The Whole Gospel for the Whole World: Experiencing the Fourfold Gospel Today
Ebook
Like most Protestant denominations, the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) was founded upon ideas that shaped its vision and ethos throughout its history. Also like most denominations, over time the influence of these ideas on the movement tends to diminish. Denominations, like any organization, have to consistently revisit their original vision in order to remain vitally sustained by those things that gave it a reason for existing in the first place. This book addresses six key ideas that have shaped the Christian and Missionary Alliance throughout its history: Jesus as our savior, sanctifier, healer, and coming king, which are known as the "fourfold gospel," as well as the concepts of "Jesus only" and world mission. These ideas are at the heart of the C&MA identity. However, there has long been a sense within C&MA circles that these core ideas are not always given the kind of attention that they deserve so that they can dynamically shape the movement as it faces the challenges of being the church in the twenty-first century. This volume is a resource for Alliance churches that will help them re-engage with the central tenets of Alliance theology and spirituality in a way that will ultimately inspire greater passion for the cause of Christ in the world as it is uniquely expressed through the movement known as the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
"I am reading this manuscript sitting a few blocks away from the
grave marker for A. B. Simpson, the founder of the Christian and
Missionary Alliance. I found myself wondering, 'If Simpson were
alive today and was attending a local Alliance church, would he
still recognize the original DNA of the Alliance movement within
the leaders and congregation?' My sense is that he might be
somewhat bewildered by a lack of passion for the deeper life and
world evangelization. Dr. Pyles and Dr. Beach have done a masterful
job in bringing the historic DNA of the Christian and Missionary
Alliance into a modern-day context. The style of the book is very
accessible and invitational. The authors use a narrative approach
which immediately engages the readers in the story and invites them
to grow in both their knowledge and experience of the truths being
communicated. On Simpson's grave marker you find the words, 'Not I,
but Christ.' This was the desire and passion of his life. He
experienced the presence of Jesus and was transformed forever. The
authors write, 'As we begin to understand our Alliance heritage as
a spirituality that centres us in Jesus rather than a series of
doctrinal affirmations, it opens us to receive all that Christ has
for us as a result of His life, death and resurrection on our
behalf.' This is a must-read for any believer who desires to walk
in a deeper place with Jesus. It is Christ in you the hope of
glory!"
--David Hearn, President of the C&MA in Canada
"The main benefit of this book is that the more you read, the more
you get excited about Christ. Quite an accomplishment for a book
about denominational distinctives. The authors provide a
presentation of the Christian and Missionary Alliance as relevant
for our times. Although written by two scholars, the text is
crystal clear and appealing, easy to read but not cheap in its
reasoning. In the footsteps of Albert Simpson, they too sound like
spiritual seekers 'whose greatest desire is to offer a way into a
full experience of Christ himself.' For any church member, but
especially pastors and elders, it provides very practical
information and advice on how to live a Christocentric life.
Discuss it in small groups, use it for sermon preparation, and let
it be an inspiration to live a healthy, balanced Christian life
that is passionate about Jesus."
--Arie M. Verduijn, President of the Alliance World Fellowship
Product Details
- Title : The Whole Gospel for the Whole World: Experiencing the Fourfold Gospel Today
- Authors:
- Pyles, Franklin
- Beach, Lee
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Publication Date: 2016
- ISBN: 9781498294751
Dr. Franklin Pyles (PhD) is a former president of the Christian
and Missionary Alliance in Canada (2000-2012). He has pastored
Alliance churches in Canada and the United States for more than
thirty years and has served for several years as Professor of
Theology at the Canadian Theological Seminary. He is currently an
adjunct professor at McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario,
Canada.
Dr. Lee Beach (PhD) is Assistant Professor of Christian Ministry
and Director of Ministry Formation at McMaster Divinity College. He
was involved in pastoral ministry with the Christian and Missionary
Alliance for more than twenty years and is currently a
minister-at-large with the denomination. He is the author of The
Church in Exile: Living in Hope after Christendom (2015).