Edifying the Body of Christ

Is your church a ‘golden candlestick’? It was the wish of Joseph Ivimey’s heart that his own church would hear the voice of the Lord Jesus speaking in his letters to the seven churches of Asia and shine with light — both for her own benefit and for the good of others.

Ivimey (1773–1834) was in his own day highly regarded as a church historian, producing a four-volume History of the English Baptists (which remains the standard history), and as a prolific contributor to contemporary religious magazines. His labours in his 30-year pastorate of the church in Eagle Street, London were complemented with a great deal of missionary activity and organisational support for missionary endeavours.

In this volume, Christopher Osterbrock presents a selection of ‘Scripture studies’ written by Ivimey and published in the Baptist Magazine. His series on the Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia bring out the Lord’s message to the churches not only with application to his own times but with enduring relevance for today’s church too. Osterbrock’s further selection of additional articles on other texts of Scripture also allow us the opportunity to hear sound instruction from a warm-hearted pastor, driven by a desire to see truth and holiness.

This volume also includes Ivimey’s Pastoral Counsels, subtitled ‘A Scripture Manual of the Mutual Duties of Church Members.’ One of the most useful parts of the book, this manual not only outlines the doctrines of the church but also gives comprehensive practical advice on the responsibilities of a church member towards the pastor, the church officers, and fellow church members.

The life and work of historian Joseph Ivimey deserves to be better known and appreciated by Baptists everywhere, and especially in his home country. This work by Christopher Osterbrock is a significant contribution to our knowledge of Ivimey as historian of the Baptist movement and preacher, especially the latter. Many will know Ivimey’s History of the English Baptists, but Osterbrock has provided an extensively researched introduction to the man and his ministry, which is a fascinating overture to the main part of the book, which provides a selection of Ivimey’s sermons taken from the Baptist Magazine. Ivimey’s expositions of Scripture read with relevance and insight, and much profit for believers today.

— Dr Ian Birch, Principal, Scottish Baptist College, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley

Joseph Ivimey, Baptist minister, historian, magazine editor, and supporter of missions and the abolition of slavery, is little known today apart from his chronicles of Baptist history. This book offers a rare glimpse of this intriguing man and his teachings.

— Dr Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

We can be grateful for Christopher Osterbrock’s continued interest in recovering the life and ministry of Particular Baptist, Joseph Ivimey. These meditations not only capture the dynamic biblical message of Jesus Christ for the early church but challenge us as contemporary readers to be faithful in our calling to follow Jesus Christ today.

— Dr Tom Schwanda, Associate Professor of Christian Formation and Ministry, emeritus, Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, and Scholar in Residence for Puritan Piety, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Ivimey’s addresses echo clearly the apostolic, missional ethos of the New Testament. Based in Scripture but focused on applying its theology personally and concretely, he skilfully connects the grace of God in Christ to the believer’s spiritual life, the corporate life of the church, and its mission to the world far and near. Warm, theocentric, and ultimately oriented toward the life to come, Ivimey’s addresses and counsels are both exemplary and edifying.

— Dr Daniel C. Timmer, Professor of Biblical Studies, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Christopher Osterbrock brings to life a little-known Baptist hero of two-hundred years ago in his engaging portrait of Joseph Ivimey. Osterbrock has also done us great service by reprinting these forgotten Bible studies by Ivimey, a pastor whose pen wielded a mighty influence in the first half of the nineteenth century. Those who love church history, discovering fascinating stories of unfamiliar figures, and rich Bible teaching will enjoy this book.

— Dr Donald S, Whitney, Professor of Biblical Spirituality and Associate Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

C.S. Lewis argued, “It is a good rule after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between.” Sound advice, but to what “old books” should we turn? Let me encourage you to make this “old book made new” one of them. I was familiar with Joseph Ivimey as a historian but did not know him as a pastor and expositor until reading this collection. These chapters have warmed my soul; they will warm yours as well.

— Dr Timothy K. Beougher, Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky