We are back from our trip. It was long, somewhat restful, and fun. I enjoyed the time with family and being with our children as they enjoyed time with grandparents and great-grandparents. I was able to get some reading done, but alas virtually no blogging. Actually it was nice to vacation from the blogging world (I tend to want to read everything out there, and it leaves my head spinning…).
But now back to the real world, and the imaginary one as well (the blogosphere). “Imaginary” is too harsh, I know. But I can always imagine I have much greater influence and more readers than I do. It’s not about readers and influence, really. It is about Christ. I want to glorify Him and grow in my own sanctification. Putting what I am thinking into words and sharing it with others is one way to do that. I enjoy blogging, but I must be careful not to let it take away from my ultimate goal–living for Christ. To that end, I may post less often and not keep up on as many blogs as I would like to in the future. But I hope that what I post will be helpful to me and also to my readers!
This is really not an exhaustive blogroll. But I did want to point out some great posts I read last night; so, here goes.
On Aggressive Soulwinning (Quick Prayerism)
- Regular Joe at the Big Orange Truck has three great posts on the topic. He exposes the more extreme examples of this and asks all the right questions. He says “sometimes ‘soul winning’ is ‘soul losing'”, and that is the sad truth. The posts are found here, here, and here.
On IFBX Preaching
- Matt Richards of Bread and Circuses, makes some poignant observations concerning Jack Schaap’s claim that the people at First Baptist of Hammond, IN are “well fed” (with the Bible from the preaching). His point is sad yet true–and the truth goes beyond that one church in particular. Sadly a whole movement is largely guilty of underfeeding their sheep. Check out his assessment (part 1 and part 2) and see for yourself if it rings true!
On Extreme Fundamentalist Makeover
- Mike Hess, of Extreme Fundamentalist Makeover, has a couple reflective posts, in which he reminisces concerning his extreme fundamentalist past. I particularly enjoyed his post entitled “What the IFB Movement Taught Me”, you’ll just have to check that one out. Also he had a good post on his dealings with KJV-onlyism entitled, “Removing the Cobwebs”. His posts are always worth reading, but these are especially so!
Well, more blogging later. You all, take care.
Bob,
Good to see you back safely and to hear that you had a good time. Also, thanks for the plug. I have enjoyed your posts as well. Right after we left FBCH my wife and I thought that we were the only ones who actually left that type of place and lived to tell about it. The God-blogosphere has been a great place where recovering hysteric fundies have been able to voice some of their concerns and experiences. Reading these other blogs have been both sad and humorous at the same time. I pray that they continue to make an effect.
Sadly, after being nearly eight years removed from hysteric fundamentalism, I am finding the same shallow responses from their side and the same hide and seek game being played after the difficult and objective questions have been asked.
Keep up the good work Bob!!!
Have a fabulous day!
Bob,
Welcome back! Great reflections on blogging. The panel at the Band of Bloggers before the T4G hit on a lot of these type of things. You can listen here.
Sometimes we (bloggers) can get wrapped up in our own little world and sometimes are looking for more readers, but I want to echo your refrain of glorifying Christ ultimately this must be our passion and goal. This medium is just one way of achieving that goal.
Mathew Sims
Soli Deo Gloria
Greetings, Bob.
I just looked at Adam Schnell’s new weblog (only the 2nd log I’ve been to), and thought, “Hey, isn’t this a good time to see what Bob’s blog is like?” Sorry, I don’t make much time for the internet. It’s usually enough for my to check my e-mail and write one or two people back. So little free time, must use carefully. I will try to check in sometimes. We miss the Hayton family. We are hoping to get into a study late summer or in the Fall.
Sounds like your visit was a good one. We are glad you are safely back.
God bless
Hey, Bob, glad to have you back!
You may have noticed I’ve taken a leave of absence from mine during your absence as well. After all, it is summer and we do need vacations.
Be watching however, another stroll through the TULIP garden is in the works!
Hi Bob,
Glad to see that you are back and blogging! I was raised a pretty strict Fundamental Baptist etc. I’ve been studying Reformmed theology for a few years now and it makes sense to my husband and I! We found a Reformed Baptist church by complete (divine) “accident” after leaving a Fund. Baptist church after a bad situation with “salvation through works”.
I so totally agree with your posts…anyway…I’d like to hear exactly how one attains salvation from the reformed perspective.
I’m familiar with the believers prayer (also known as “Accepting Jesus as Your Savior”). I’ve read a lot on TULIP but just haven’t seen this exact question answered-you would understand what I mean since we have similiar backgrounds.
I have two sons that have accepted Jesus as their Savior. (One was 6 and the other was 4) They came to me and it was their decision. I was in no way coercing them; they have heard the Gospel many times and it seems that God just touched their soul at that very moment. I helped them with wording their prayer but the desire was theirs. They proudly announce that Jesus lives in their heart and identify themselves as Christians. How do your view this from a Reformed perspective? They seem like changed boys-I see fruit in their young lives. My husband was a non-practicing Catholic and accepted Jesus as his Savior when he was 20. His life was changed after that. I grew up in a Christian home-I was saved as a young person.
Would you consider a post answering this question so someone for from our background can understand it in their terms. Like I said, I cannot seem to find any perspective on this…I’d love to hear your thoughts or anyone’s thoughts! Thanks so much!
Alice
Welcome back, FundyReformed! Time to put your hand back to the cyber-plow. 😀
Welcome back,Kotter, I mean Bob! LOL. Good to read your unique perspective on things theological. I find your writing style edgy and informative. Thanks. Keep blogging!
Alice,
I will post on your question soon.
All,
Sorry for not posting with my usual regularity lately. Hopefully the next few weeks will be more worth your stopping by to this site. Thanks for your readership.
God bless,
Bob
Hi Bob, I look forward to seeing a post on that subject! Thanks for working on it. My husband and I are sorta stuck on this point and like I said, can’t seem to get an answer that would make sense to someone who was IFB.
Blessings,
ALice