I don't review many books here on the site, probably because I haven't read many books recently that shift they way I think. Don't get me wrong, I'm still reading two books a week, but I just continue to find my boundaries being contained; rather than pushed.
Well have a I got a reading suggestion for you!
Bob Roberts is a pastor in Dallas, and he's revolutionizing the way Southern Baptists are doing faith. He's not interested in creating institutions of faith, he's interested in living out his faith in the REAL world. His new book Bold As Love will Push you!
Bob's work in Vietnam after serving as a U.S. soldier during the 70's has helped to show God's forgiveness to a people he formerly thought of as enemies. In a skeptical culture in southeast Asia, Bob has the opportunity to build friendships by providing needs to the needy. He's a man held in high regard in a country formerly an enemy to America. What a testimony!
His work in Afghanistan is equally impressive as he constantly faces the fears of working with those who might be seen as enemies, but Bob allows God's love to work through him as he champions schools, feeding programs, water well drilling, or whatever it takes to serve a people group he wants to know an honest representation of Jesus.
Bob's work in the Muslim world is incredible. He's all over the map being introduced as "The Southern Baptist Imam" in high level Islamic Circles.
All of Bob's accolades are impressive, but the beauty of this new book is it's honesty. Bob doesn't try to marginalize his faith for the sake of the people he works with, he boldly walks in a situation standing firm in the gospel but able to love people with the hands and feet of Jesus' servant leadership. He doesn't bow to the mision groups calling for Universalism, He boldly declares Jesus is the answer for the world's problems.
He's worked with the U.N. on multi faith global interactions, he's been on the speaking platform at the Doha conference for Global Faith, and he continues to promote his Global Faith Initiative in Dallas. This book potentially scares the daylights out of the religious institutions, because Bob exposes ways outside the four walls of a multiplex to love people the way Jesus loved them.
One of the most thrilling adventures is when Bob describes how a Baptist Pastor reads the words of Jesus, and implements that love into his new definition of ministry, loving Muslims no matter what, in DALLAS TEXAS, of all places.
I respect Bob.
I read every word of this book.
Cover to Cover it challenges me to continue putting into practice the lessons Jesus continues to teach me through His word.
Thanks Bob. I really appreciate your Bold move to let the world know we can love one another.
