A short critique - “The Reformed Pastor” by Richard Baxter
Richard Baxter’s writings on the “The Reformed Pastor” is a wake up call to every shepherd of the flocks to examine their soul’s condition and their flocks as well. So, the minister, coming into ministry with much infirmity, has before him a great responsibility and yet difficult office to undertake and to accomplish. Every minister’s success in accomplishing God ordained duties and responsibilities depends on the thoroughness of his examination of his own soul – “It is most necessary, therefore, that men of so much infirmity should take heed to themselves, and be careful in the oversight of their own souls.” While he takes care of his own soul diligently, the same way he needs to care for his flocks welfare – soul’s betterment. Richard Baxter’s writing had been a humble yet an authoritative call to reform ministers’ actions and live their lives as if the souls of his flock depend on his actions. Moreover, he also clearly pointed out some of the utmost important applications for ministers to consider
…show more content…
3:16-17). Baxter correctly highlighted the primary duty of minister in correcting those disobedience or rebellious flock – “To bring your people to submit to this course of private catechizing or instruction; for, if they will not come to you, or allow you to come to them, what good can they receive?” However, when we look at today’s congregation, especially old believers, their mindset had changed – though at the beginning of salvation, they humbly followed all the minister’s instructions diligently for their soul’s healing, but after sometimes, they hardened their heart to any kind of pastoral treatment as though they are superior than their shepherd. They will not come to us and will not allow us to come to
He tells him that, by the gospel, “A person can be drawn into the Faith, not forced into it.” (Document 3) Instead of forcing the people to convert to Christianity, the gospel should be taught to everyone, as they will not obtain salvation if they do not decide for themselves whether to accept it as the truth and live by it. This is the way that God intended for the gospel to be spread throughout the world. It has no impact on a person if they do not make the decision of their own accord to accept God into their
Many are daily coming. ”(44) he is referencing the hundreds of people being converted during the Great Awakening. Using the reference he establishes a more personal trust showing that he is not only a preacher but, a member of society.
Apostles of Disunion, written by Charles B. Dew, is a book that focuses on the topics of Slavery, States’ rights, and Secession. The introduction chapter of the book talks about how Dew grew up as a “son of the south”, and how his ancestors fought for the confederacy. He talks about how he went to school in Virginia and he packed his Confederate flag to hang on his wall. Dew says that he didn’t think much about secession, however, he knew that the south had seceded for the lonely reason of states’ rights.
The author appeals to his audience’s emotion when writing this sermon. Specifically, he targets
Unlike Beatrice the pastor did not succumb to insanity like she did. He stayed strong even after what happened to his wife. He could have used the excuse that he was scared to teach the word of god after what they did to his wife but the tragic incident actually made him stronger as a person. ”what they didn't realize, or didn't want to acknowledge, was that hed already decided to give up his life , had made a pact with heaven to be sacrificed for this country. ”(200).
Religion among the colonies was now becoming less denominational. Attendance at the Church’s were already low; but with the new aspire of personal Religion, the numbers than dropped dramatically. Another name for an Orthodox Clergymen back then, were “old lights.” These “old lights”, disapproved and despised of personal spirituality and refused to take part of it. Many members of Presbyterian denominations packed their bags and went in search of smaller places.
In Thomas Long’s The Witness of Preaching, he aims to urge the reader to become a reliable witness of the gospel by way of ample preparation before entering a pulpit. The text offers to the reader a deeper understanding of the ministry of preaching. A useful component of the text contains informative bits of information that make the reader aware of the lengthy but necessary preparation needed for an adequate explanation of the scripture. Of primary importance is the consideration of the congregation when a preacher is first approaching the text. This point is of vital importance as it signifies that the speaker is a member of the body of Christ and the congregation.
Ed combats this view with the idea that the point of discipleship is not information, but Christ-like transformation. The second “broken view” presented is the fact that we try to program discipleship. Ed infers that discipleship is so much more than a six-week course, and people are looking for relationships more than discipleship classes. The third “broken view” is that we equate discipleship with our preaching. In fact, 56% of pastors surveyed believe their weekly sermon was the most important discipling ministry in the church.
I personally felt that this book is not only for Christian ministers or leaders but for everyone and anyone because, as mortal human beings, we live in a societal world where caring or helping each other is indispensable. I like the way Nouwen makes us see the four chapters of this book, as entering into four different doors, each representing the ‘problems of ministry in the modern world’ (Nouwen, 2010, p.3). I’ve categorized my reflections on this book into three particular headings. The Human Condition Nouwen starts the first chapter by portraying Peter, a young man going through the contemporary human condition, which is, the search of meaning to their life.
Wallace that the church should work to become better equipped to answer the questions of those wavering in their faith. In 1 Peter 3:15, Paul instructs Christians to be ever ready to give a defense for the hope they have (1 Pet. 3:15). One possible solution to this lack of apologetics in the church is to provide classes or in-depth studies of the Word for anyone who is interested in learning to defend their faith. Another issue Mr. Wallace addresses is how many young people left the church because they were unable to find answers to their questions about God. I have wrestled with questions about God.
Followers, who had once felt unfulfilled and disheartened during sermons, suddenly felt and experienced the spiritual connection to God that they had each been longing for after attending preachings from these two men. The Great Awakening brought about religious freedom and free will (Smith, 2011) that would grant all
Secondly, every Christian is obligated to bring Christ to others and make him known. I often ask myself, "What must I do to revive the faith? What must I do to bring them the Good News? How can I help them to deepen their faith? As the beginning passage from Gaudium Et Spes stated:
He writes, “I don't need to rely on a love which understands for me, a pastor who has conscience for
Clearly the biblical model is for church leaders to keep an eye on the flock and provide loving correction (Acts
Charism plays an important role in both the communal and individual life of a believer. Here Menzies is in agreement that “the rich variety of gifts granted to every believer for the common good appear to be a natural extension of Paul’s larger pnuematological perspective”(Fee, 192). The significant thing to note though is that for Paul the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is connected to our participation in the body of Christ. As we walk in the Spirit, He produces fruit in our lives. The fruit of the Spirit in our lives is not just individualistic and for personal benefit but for corporate benefit of the body of