by Vance Havner
published by Baker Publishing Group
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The evangelical spirit and deep personal faith of the author permeate this absorbing story of a young minister's struggles with his first pastorate. Here is the newly appointed Reverend, proud of his assignment to Riverby's most prestigious church with its congregation of lawyers, doctors, merchants and politicians. Why then does he feel vaguely uneasy, and dissatisfied with the type of Christianity he dispenses, troubled by the lack of response among his members?
A chance visit to a newcomer in town results in a sudden infusion of real Christianity, and the fireworks start! The new resident, Stephen Lynn, is also dissatisfied with what he labels "second-hand Christianity," but instead of musing over the problem, he meets it head on. His goal is complete spiritual redemption of all willing takers; his method is through Jesus Christ pure, unadulterated, no strings attached. Stephen Lynn starts a prayer meeting and Bible study in his bachelor apartment. As the meetings expand, the true meaning of the Church and its Leader dawns upon the young pastor. His own prayer sessions at elaborate Memorial Church pale beside the vigor and vitality of Lynn's fellowship. When members of the church begin to attend Lynn's revival meetings, the congregation threatens to be torn assunder. The young minister must call on every ounce of his spiritual strength to direct his flock toward God, with His words burning in his heart: I came to send not peace but a sword.
How this youthful man of the cloth meets his adversaries, and begins to preach and practice New Testament Christianity is what this book is all about. The author knows, from his own experience, what price a real Christian must pay. Turning his back on the smug Establishment and opening his heart to sound doctrine and dedicated living meant estrangement from his comfortable world, meant giving up ideas and people he had held dear. But the Word and Way of God are far more dear than these, and the young minister makes his choice wisely.
Along the way, the reader will meet many interesting people. Sam Bradley, good neighbor in full-time Christian service; Helen Page, gifted musician who renounces false love to find a better one in Christ; Randall Pierce, Bible teacher who proves to be unworthy. They're all people one meets everywhere, with faults and virtues, lofty goals and less lofty instincts. The recognizable characters in a familiar setting, together with a thrilling plot, make this book one for the entire family - inspirational, wholesome, entertaining fiction with a loud ring of truth.
About the Author
Vance Havner (1901-1986) began preaching as a young boy and continued in the work over the course of his life. Havner pastored small country churches, preached to large city churches, prepared sermons for countless preachers, and wrote over 35 books. In 1973, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association named Havner the "Preacher of the Year." Havner's unique sense of humor and his ability to phrase truths with brilliant poignancy make him one of the most endeared preachers of the 20th century.
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