JAC Online

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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