ONE IN A THOUSAND

In Job 33:22-24 we read of a man who is lost. He is drawing near to death. The funeral undertakers are not far away. The angels of death are ready to remove this lost soul to hell. Suddenly a messenger intervenes. It is a visitor who comes to the bedside of this sick man. This messenger tells him the way of salvation. He describes a ransom that has been made for sinners and proclaims the gift of eternal life for every repentant believing soul. Hope is kindled in the dying man. He believes the good news of salvation. He embraces the Saviour. His physical condition begins to improve. His life is spared. His soul is saved. As Matthew Henry puts it, 'These joyful tidings delivered to him by God's messenger shall revive his spirit, and by degrees restore his former health and vigour.' But who is the kind visitor who has brought glad tidings? Who is this man of knowledge who cares for souls? He is described as 'One in a Thousand'. How are the qualities of a pastor to be determined and how are pastors and elders to be distinguished? Erroll Hulse shows that there is a clear biblical model and then shows from the Reformation down to our own time how that model has been brought to life. Lessons from church history show how the various aspects of a pastors work have been demonstrated. This is a book that pastors and elders need to read, which will also provide a clear guide to any church member. "Erroll Hulse did not know each of the men that he explores in this book personally - it just seems as if he did. His friendship with Martin Lloyd-Jones and Martin Holdt elicits a warm presentation of their vital perceptions of pastoral ministry. The other persons - Paul, Jonathan Edwards, Richard Baxter, William Perkins, Martin Luther and John Calvin - come alive as Hulse places their pungent and vibrant convictions about pastoral theology, study, preaching, evangelism and prayer in the context of their active lives. Hulse's own rich seasoning as a pastor informs him in the selection of pertinent elements from the ministries of his experienced advisors. His final profile of pastoral ministry is a vade mecum for faithful servants." - Tom J. Nettles