Batsell Barrett Baxter loved the church: "It is because of our deep conviction that Jesus is the Christ, the divine Son of God, that all aspects of his church become significant. It is Christ's church not ours. ... In our effort to learn the life that the Lord would have his disciples to live, we are setting out upon a careful study of the church as originally established in apostolic times. Our intention is to go back to the original documents which describe the church in its early purity and strength." This in-depth study of the church, first published in 1980, examines such topics as the name, the work (evangelism, edification, benevolence), the government (elders, deacons), worship, the Holy Spirit and unity. Each chapter provides detailed analyses with biblical support assuring the reader the scriptural bases for the discussion. Baxter was known for his knowledge of Scripture and his gentle spirit. In his decades as a gospel preacher, chairman of the Bible department at David Lipscomb College, and speaker on the national TV program "Herald of Truth," he presented with clarity and compassion the gospel of Jesus Christ.