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The Church of St. Arbucks By Steve Camp

The Church of St. Arbucks
...their coffee cup is brewing up strong messages

I like Starbucks very much... It is my first stop in the morning everyday after I get all five of my children to school and swim my mile or two at the "Y." It is a great place to work on the blog; read the news; study the Word; and interact with the faithful members of the church of St. Arbucks.

Some evangelicals are up in arms at SB's recent "The Way I See It" campaign which solicits short quips and thoughts about life, culture, the times, etc. and posts them on their paper-mugs. The reason that some are concerned is because of the nontraditional family values liberal bent of most of their messages (like the one shown) that are appearing on their paper mugs once you shed the brown protective wrap.

Personally, I don't mind them at all (even though I am a conservative politically and a Reformed Baptist). In fact I thank the Lord for them. That's right--this is a blessing, a gift to the body of Christ. Why? When I order my favorite "cup of Joe" at St. Arbucks, I immediately remove the brown sleeve to see what new "message" is printed on my cup. I then share that message with another standing in line or seated at the tables. It engages us in the lively art of conversation about all matters of issues and I am wonderfully afforded the opportunity to bring the biblical worldview into the discussion. This has proven to be a fantastic way to proclaim the gospel of grace and the truth claims of our Lord Jesus to those who will never come to church on a Sunday or show up at the myriad of Christian events circling the evangelical planetary subculture that many Christians choose to remain hidden within.

So may I encourage you today to write our good friends in Seattle, thank them for opening up many great opportunities for the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, continue to go to the church at St. Arbucks (its service times are seven days a week from 7am to 10pm in most cities--and they are always full) and dialogue with the patrons from a biblical worldview, explain the hope that is within you with gentleness and reverance and enjoy some of the finest "Joe" in the world.

Let's be salt and light,
For those who have ears to hear...
Campi
Matthew 5:13-20

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