Ernest C. Reisinger: A Biography is written by Geoffrey Thomas and published by The Banner of Truth Trust. Reisinger was a very influential Baptist whose life is worthy of reading about and benefiting from.
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Ernest C. Reisinger: A Biography
As would be expected from a biography, one will begin by reading of Reisinger’s early life and family. His story of conversion, service in the U.S. Navy, work in the building industry, call to pastoral ministry, and more are also included.
The biography also mentions Resinger’s involvement in church leadership. This is interesting due to the proximity of his commissioning as a “lay preacher” by Second Presybterian Church and the Carlisle Presbytery in 1946. When asked about his position on baptism, Reisinger mentioned that he had not yet settled on his own position. By 1950, he had begun to face some adversity within the PCUSA (a Presbyterian denomination) and he, along with other believers that were tight with Reisinger, left Second Presbyterian. This eventually led to the creation of a new church called Grace Chapel (and then Grace Baptist Church after that. This means that Reisinger clearly had a change in conviction on baptism.) Reisinger labored alongside Walter Chantry (another very influential reformed Baptist) at Grace Baptist. During that time, Reisinger was involved in church planting in other parts of Pennsylvania.
Some of the most exciting parts of the biography deal with Reisinger’s work within the Southern Baptist Convention and his call to get back to its historical Calvinistic roots. Reisinger himself went through a big change in his theology, and he arrived at Calvinism from Arminianism “kicking and screaming”. This is, of course, a common story for many Christians today.
Another aspect of this biography that I really enjoyed was learning more about the Founders Movement and Reisinger’s involvement with that.
Perhaps my favorite part of this book was the inclusion of letters that Reisinger both received and wrote. The heart of Reisinger for Christ and to make him known is very evident in his written letters. Even the letters that he wrote to his grandchildren were heart-warming and encouraging. Reisinger wanted others to know his risen Lord! Reisinger knew that he was a wretched sinner, and he even told that to others as he offered the gospel to them.
I highly recommend this biography. You will oftentimes be unable to put it down, and you will most likely read through it quite quickly. Pick up and enjoy!
Disclaimer: My thanks to The Banner of Truth Trust for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book on behalf of an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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