One For
All
by Colonel Alan
Bateman - book
review
It is not every year, or even every decade, that Salvationists
have the privilege of hearing, or reading, genuine words of
prophecy for our day from within our ranks. However, here is
the chance to ‘read, learn and inwardly digest’ words that
certainly fit that description. Commissioner James Knaggs is
the man God raised up ‘for such a time as this’ (Esther 4:14).
Whilst he was serving as Territorial Commander for the
Australian South
Territory, on the final day of the ‘Aggressive
Christianity Conference’ in Melbourne, the power of
the Holy Spirit was felt by all as the Commissioner outlined
his God-given dream. (104)
This substantial and significant dream consisted of 35
component visions which have been recorded,
for the benefit of us all, and make up the first book in this
trilogy,
One For All,
written jointly by the Commissioner and another of the current
visionaries and internationally acclaimed Army writers, Major
Stephen Court, who was present at the
Conference referred to above. (171)
Book One –
One Day
– is the global version of the dream. In the original
Australian version 35 Salvationists from various parts of the
Southern Territory contributed to the book but as a result of
the popularity and impact of the book, and responding to the
‘prodding’ of the Lord, it was expanded to include 34
contributors from territories around the world. They include
virtually all officer ranks plus local officers and soldiers.
The 35th (and final) contribution is from the Commissioner
himself. (243)
Each chapter of the book concludes with a page or two of
Brainstorming ideas
that include questions, challenges to the reader and, in some
cases, ideas for the outworking of the vision at local,
national or international level. Every aspect of contemporary
Army ministry and mission is covered somewhere in
One Day. (314)
Book Two – the second part two
One For All – is
entitled
One Thing, with
the telling subheading, which clearly spells it out:
Win the world for Jesus
(WW4J). It is dedicated to those who will be saved through
our response to this divine challenge.
Following on from
One Day the question had to be answered: ‘Where do we go
from here?’
Well...one thing is certain: for any
conscientious reader who is listening for what God has to say
to The Salvation Army right now, the ‘read’ seriously steps up
a gear at this point! This part of the trilogy provides a
strong challenge to us all – and this is why it is a ‘must
read’ if we want to see how God is ready to transform His Army
right now – and, furthermore, the part each of us can play!
The central question of
One Thing is: What
is the Holy Spirit saying to the Army?
Affirmation number one: God loves The Salvation Army.
Affirmation number two: we must fight for all our worth on a
number of fronts. Seven are selected: integration, innovation,
inspiration, influence, inclusion, integrity and identity. The
next major question is simply
How? Book two
concludes with some answers to that question: prayer;
holiness; intentional influence; justice; and faith. Here is
succinct, powerful, compelling
writing leaving us, the readers, with no doubt about the need
for unconditional surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ. We are
reminded of the declaration each soldier makes at the time of
their enrolment
‘...(to) freely enter into this covenant, convinced that the
love of Christ requires the devotion of their lives to his
service for the salvation of the whole world.’
Book three is entitled
One Army and dedicated to our children and grandchildren –
that they may grow into a united Army fighting. I have almost
run out of words to summarise what is yet another exciting and
prophetic word. However, General Linda Bond, in the foreword
to this book says it so well I think I will leave the final
words with her: This
book makes a case for the whole world. The authors describe
the passionate faith that is ours. They passionately argue for
a diverse unity that authentically expresses itself on local
fronts with translocal missional unity. They present our ideal
mission focus. They explain integrated mission. They look at
Salvationists, as made in the image of God. And they celebrate
global connectedness. It is timely...for the whole Army. It’s
time for the Army to move forward together.
One Army
is the ‘how to’ section of this magnum opus. It roots the
vision in solid
faith...diverse unity...integrated mission – to quote but
three of the chapter headings – and clearly endorses the
convictions and passion of Knaggs and Court.
Let me urge Salvationists everywhere to invest some valuable
time – prime time – focused-reading time, to engage with this
book. But, be warned: fasten your seatbelts. This will
challenge your
comfort zones!
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