Sponge Bob...

Ahhh, I want some banter. I want some boxing... I want us to be friends here, but I also want us to be challenged. Sometimes I feel that we are agreeing with one another a bit too much. So, here it goes...

There's a new Sponge Bob and friends video that has been distributed by the We Are Family Foundation. Ironically, www.family.org (aka Focus on the Family) has come out against the video because they claim it supports a gay agenda.

Over the past two weeks, I've heard both Steve Argue and Jim Wallis state that we need better theology. A year ago I would have suggested that people don't care about theology anymore. I now believe Argue & Wallis are right. We need theology that has praxis. Real praxis! (Or maybe we should just call it real practice.)

We need Christians with theology that says "I accept homosexuals" regardless. We accept people with other kinds of sins, but not this one. (I hope people accept me. I sin too.) I'm going out on a small branch here, but I suggest that on this issue Focus on the Family has terrible theology. Jesus hung out with these people, but we are unwilling to teach our children to do the same?

What is wrong with us!? What are we protecting? And why are we so unwilling to follow the master?

emerging church conversation...

The emerging church conversation is getting 'press' these days. For those who haven't heard, D.A. Carson from Trinity Evangelcial Seminary hammered emergent recently. His talks can be bought ($1.5- each) online. In addition, a thoughtful (& free) response to him can be found online.

Here is the response from Prof. David Mills at Cedarville University http://www.kevers.net/mills_staley_response.pdf to the Staley Lecture presentations at Cedarville from D.A. Carson on The Emerging Church (which are available on tape, CD or MP3 at http://resources.christianity.com/christwaymedia/seriesInfo.jhtml?id=1779 ).

On a different note, I encourage you to consider joining the emergent conversation for the annual convenetion in either San Diego or Nashville. It should again be a thought provoking experience. http://www.emergentconvention.com/2005/help_promote/

Blessings!

more on salvation::January 12

We'll be posting some reflections from the January 12 meeting (if you'd like to send me some of your reflections, go ahead.

For now, here's a link to Steve Argue's thoughts.
Steve's reflections on salvation

Here are some of my thoughts on salvation. They are part of a curriculum I wrote for Jenison Christian Church.
Joel's reflections on salvation

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.






If you would like your website or weblog linked to from this site, shoot the url's to me (Joel).

New Location!

the bite: northwest corner of ottawa and pearl

We will be gathering this week Wednesday, Jan. 12 @ 10:30 a.m.

Place: NEW! Downtown Grand Rapids @ The Bite deli & restaurant. http://bite.thegilmorecollection.com/
Map to the Bite: http://travel.michigan.org/detail.asp?m=7&p=b5788

‘The Bite’ is located in what was formerly the ‘Grand River Saloon.’
151 Ottawa Ave NWGrand Rapids, MI 49503
It is on the northwest corner of Ottawa & Pearl.
It is a deli atmosphere not unlike the Urban Mill, but we have reserved space that will lend itself to better group interactions.

When you arrive grab something to drink or eat, and then go down the half stairs/ramp.

Conversation & learning tool: Panel discussion further examining our understanding of salvation & its implications for practical ministry and real life.
~ We’ve asked some good theological minds to further lead us through this issue. This should be a helpful exploration beyond simply ‘talk.’

We hope the move to a new location doesn’t keep you from joining us this month!