This morning, I finished reading, for the third time of 15 years, The Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter. This book comes from Acts 20:28, “Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock.” He was supposed to speak at a pastor’s conference where they would all repent for not evangelizing. But the day of the conference he was sick, so he decided to add to it, and publish the book.
It has 3 chapters: First, take heed to yourself. Second, take to the flock of God. Third, applications.
His focus is on pastors to wake up and stop “slubbering” (his word) through their duties. But 80-90% of the book would apply equally to any serious Christian. Moms who read this would love their churches more and would be much more effective in leading their children to Christ. A woman’s Bible study led by a woman who had read this book would be lively!
Why should you read this book?
- He places Heaven, Hell, God, and salvation in such a bright light, that all these things are very real.
When you read him, you think this is the way preaching must have been during the time of Acts. You want the sermon to go on. You feel the truths about which he speaks. You wish you could talk like him. - He gives specific questions, even sample speeches, that you could use in evangelism and prayer.
Do you know the experience of trying to pray and then becoming distracted? Do you know what it is like to confess, but do so coldly? Do you try to talk to someone about Christ, and then sputter out something like an engine out of gas? Baxter will help you as he has me. - He fills the pages with lists.
A list shows that he has thought about his subject from all angles. What sins should we confess? He will give you a list. What objections might you make? He will list them and then give a list of answers to each objection. He offers 17 methods for evangelizing at the end of the book. Five sins that every pastor [and most Christians] should repent of. - He will stir you to learn and read your Bible.
He strings phrases or clauses from numerous Bible verses into one long sentence that becomes so powerful because of the effect of well-chosen lines. You will feel the power of a quote, and then another will press down on your conscience, and then another, until you must agree with the Word of God. And I have found that when I am most cut, it is the most spiritually pleasing, almost as if I can sensibly tell when my flesh is losing to the Spirit of Christ which is in me.
- He sets a pattern, a habit, and a taste for the kinds of books that will get us safely to Heaven.
Most books that are published are bad because they will not necessarily help you to enter at the narrow gate, and many will actively distract you from any efforts in that direction. This book will not distract you. It will focus you. Though Baxter never went to college, he quotes from classics, the ancient Romans, and the church fathers, and yet his writing will make you long for more lively, Puritan publications.
If you ever choose to read this book, I would be glad if you let me know. Watch out for yourself and for the church of God!
