Although written by a conservative Baptist, this book is a must-read for every pastor, or for that matter for most who are involved in church leadership in any function.
The first third of the book focused on the question of inspiration and inerrancy. When the book was written in the early 1970s, that was a huge issue. Unfortunately, for some it is still and issue today. I did not read this part closely because I already knew I was in substantial agreement with Baxter's position on this part, and the text is written as a challenge to those who might not agree to reconsider.
The third part of the book is a series of pet peeves and problematic issues in the church which Baxter felt compelled to address. They are certainly worth reading, especially in light of the fact that he wrote concerning these issues (such as contemporary Christian music) some 35+ years ago. You may or may not agree with him, but his viewpoints are absolutely worth your time to read and contemplate.
The real gem of the book is the middle portion.
Baxter is an old school, traditionalist, conservative Scottish Baptist minister, and a cessationist to boot.
And the middle section is one of the best developments of Pentecostal theology for the practical life of the church that I have ever read.
His focus is entirely upon Holy Spirit empowerment and enablement of the church and the Christian, in everything from the experience to the evangelism to the sheer power.
As usual with his works, his wording is immaculate and conveys his thoughts beautifully.
There is no one ... from Roman Catholic to Methodist to Presbyterian to Baptist to Charismatic ... who can dispute the content or his exegesis. And no one from any of these traditions would want to! What he lays out is not divisive, it is inspiring and inclusive.
The middle part of this book is worth the entire cost of the book many times over.
I'm keeping my copy just to reread periodically.
It's a revival in itself.
If you can find someone else to give up their copy -- TAKE IT.
Strongly recommended.
The first third of the book focused on the question of inspiration and inerrancy. When the book was written in the early 1970s, that was a huge issue. Unfortunately, for some it is still and issue today. I did not read this part closely because I already knew I was in substantial agreement with Baxter's position on this part, and the text is written as a challenge to those who might not agree to reconsider.
The third part of the book is a series of pet peeves and problematic issues in the church which Baxter felt compelled to address. They are certainly worth reading, especially in light of the fact that he wrote concerning these issues (such as contemporary Christian music) some 35+ years ago. You may or may not agree with him, but his viewpoints are absolutely worth your time to read and contemplate.
The real gem of the book is the middle portion.
Baxter is an old school, traditionalist, conservative Scottish Baptist minister, and a cessationist to boot.
And the middle section is one of the best developments of Pentecostal theology for the practical life of the church that I have ever read.
His focus is entirely upon Holy Spirit empowerment and enablement of the church and the Christian, in everything from the experience to the evangelism to the sheer power.
As usual with his works, his wording is immaculate and conveys his thoughts beautifully.
There is no one ... from Roman Catholic to Methodist to Presbyterian to Baptist to Charismatic ... who can dispute the content or his exegesis. And no one from any of these traditions would want to! What he lays out is not divisive, it is inspiring and inclusive.
The middle part of this book is worth the entire cost of the book many times over.
I'm keeping my copy just to reread periodically.
It's a revival in itself.
If you can find someone else to give up their copy -- TAKE IT.
Strongly recommended.
