Book Review.
Yaxley, Trevor. Vanderwal, Carolyn. William and Catherine Booth. The life and legacy of the Booths, founders of the Salvation Army. Bethany House 2003.
Comment. Henry.
The Salvation Army is a very unique organization that is ministering all over the world. A major reason for this uniqueness is the uniqueness of its founders William and Catherine Booth. Their biography reveals two people with a tremendous passion for the lost and an approach how the gospel was brought to these people, first in England and then spreading around the world.
Catherine Mumford was a very compassionate caring person from her childhood on. She cared for the needy and was very sensitive about injustice. Even as a child she developed very strong biblical convictions. She was of delicate health. In 1850 she became part of the Methodist Reform Union, a break-away group of the Methodists.
William Booth became a Christian at age 15. A year later his father died and William became an apprentice to a pawn broker to help support the family. During this time he became a ‘boy-preacher’ on the streets of the Bottoms the slum district of Nottingham. At age 21 he moved to London. The Methodist church that he was member of did not accept his street preaching. Through the support of Edward Rabbits, William was able to go into full-time ministry. “William’s mission was clear; ‘Go for souls! Go for the worst!’” (63)
William and Catherine had a short courtship of several months followed by a three year engagement. “This was to become a union of thoughtful biblical conviction and evangelistic charisma, fervor, and boldness.” (77) William had a brief association with the Congregationalists. He took on the responsibility of some Reform churches north of London. Later he became part of the New Connexion Conference. William and Catherine were married June 16, 1855.
For the next two years William carried on evangelistic meetings and crusades. In 1857 he was assigned to a pastoral position in Brighouse. The Booths moved to Gateshead. Catherine began her ‘public’ ministry teaching women but soon became involved in preaching sharing that ministry with William. Holiness became an important part of their preaching.
In 1861 the Booths began a ministry of faith with no denominational connections. They had crusades and revival campaigns first in Cornwall and then in Wales. Eventually East London became their area of focus. An unconvential aspect of their crusades was the use of testimonies by converts. Their motto was; “Every man (woman) saved and every man at work saving others.” (130) Along with the spiritual needs efforts were always made to look after physical needs. The result was the birth of the Salvation Army.
William developed the organization along military lines. He was the general with officers under him. The uniforms and the music became features of the Army. The Booth children all became involved in their parents mission. Wherever the Army went they experienced opposition. It was both physical, attacks on their parades, and spiritual with disruptions during meetings and criticisms from leaders of other churches and unbelievers. When the Army had their first international congress in 1886 there were sixteen nations represented. A new dimension was added to the Army’s ministry, “a Holy Spirit-inspired welfare strategy”. (219) It was introduced in three phases, “The city colony, the farm colony and the colony across the sea”. (222)
It was discovered that Catherine had terminal cancer and on October 4, 1890 she passed away. Catherine’s death was devastating for William but he finished strong in his leadership of the Army. He passed away on August 20, 1912. Bramwell, the oldest son received the mantle of leadership of the Army. Some of his siblings were not able to work with him and they started their own ministries.
The Salvation Army is still a very effective organization committed to serving mankind worldwide and operating in its military style. Their uniforms make them easy to recognize and gives them access to many ares of need in our society
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Present Future
Book Review.
McNeal, Reggie. The Present Future. Six tough questions for the church. Jossey-Bass. 2003.
Comment. Henry.
Because of its publication date this book is no longer contemporary but it certainly addresses some contemporary issues. His book Missional Renaissance is the contemporary response. (See former review.)
Reggie has become somewhat of a ‘guru’ for necessary change in churches to be relevant in today’s culture. He pushes us toward the future without desecrating the past. He is asking questions that are helpful to get on track (or back on track) regarding the place and purpose of the church and its function in community.
The church in America needs to become more missional. Regarding God the church has changed so much that “God doesn’t have to show up to get done what’s being done”. (6) Spiritual vitality is not a result of church activity. Institutional religion has lost its appeal.
The first of the ‘six tough questions that are being asked is; “How do we deconvert from Churchianity to Christianity?” (11) This involves a return to a kingdom of God focus. The pros and cons of the church growth movement are presented.
The second question is; “How do we transform our community?” (26) This requires an outward focus, a missional spirituality. It must be love in action where people live.
The third question posed is; “How do we turn members into missionaries?” (48) Missionaries must learn the language of the culture they are working in. It is the language of modernity and post-modernity. A plan is presented on how to “create a culture informed missiology”. (61) This requires a change to a church ‘scorecard’ and such a change will be met with serious opposition.
Question four is: How do we develop followers of Jesus?” (73) Spiritual formation, which should be part of a follower’s life, happens through personal life coaching. Christ like ministry is giving “the missional expression of the love of God” (81) to others. Discipleship is learned from experience not in a classroom.
“How do we prepare for the future?” is the fifth question. The key word in this question focuses on preparation not planning. Spiritual preparation has five elements; “vision, values, results, strengths and learning”. (96) Vision and values must be in alignment and then the results will be determined. “What gets rewarded gets done” (108) so be careful what you reward. Focus on strengths but don’t ignore weaknesses. Dealing with weaknesses involves learning.
The last question is; “How do we develop leaders for the Christian movement?” (129) The need is for apostolic leaders who order their lives around a missionary purpose. The training of such leaders does not happen in conventional (church) institutions of education. The areas of learning for apostolic leaders are “paradigm issues, microskill development, resources development and personal growth”. (130)
Reggie ends his book with a section that stresses what he is not saying about the church. This is helpful in processing his thesis.
McNeal, Reggie. The Present Future. Six tough questions for the church. Jossey-Bass. 2003.
Comment. Henry.
Because of its publication date this book is no longer contemporary but it certainly addresses some contemporary issues. His book Missional Renaissance is the contemporary response. (See former review.)
Reggie has become somewhat of a ‘guru’ for necessary change in churches to be relevant in today’s culture. He pushes us toward the future without desecrating the past. He is asking questions that are helpful to get on track (or back on track) regarding the place and purpose of the church and its function in community.
The church in America needs to become more missional. Regarding God the church has changed so much that “God doesn’t have to show up to get done what’s being done”. (6) Spiritual vitality is not a result of church activity. Institutional religion has lost its appeal.
The first of the ‘six tough questions that are being asked is; “How do we deconvert from Churchianity to Christianity?” (11) This involves a return to a kingdom of God focus. The pros and cons of the church growth movement are presented.
The second question is; “How do we transform our community?” (26) This requires an outward focus, a missional spirituality. It must be love in action where people live.
The third question posed is; “How do we turn members into missionaries?” (48) Missionaries must learn the language of the culture they are working in. It is the language of modernity and post-modernity. A plan is presented on how to “create a culture informed missiology”. (61) This requires a change to a church ‘scorecard’ and such a change will be met with serious opposition.
Question four is: How do we develop followers of Jesus?” (73) Spiritual formation, which should be part of a follower’s life, happens through personal life coaching. Christ like ministry is giving “the missional expression of the love of God” (81) to others. Discipleship is learned from experience not in a classroom.
“How do we prepare for the future?” is the fifth question. The key word in this question focuses on preparation not planning. Spiritual preparation has five elements; “vision, values, results, strengths and learning”. (96) Vision and values must be in alignment and then the results will be determined. “What gets rewarded gets done” (108) so be careful what you reward. Focus on strengths but don’t ignore weaknesses. Dealing with weaknesses involves learning.
The last question is; “How do we develop leaders for the Christian movement?” (129) The need is for apostolic leaders who order their lives around a missionary purpose. The training of such leaders does not happen in conventional (church) institutions of education. The areas of learning for apostolic leaders are “paradigm issues, microskill development, resources development and personal growth”. (130)
Reggie ends his book with a section that stresses what he is not saying about the church. This is helpful in processing his thesis.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
God's War On Terror.
Book Review.
Shoebat, Walid. Richardson, Joel. God’s War On Terror. Islam, Prophecy and the Bible. Top Executive Media. 2008
Walid Shoebat Foundation. Walid@shoebat.com www.Shoebat.com
Comment. Henry.
Walid is a former terrorist who has become a severe critic of Islam and presents a view of interpreting biblical prophecy through eastern eyes as a former Muslim. His thesis is the explanation of Islamic End-Times. He warns Westerners about the real threat of Islam especially for Jews and Christians and any other religion that is not Muslim. The agenda of Islam has not basically changed from the time of the militancy of Mohammed. We have here a resource of over 500 pages that uses scripture to present the case against Islam as a blasphemous religion.
Walid has a reputation among Anti-Christians that he wears as a “badge of honour”. (10) i.e. a bigot. He is graffic in describing his leftist American countrymen as Anti-Christian. Peace is very much available with Muslims on their terms. To refuse tolerance and compromise is to be labelled a bigot. When we sing “There’s no God like Jehovah” we affirm our bigotry.
“Islam is the religion of the Antichrist.” (25) There is nothing more anti-Christian than the Muslim creed; there is no God but Allah. The nations that God destroys in the end times are Muslim nations. Numerous references are given to support this claim. Israel is continually pressured by the West to release (Muslim) PLO terrorists. There will never be peace between Israel and the (Muslim) PLO.
Muslims believe that when the Mahid (the Muslim Messiah) arrives his rule will result in the destruction by violence of all opposition of those who oppose Islam. The Mahid is referred to in scripture as the Antichrist. “Christianity is Calvary. Islam is cavalry.” (53)
There are many similarities between the Antichrist and Mahid. Islam is revealed as a religion of deception and violence. It is fundamentally committed to the destruction of all non-Muslims and every non-Muslim faith, especially Jews and Christians.
Many O.T. prophecies are presented that support the claim that Christ will wage wars with Muslim nations. Christians will be involved in the battle for Jerusalem (against Islam). The nations referred to in Ezekiel 27-32 are Muslim nations. The Psalms contain references to Christ waring against an Islamic alliance.
A section of the book deals with Western misconceptions about biblical prophecy that arise out of what are described as incorrect interpretations. He defends his position by explaining his approach to symbolism and allegories. If the Anti-Christ comes out of Islam it gives a different (non-western) interpretation of many biblical prophecies.
The mystery of Babylon, the mother of harlots, is explained in terms of the Islamic connection. Turkey is revealed as the Anti-Christ nation. “The call for a unified Islamic coalition ruled by an Islamic dictator is now quickly becoming a reality.” (445) Muslims are the fastest growing religious group in the world. The ‘great apostasy’ prophecy that we find in scripture could easily be fulfilled by Islam. Islam had a great surge of converts in America since 9-11. The same could be said of other nations.
Shoebat, Walid. Richardson, Joel. God’s War On Terror. Islam, Prophecy and the Bible. Top Executive Media. 2008
Walid Shoebat Foundation. Walid@shoebat.com www.Shoebat.com
Comment. Henry.
Walid is a former terrorist who has become a severe critic of Islam and presents a view of interpreting biblical prophecy through eastern eyes as a former Muslim. His thesis is the explanation of Islamic End-Times. He warns Westerners about the real threat of Islam especially for Jews and Christians and any other religion that is not Muslim. The agenda of Islam has not basically changed from the time of the militancy of Mohammed. We have here a resource of over 500 pages that uses scripture to present the case against Islam as a blasphemous religion.
Walid has a reputation among Anti-Christians that he wears as a “badge of honour”. (10) i.e. a bigot. He is graffic in describing his leftist American countrymen as Anti-Christian. Peace is very much available with Muslims on their terms. To refuse tolerance and compromise is to be labelled a bigot. When we sing “There’s no God like Jehovah” we affirm our bigotry.
“Islam is the religion of the Antichrist.” (25) There is nothing more anti-Christian than the Muslim creed; there is no God but Allah. The nations that God destroys in the end times are Muslim nations. Numerous references are given to support this claim. Israel is continually pressured by the West to release (Muslim) PLO terrorists. There will never be peace between Israel and the (Muslim) PLO.
Muslims believe that when the Mahid (the Muslim Messiah) arrives his rule will result in the destruction by violence of all opposition of those who oppose Islam. The Mahid is referred to in scripture as the Antichrist. “Christianity is Calvary. Islam is cavalry.” (53)
There are many similarities between the Antichrist and Mahid. Islam is revealed as a religion of deception and violence. It is fundamentally committed to the destruction of all non-Muslims and every non-Muslim faith, especially Jews and Christians.
Many O.T. prophecies are presented that support the claim that Christ will wage wars with Muslim nations. Christians will be involved in the battle for Jerusalem (against Islam). The nations referred to in Ezekiel 27-32 are Muslim nations. The Psalms contain references to Christ waring against an Islamic alliance.
A section of the book deals with Western misconceptions about biblical prophecy that arise out of what are described as incorrect interpretations. He defends his position by explaining his approach to symbolism and allegories. If the Anti-Christ comes out of Islam it gives a different (non-western) interpretation of many biblical prophecies.
The mystery of Babylon, the mother of harlots, is explained in terms of the Islamic connection. Turkey is revealed as the Anti-Christ nation. “The call for a unified Islamic coalition ruled by an Islamic dictator is now quickly becoming a reality.” (445) Muslims are the fastest growing religious group in the world. The ‘great apostasy’ prophecy that we find in scripture could easily be fulfilled by Islam. Islam had a great surge of converts in America since 9-11. The same could be said of other nations.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Love Beyond Reason
Book Review.
Ortberg, John. Love Beyond Reason. Moving God’s love from your head to your heart. Zondervan. 1998.
Comment. Henry.
I never tire of hearing about, reading about, experiencing God’s love. John has given us a resource that presents God’s love in very simple words with powerful illustrations. Such love is very freeing and empowering.
Because of our sinfulness, we are all need of “a love that creates value in what is loved”. (16) Such love we call charity, agape. When we declare that we love God we must understand that we must also love others. It is very encouraging to learn from scripture that God pays attention, ‘turns his face toward us’. In fact he makes his face ‘shine on us’. As we make the effort to do the same to others we must listen to Jesus.
Very few of Jesus’ miracles happened without his personal touch. He was not infected by the diseases of the people he touch but rather they were infected by his healing power. We should be ‘infectious’ as we touch others. God is “the Lord of the second chance”. (76) The lessons that Jesus teaches are sound, e.g. don’t build your house on sand. Contentment comes as we know that we are loved.
Desert experiences of our life are essential to our spiritual growth. “Without grace, life is clumsy, awkward business.” (156) Discipleship (discipline) is basic to peace. Being loved means being chosen. Envy is a product of not being chosen. In the environment of God’s love there is safety. In the hide and seek of life God is IT. By far the greatest demonstration of God’s (unreasonable) love was when he took upon himself the limitations of humanity so that he provides forgiveness and a relationship with himself for all of us.
Ortberg, John. Love Beyond Reason. Moving God’s love from your head to your heart. Zondervan. 1998.
Comment. Henry.
I never tire of hearing about, reading about, experiencing God’s love. John has given us a resource that presents God’s love in very simple words with powerful illustrations. Such love is very freeing and empowering.
Because of our sinfulness, we are all need of “a love that creates value in what is loved”. (16) Such love we call charity, agape. When we declare that we love God we must understand that we must also love others. It is very encouraging to learn from scripture that God pays attention, ‘turns his face toward us’. In fact he makes his face ‘shine on us’. As we make the effort to do the same to others we must listen to Jesus.
Very few of Jesus’ miracles happened without his personal touch. He was not infected by the diseases of the people he touch but rather they were infected by his healing power. We should be ‘infectious’ as we touch others. God is “the Lord of the second chance”. (76) The lessons that Jesus teaches are sound, e.g. don’t build your house on sand. Contentment comes as we know that we are loved.
Desert experiences of our life are essential to our spiritual growth. “Without grace, life is clumsy, awkward business.” (156) Discipleship (discipline) is basic to peace. Being loved means being chosen. Envy is a product of not being chosen. In the environment of God’s love there is safety. In the hide and seek of life God is IT. By far the greatest demonstration of God’s (unreasonable) love was when he took upon himself the limitations of humanity so that he provides forgiveness and a relationship with himself for all of us.
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