiple wives are not condemned here, but are part of God’s provision.
Solomon’s Excess
1 Kings 11:3–4 records Solomon’s hundreds of wives and concubines. While Scripture does condemn Solomon’s eventual idolatry influenced by his wives, God had still granted him immense wisdom and blessing beforehand. The issue isn’t quantity—it’s compromise of faith.
Law for Additional Wives
In Exodus 21:10, Mosaic law includes instructions for a man who takes another wife:

“He must not deprive the first one of her food, clothing and marital rights.”
The law doesn’t forbid polygamy—it regulates fairness within it.

New Testament Direction

The New Testament shifts the focus. It emphasizes faithfulness, character, and spiritual leadership—but doesn’t offer a direct condemnation of polygamy.

1 Timothy 3:2: “Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife…”
Titus 1:6: “An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife…”

These verses elevate monogamy as a standard for leadership, not as a universal requirement for all believers.

What Can We Conclude?

The Bible does not condemn polygamy, nor does it explicitly endorse it as a divine ideal. Instead, it presents it as a real part of human relationships in certain times and cultures—often accompanied by blessings, and just as often followed by human frailty, jealousy, or spiritual decline.

Polygamy in Scripture is not portrayed as sin, but it is often the backdrop for sin. And like many blessings, when received without faith or handled without wisdom, it can lead to brokenness.

Rather than judging ancient lives through modern lenses, it’s better to reflect on the heart of the matter: God desires faithful, loving, and covenantal relationships. Whether monogamous or polygamous, when human relationships lose sight of the One who gave the gift, the blessing often turns to burden.

Gentleman Outlaw