The Genesis Café

By Robby McAlpine

What did Jesus mean when he said, "the Kingdom is near?"

The Younger and Elder, together with author Robby McAlpine, set out to explore what Kingdom Come meant to Jesus and his first disciples.

Drawing on the four Gospels and the book of Acts, as well the writings of George Eldon Ladd, their animated conversations — and run-ins with the crusty Irish Barkeep, the shrewd but wary Proprietress, and the Genesis Café's irrepressibly artistic Barista — make for a thought-provoking and spiritually invigorating journey of discovery.

Join us at the Genesis Café for lattes, laughter, and Kingdom conversations. A warm welcome awaits you.

 

"The characters' conversations are understandable, entertaining, and full of witty discipleship examples. The Genesis Café is, quite frankly, a work of art. Few books can unpack such deep theological concepts in such readable and practical ways."

~ Luke Geraty (Lead Pastor, Red Bluff Vineyard, CA)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Smoke Valley Press
• Release date: Feb 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9780988130463

Robby McAlpine

Robby McAlpine (the blogger formerly known as Robbymac) is a veteran pastor, missionary, author, and musician. He earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Providence University College, and invested three years in postgraduate studies at Tyndale Seminary (Toronto) and Providence Seminary (Winnipeg). Robby’s articles have been featured online at Next Wave, Think Theology, Church Leaders, Worship Links, and Church Plants. He also served on the editorial team for Dr. Bill Jackson’s History of the Christian Church, Volume Two. Robby and Wendy live in western Canada, and enjoy good times with good friends over good Okanagan Valley wine. When he’s not writing, Robby can usually be found playing his Fender Jazz bass, hanging out with friends in various coffeeshops, or spending time with his adult children.

Book preview

The Genesis Café

THE GENESIS CAFÉ

ROBBY MCALPINE

CONTENTS

Dedication

Gyoza & Wings

1. Espresso Thots

2. The Gathering

3. Brilliant & Broken

4. Setting the Table

5. Saltshaker

6. Thor’s Hammer

7. Salsa Picante

8. Enter Jesus

9. Raconteur

10. Kitchen Justice

11. Good News

12. Coffee & Toast

Afterword

About the Author

Appendix 1: Jesus & Sifting

Appendix 2: Gospel of the Kingdom

Appendix 3: Supernatural in Gospels & Acts

Bibliography

Post-Charismatic

Detoxing from Church

Copyright ©2013, 2024 Robby McAlpine

Smoke Valley Press

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

The Genesis Café is a work of creative non-fiction. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Cover design by Robby and Wendy McAlpine.

ISBN-13: 978-0-9881304-5-6

BISAC: Christianity / Pentecostal & Charismatic

Vellum flower icon Created with Vellum

DEDICATION

To my children: Jordan, Caleb, and Renee, who fill my life with love, joy, laughter, and much creative craziness. This book is for you, and your generation. May the words of the Psalmist be true of your journey.

Since my youth, O God, You have taught me, and to this day I declare Your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come (Psalm 71:17–18).

GYOZA & WINGS

HOME COOKING WITH LUKE GERATY

A significant challenge exists for followers of Jesus in today’s cultural landscape — how do we make biblical truths accessible for today’s shifting world? The ancient world was vastly different than the twenty-first century, given that most people were illiterate and untrained, social media did not exist, and most societies were agricultural in nature.

Yet the Church still has a mission, the mission of God. Prior to Jesus’ ascension, he told his followers to go and make more disciples from all the nations, to baptize them, and to teach them to obey all of his commands (Matt. 28:19-20). One of Jesus’ commands was to seek the kingdom of God above all else (Matt. 6:33). But what exactly is the kingdom of God? Is it a place or an idea, a location or a vibe? Was the kingdom of God meant for the ancient past or something we should dismiss until the future?

The subject of the kingdom of God matters for us today because Jesus spoke more about the kingdom of God than many of our favorite sermon topics such as love, forgiveness, or financial peace. This is crystal clear through the Gospel of Luke.

In fact, at the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry, he told the crowds of people that he must preach the kingdom of God because that was why he was sent (Luke 4:43). The kingdom of God was central to the ministry of Jesus and was the primary topic that he spoke about with his disciples and gathered crowds. Jesus connected blessings for the poor with possessing the kingdom (Luke 6:20). He often connected the kingdom of God to his healing ministry (Luke 9:2), a ministry that I’d argue the Church is called to continue today.

But again, what exactly is the kingdom of God? And how do we effectively communicate that message in an accessible way to a growing number of unchurched people?

This is the brilliance of Robby’s The Genesis Café. If you have questions about the nature of the kingdom of God, struggle to understand how the kingdom is both now and not yet, or know people who are beginning their relationship with Jesus and starting to read the Bible — this book is for you (and them!).

When I first read The Genesis Café, my wife was driving our family on a vacation. I had been involved in church leadership for over a decade and had noticed a growing number of new people beginning to attend that entered into the church with little understanding of Scripture or basic theological topics.

As I read Robby’s book, two things stood out to me: First, I sensed my own understanding and love for the kingdom of God increasing. My grasp of certain aspects of the kingdom were enhanced by Robby’s thinking and the conversation that took place through this book’s pages. Second, I kept thinking about friends and people in our church that needed to read this book! Plus, and this may be the true test of how good a book is, I read the entire book during our drive!

Robby has a well-rounded, pastorally sensitive, and biblically faithful theological mind, but he’s also a vivid story-teller! The Genesis Café lets us listen in on a conversation between friends who are wrestling with an important topic that needs to shape our way of life. Yet he resists using undefined fancy words or concepts that only the theological elite can understand. The Genesis Café is accessible, helpful, and, more importantly, full of truths that are central to following Jesus.

I can’t recommend this book enough. And even more so, I can’t recommend the topic of this book more! The kingdom of God is the greatest cause to live for … and the greatest cause to die for. It is, after all, Jesus’ primary message.

For the kingdom,

Luke Geraty

Luke Geraty is a pastor-theologian living in Northern California. With a few theology degrees and nearly twenty years of pastoral leadership, Luke loves the Bible, theology, fly fishing, coffee, and his wife and five kids!

1

ESPRESSO THOTS

Two things made my first shift at The Genesis Café memorable. First, getting hired! I love working at a local coffee roaster. The vibe feels so much more authentic than those corporate multi-national coffee clones … oops. Barely four sentences in, and I’m already wandering down a rabbit hole! My bad.

Anyway, the Younger and Elder showed up during our grand opening at the Genesis. That’s the second memorable thing from my first shift. We had a ton of customers that day, but those two stood out. The Younger’s super friendly, but he didn’t flirt with me like a lot of guys do. That’s not a humble brag, by the way — it’s annoying. The Elder has a funny sense of humor, kinda British, and this peaceful je ne sais quoi vibe. He’s … thoughtful. And kind.

A breath of fresh air, both of them. They’ve been regulars at the Genesis ever since.

Robby’s a regular, too, but I don’t remember when we first met (sorry). He’s got his favorite table by the front door, and he’s usually crazy-typing on his MacBook, scribbling in a journal, or staring out the window.

I knew the three of them were doing some sort of book-club thing on a guy named Ladd, but I had no idea it was going to turn into its own book. And, apparently, I’m included in some of the chapters! So are the owners of The Tipsy Fiddler, that pub over on Lakeshore Road. Who knew?

Nah, I’m just messing with ya. Robby let me read my sections ahead of time, to see what I thought, and I gave him a thumbs-up. The stories happened pretty much just like he tells them. Truth and accuracy in reporting — what’s not to like?

But when he invited me to write a short intro, it’s like I could feel my brain freeze. I’m creative, yeah, but I don’t think of myself as a writer. And I’ll be the first to admit that me and the Big Guy in the Sky don’t hang out that often. No offense, Jesus, it’s just not the way I was raised, and … well, to be honest, a lot of Your followers scare me.

But I’ve been friends with the Younger and Elder for a few years now, and I guess you could say I trust them. Enough to read their book and make up my own mind, anyway.

Plus, Robby named it after the best coffee roaster in the valley! That’s gotta count for something, right?

Oh, and apparently we’re supposed to be top-secret hush-hush about using our real names. So, in keeping with Robby’s offbeat tradition — which, as an artistic soul, I think is awesome — you can call me (drum roll, please) … the Barista.

P.S. If you’ve read this far, it means Robby’s cool with what I wrote (haha). Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to read The Genesis Café. Visit our downtown location any time — you can buy me an espresso and we’ll discuss it (the book, not the coffee). :)

2

THE GATHERING

This problem must not be solved by abstract theological reasoning but by the exegesis of the Scriptures. The point of departure must always be, What do the Scriptures teach? rather than, What does logic allow? We shall turn therefore to the New Testament, particularly to the teachings of our Lord, for the answer.

– George Eldon Ladd, 1952

It was a near-perfect afternoon in the revitalized downtown district. Bright sunlight bathed the tree-lined boulevard in a warm glow. Leaves rustled and branches swayed, coaxed into motion by a gentle breeze. Twentieth-century architecture, subtly updated yet preserving its original ethos, gave the street an aura of timelessness. Cobblestone sidewalks, drab and colorless during the winter, came alive underfoot in a nostalgic nod to the city’s storied history.

The upbeat district was home to a wide array of restaurants and coffeeshops, in addition to a number of independent boutiques, a multi-discipline artistic collective, and an emporium boasting an enviable selection of used books, vinyl records, and vintage clothing.

Against all odds, I spied a curbside parking space between a pair of late-model pickup trucks. I squeezed my aging Mazda3 into the spot, grateful for my good fortune. A pleasant breeze greeted me as I exited the car.

The parking meter represented a curious mixture of antique and modern — a digital display coupled with old-fashioned coil slots, but no option for either credit cards or a downloadable app. Distinctly odd. I dug into my pocket and, to my relief, found enough coins to satisfy the meter’s unspoken but inflexible demand. The digital display confirmed my time limit, and I joined the sidewalk’s brisk pedestrian traffic, westward-bound.

I scanned the block ahead as I walked. There were many options to choose from, but like most people, I had a favorite spot in mind: The Genesis Café, my unofficial other writing office.

The traffic light changed as I arrived at the next intersection; one of life’s happy coincidences. Just ahead, I spotted the familiar signage above the entrance to the Genesis, and quickened my pace. A cheerful cacophony of overlapping voices wafted over me as I pulled the heavy wooden door open. Half-jogging up the interior steps, I glanced around and found that — as was frequently the case — I was the first to arrive.

My favorite table by the front window was unoccupied. It boasted a panoramic view of the vibrant street and access to the summer breeze we’d awaited since early April. I hurried to the espresso bar and ordered a café americano.

The Barista — black-clad, tattooed, multi-pierced, and endlessly cheerful — was at her usual efficient best. Her upbeat and energetic persona set the tone for her coworkers, and the Genesis reciprocated, buzzing with lively conversations.

Americano in hand, I’d barely seated myself when my friends arrived. The Younger propped the heavy door open as he and the Elder made a boisterous entrance, already deep in animated conversation. I half-rose from my seat, raising a hand to catch their attention. They waved in return, en route to the espresso bar.

They joined me after purchasing their drinks, and seated themselves on the opposite side of the table.

I must apologize for our tardiness, the Elder said, settling into his chair. I’m convinced that City Council is deliberately shrinking downtown parking spaces. The situation deteriorates with each passing year. I’m almost out of options.

The Younger made a theatrical show of stifling a cough. Put the blame where it belongs. Your ancient Chevy’s a land yacht. His gaze shifted in my direction and he gave me a conspiratorial wink. My guess? When the book of Job mentions ‘Leviathan,’ it means his Impala.

Sounds like the Monaco my grandpa sold me back in the day. I sighed, remembering fondly. "A two-door 1971 Dodge with a 360 cubic inch engine. I could fit my entire life inside the trunk. Or the boot, I added for the Elder’s benefit. It was huge — longer than my family’s Caprice Estate station wagon. A gas-guzzling beast, but it was my beast, rust and all."

The Younger laughed, but I knew his mind was racing to convert cubic inches into liters. The Elder pretended to be fascinated with his coffee.

They were an interesting duo, these friends of mine. The Elder, content in his early retirement, exuded the unmistakable aura of his former occupation: professor of literature. His fondness for the classics, coupled with a British upbringing, gave him a unique way of speaking. His accent had faded over the years, although traces surfaced every now and then, usually at the end of a late evening.

Many who knew him would be surprised to learn he’d never attended seminary. An avid reader, he devoured books on church history and theology, and never tired of spirited conversations about either.  It’s a benign obsession, he’d say with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

The Younger’s restless energy was a study in contrasts with the Elder’s seasoned tranquility. He’d graduated from university seven or eight years ago, earning a Commerce degree and an MBA along the way. I’d guess he’s circling his thirtieth birthday, but he’s remarkably evasive about his age. When pressed, he’ll deliver his standard reply in a stone-faced monotone, I can neither confirm nor deny who was president the year I was born.

He has no recollection of the day he first met the Elder, but my mother swears on a stack of Bibles he never changed my diaper. He’s also unsure when the Elder became less of an unofficial uncle and more a trusted friend from a different generation. (That didn’t spare the Elder from facetious teasing.)

The two unlikely friends forged a bond over their shared interest in the connection between faith and everyday life. It wasn’t long before their animated conversations became something of a tradition at the Genesis, or their favorite pub, The Tipsy Fiddler.

You said you wanted to bounce some ideas around. The Younger shifted gears abruptly, startling me out of my wandering thoughts. Well, coffee’s getting cold. He leaned forward, elbows planted on the table, and adopted his signature expression of intense curiosity. What’s on your mind?

I stifled a laugh. Few people possess the Younger’s unwavering eye contact. Or his dogged inquisitiveness, for that matter.

The Elder smiled as if he’d heard a private joke. No one’s ever accused us of wasting time on small talk, have they? Even on the worthy topic of classic cars from a bygone era.

Or accused us of subtlety, I replied, saluting him with my americano. That’s why I like hanging out with you guys. Who else could put up with us?

Ah, yes. The Elder smiled ruefully. Who else, indeed?

The Younger feigned indignation. Speak for yourselves. He rapped his knuckles on the wooden tabletop, twice. Focus, guys, focus. That’s what caffeine is for.

I gulped a quick breath, collected my thoughts, and launched into my reason for today’s gathering. I’m planning to write another book. The Younger’s studious expression didn’t change. The Elder nodded; he didn’t seem surprised. You’ve always given me stellar feedback. Asking for your input was a n0-brainer.

The Elder raised his eyebrows. I’m happy to assist, any way I can. He clasped his hands around his mug. Although I suspect a conversation or two won’t suffice for a book-length project.

The Younger grinned slyly, sensing an opportunity. Does that mean you’ll be paying for our coffees?

I answered the Elder, pretending I hadn’t heard his suggestion. "After I finished writing Post-Charismatic, I wondered ‘what now’? What’s the logical follow-up?"

Does it matter? The Younger leaned back in his chair, not breaking eye contact. You don’t have a publisher breathing down your neck for a sequel. You’re an indie author — you can write whatever and whenever you want.

Correct, but that doesn’t answer my question, I replied, pausing for a sip of my americano. Hear me out. Belief systems aren’t neutral, and they have a profound effect on our daily lives. Disinformation, alternative facts, sketchy theology — we’ve seen the results, and they ain’t pretty. I grinned at each of them in turn. I know, I know. I’m preaching to the choir.

My companions exchanged knowing looks.

I pushed on. Belief shapes behavior — I think we all agree. But if our beliefs are dysfunctional, that’s the kind of behavior they’ll produce. For example, if our understanding of God’s kingdom is skewed, then everything we do — based on our skewed understanding — will be, for lack of a better word, skewed.

"Don’t call your new book Post-Skewed, and you’ll be fine, the Younger quipped. A gust of wind blew through the open window and his napkin took flight. He pinned it under a quick hand, not missing a beat. The kingdom of God … I’ll go out on a limb and guess that wasn’t a random example."

Jesus said ‘the kingdom is near’ a lot, I replied, tucking my napkin under my mug for safekeeping. And according to the book of Acts, the disciples preached the ‘gospel of the kingdom’ wherever they went. I think it’s a valid question: what did Jesus mean when he said, ‘the kingdom is near’?

The Elder sipped his coffee — black, the way God drinks it, as he was fond of saying. I’d recommend taking a step back to look at the big picture. It sounds like you have specific questions in mind already. Either that, or you’re hoping to inspire people to ask better questions.

The Younger broke eye contact and glanced at him, as if he were about to say something. He apparently thought better of it, and settled on frowning thoughtfully into space. Or perhaps at the ceiling fan above our table.

Guilty as charged, I said, grateful for the Elder’s shrewd insight. Part of the problem is our definition of the kingdom. A lot of Christians toss the term around, but I don’t think we’re all on the same page. More to the point, are we on the same page as Jesus? Definition shapes expectation, which in turn inspires action.

Better questions, in other words. The Elder nodded. Are you planning to focus on present-day stewardship, or the eschatological end-of-the-world implications, or … what, exactly?

I grinned at the Younger’s befuddled expression. I think I’d begin by defining ‘eschatological.’ It means our beliefs about the future, and humanity’s destiny.

The Younger gave me a thumbs-up and addressed the Elder. Hang on a second, professor. Separating humanity’s future destiny from present-day responsibility? Sounds like a recipe for disaster. How can we focus on one without the other?

The Elder smiled at the familiar nickname, surreptitiously sliding his coffee mug beyond the Younger’s animated reach. That’s precisely what I was about to ask. With so many differing views of the kingdom floating around, it’s tempting to focus on one aspect to the exclusion of all others. That, in my opinion, would undermine the depth and breadth of Jesus’ teaching.

That’s probably the most daunting part of the project, I admitted, taking the opportunity to finish my drink. "The kingdom of God is a multifaceted subject, and it deserves a solid explanation. At the