By now most of you are aware of a book recently released by a local Grand Rapids pastor called Love Wins. It has been creating a lot of discussion in Grand Rapids about heaven, hell, and the fate of every person who’s ever lived. For many this conversation has created massive confusion about the nature of God, Jesus, and salvation.
I have been increasingly frustrated with the lack of response in our community to address this confusion and the questions people have regarding the ideas in this book. Several people have encouraged me to use this opportunity to answer the questions people have regarding the Christian faith in my city—both inside and outside the church—through a forum series that would address the ideas in the book.
We are calling this series JESUS WINS: A Story of Hope. It launches in one month on Thursday, June 2 at 7:00pm at the Eberhard Center on GVSU’s Grand Rapids campus. There is free parking and the series is open to anyone interested in better understanding faith in Jesus Christ.
We are designing this multi-week series of 8 gatherings to help bring clarity to this conversation by exploring the teachings of the Holy Scriptures and the historic Christian faith regarding God, human nature, sin, the person and works of Jesus, salvation, and the afterlife. The point of the series is not to rebuke or bash the book’s author, but instead to use the conversation he has started and transcend it by walking through the major “acts” of God’s Story of Rescue: Creation, Rebellion, Rescue, and Re-Creation.
Each forum week will explore one aspect of the Christian faith, one “piece” to God’s Story of Rescue. Expect some teaching and some interactive dialogue. Our goal is to allow space for questions and push-back, honestly approach the Holy Scriptures and the historic Christian faith in search for answers to those questions, and hopefully bring clarity along the way.
This forum series is sponsored by Church of the Resurrection, a new expression of the church in Grand Rapids that is forming in Alger Heights. I am the planting pastor of this church and will moderate and teach this forum. Our mission is to create experiences for people to explore and find new life together in Jesus Christ. This is one of those experiences. As a new church community we are inviting everyone into the mission of God through Jesus Christ, are rooting ourselves in the historic Christian faith, and desiring to take every drop of the Holy Scriptures seriously. Visit us at www.therezchurch.org for more information about our church and how you can get involved in our new community.
If youʼre interested in and have questions about the Christian faith or have read Love Wins and are looking for an alternative perspective, I hope you join us as we explore why it matters that Jesus wins.
For more information about the forum series visit www.jesuswinsevent.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
I'd rather go fishing, but thanks for putting the study group together. Finally somebody will be able to explain why God is it so confusing and we need professionals to explain the Good Books to us. No doubt you are the final authority. I'm so sick of the Christian (if you dare use that term) debates surrounding the faith that I once cherished, but because of Jesus so-called followers, I have found more interesting things to do with my time than attend Bible classes. But I always enjoy writing words of encouragement (like this) to my brothers and sisters in Christ. Yup, I think Jesus and Love win, but not through any institution – good luck.
Rick,
Your sarcasm reveals a lot of pain & disappointment. Don't let whatever, or whomever, has let you down in the past make you give up on fellowship with other Christ followers & solid, biblically ept leaders. We need each other. God bless you, man.
Jeremy,
I just learned of you through Facebook (had never heard of you before!) and ended up on this blog. May the Holy Spirit guide you & speak through you in your pursuits to share the truth of God's word.