Bible Doctrines: A Pentecostal Perspective May 9, 2008
Great book to learn the basics of the Bible doctrines.. Dr.Horton's books are easy to read for the average reader, thus making it easier for the doctrines to be easily understood.
Exposition of Pentecostal Bible Doctrines Oct 25, 2007
This book serves as an exposition of essential Pentecostal doctrines from an Assemblies of God perspective and seemingly tries to modernize what PC Nelson previously accomplished with his writing(s). This book does leave out some things that I was hoping to see that would show how the Assemblies of God doctrines and organization developed, which other reviewers identified. Also, there are some differences in the Tenets of Faith in PC Nelson's classic "Bible Doctrines" and this one. Overall, there are some good things about this book and it can adapted fairly easily for discipleship / new believer bible study materials. Both the authors are well respected in the Pentecostal community, especially the Assemblies of God and have written more definitive works. Buy this book for some good nuggets and to use for study questions (at the end of each chapter) that can be used in a Bible Study setting.
Brief Introduction to the Assemblies of God Doctrines May 18, 2004
The Assemblies of God is the world's largest classical Pentecostal denomination in the world with over 40 million members worldwide. It is also the largest missionary movement in history of humanity.
However, all of this has evolved from the Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths written in 1914 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This short volume covers those sixteen truths. Each truth is covered in only 4 to 5 pages. But don't let that stop you from reading this book for a brief introduction to the Pentecostal teachings.
Finally, one word about the "saint" and his comments about the Holy Ghost and the Assemblies of God. The Assemblies of God is not a holiness-Pentecostal movement but grew out of mainly ministers from the Baptist, Presbyterian, and Christian & Missionary Alliance churches. The Assemblies of God stance on entire sanctification is one of progressive sanctification from their Baptistic roots. In fact, the only real differences between Southern Baptist and the Assemblies of God is their view on Spirit-Baptism and eternal security. The Assemblies of God is Arminian in its theology but not Wesleyan in many other points of doctrine.
A Good Start But Not Holiness Pentecostalism, Needs More! Mar 7, 2001
A good attempt to document doctrine while leaving biblical scripture as the sole authority rather than church traditionalism. Which is why this book can be confusing and intimidating but also an excellent source for anyone who wants a compilated source to learn more about the Holy Ghost and Sanctification, and a guide to determine if your church or potential church supports the free expressions of the Holy Ghost in you.
The historical introduction leaves out the contributions of Bishop Charles Harrison Mason and the Church Of God In Christ, in ordaining and licensing the founders of the Assemblies Of God, and his presence at the organizational meeting. This neglect and that organization due to racism in that early American era, years after the Azusa Street revival detracts from the original doctrines that combined Holiness and Pentecostalism. Without Holiness, Pentecostalism becomes a religion rather than a way of life for all Christians regardless of denomination. This can be examined by observing the statement in chapter seven of the book that Baptism in the Holy Ghost is not primarily for the development of Holiness, but rather is empowerment for service. However God's Holiness is the primary result to make one fit for His service. Without Holiness being the primary cause and means to the end of Pentecostalism in creating new creatures by a new birth by the Holy Spirit, the Doctrine of Total Depravity (which is missing) from the Arminian Holiness Pentecostal perspective has not the agency of the Holy Ghost enabling Man by a general and universal act of God's grace to cooperate in salvation by regeneration and being then "kept" by the Holy Ghost in this present world. Including the missing link of Holiness would then defeat the doctrinal non-pentecostal presumptions of the Marianism movement and the Theotokis, and several other heresies. Whereas it was the indwelling agency of the Holy Ghost in the womb of Mary; the Holy Ghost was all that was needed to keep the Sin of Mary's flesh seperate, and Sanctified the incarnation of a Holy Jesus, and make even Mary fit for service prior to her Baptism of the Holy Ghost in the upper room during Pentecost. There is no need to resort to the fallibility of traditionalism and non-biblical doctrines when God the Holy Ghost is a Teacher, Comforter, Regenerater, and Keeper.
Buy this book then find someone with the Holy Ghost, and use it with your Bible and let the Holy Spirit inspire you to know the Will of God even your Sanctification.
A Concise Pentecostal Theology Aug 25, 2000
Contained within this well organized volume is the core of Pentecostal theology and a must read for anyone who seeks to better understand pentecostalism. Each of the sixteen doctrines, supported sufficiently with scripture, is presented within a theological framework . An example of such a framework, for the doctrine The One True God, would be the classical arguements given since medieval days for the existence of God (chapter 2). A nice plus is found at the end of each chapter where the authors have provided study questions to help insure the reader's comprehension of the material. Menzies and Horton have created a work that serves two purposes: first, as a resource for general theological knowledge; and, second, as a specific doctrinal reference for the Assemblies of God. Thus "Bible Doctrines - A Pentecostal Perspective" is an excellent addition to the library of the serious Bible student.
