Manifesto Of Christian Holiness

This Manifesto is about spiritual warfare; it is about being Christian in the midst of an anti-Christian world. It is about exposing not only the sins of those around you but exposing your own sins, too. It is about recognizing one’s real enemy, the devil, and not treating others you don’t agree with as enemies.

Does the concept of holiness hold any relevance for Christians in the twenty-first century? Or is it rather a relic of the past, with little to offer in today's postmodern world? The contributors to this book firmly insist that holiness is indeed relevant, no matter the age in which we live. Moreover, it is essential to following Christ in the twenty-first century. The essayists are all members of the Wesleyan Holiness Study Project, a gathering of scholars and leaders who have met since 2004 to explore the mission of the churches of the Holiness movement. The book begins with two compelling ecumenical statements articulating the holiness message for today's church: "The Holiness Manifesto" and "Fresh Eyes on Holiness." These are followed by a dozen penetrating essays grouped in three parts: (1) the understanding of holiness in Scripture, (2) holiness in historical and theological perspective, and (3) holiness in relation to various practical aspects of ministry. The book concludes with appendixes offering five considered descriptions of holiness. The fastest-growing segments of the church worldwide have their roots in the Wesleyan Holiness tradition. Catholic, Orthodox, and other Protestant denominations are discovering its relevance to their own traditions and practices. The Holiness Manifesto offers an ideal overview to those wishing to understand more about this extremely influential movement. Contributors: Jim Adams Barry Callen Lisa L. Dorsey Roger Green Jon Huntzinger Cheryl Bridges John Craig Keen David W. Kendall William Kostlevy Diane Leclerc Kevin W. Mannoia James Earl Massey George McKinney Thomas A. Noble Jonathan S. Raymond C. Stevens Schell Howard A. Snyder Don Thorsen Lynn Thrush Kenneth L. Waters Sr.

Jesus Manifesto presents a fresh unveiling of Jesus, seeking to restore the supremacy and sovereignty of Christ in a world—and a church—that has lost sight of Him. Christians have made the gospel about so many things—things other than Christ. Religious concepts, ideas, doctrines, strategies, and methods that begin to eclipse the beauty, the glory, and the reality of the Lord Jesus Himself. We know a lot about our Lord, but we don't know Him very well. We know a lot about trying to be like Jesus, but very little about living by His indwelling life. Jesus Manifesto provides clarity on the most important points of our faith. It is a prophetic call to restore the supremacy and sovereignty of Christ in a world and church that has lost sight of Him. This manifesto emphasizes ten crucial areas of restoring the supremacy of Jesus Christ, noting: Christians don’t follow Christianity; they follow Christ Christians don't proclaim themselves; they proclaim Christ Christians don’t point people to core values; they point people to the Cross Christians don't preach about Christ; they preach Christ Read this book to see your Lord like you've never seen Him before and restore the sovereignty of Jesus in your life.

RECOMMENDATIONSA HOLINESS MANIFESTO is a good climax title for a book prepared by C. W. Butler in life's evening, and I can hardly think of any one's leaving it out of his library, after having witnessed the nationwide ministry of the Author. I am quoted as having referred to him in the earlier days as the Martin Luther of the Holiness Movement. It is a miracle the way the Lord has strengthened him to write and preach for revivals and camp meetings. The Publisher has been asked to send me my copy, as soon as The Holiness Manifesto comes off the press.John PaulI have known Dr. C. W. Butler for many years. He is a tower of strength in the holiness movement. He has been honored and respected by those who have known him, and his preaching and writings have been a mighty power for God. I am sure that this new book, A Holiness Manifesto, will have a large sale and be the means of blessing many.Stephen S. White, Editor HERALD OF HOLINESSDr. C. W. Butler has had a long and fruitful life in promoting Biblical truth--especially that of scriptural holiness. His virile mind, logical habits of thought, keen insights into truth, sensitivity of spirit and loyalty to the highest standards of God's Word have made him an outstanding leader in Arminian-Wesleyan circles in America.I know of no man who has kept the passion for a sound theology and a soul-saving ministry in closer union across the years than has Dr. Butler. He has maintained a perennially fresh approach to the Word of God, to the Throne of Grace and to the souls of men. His sermons by voice and pen have been both intellectually stimulating and soulfully satisfying. He is eminently qualified to give us instruction on the "central idea of Christianity," namely, "true holiness." I heartily commend his Holiness Manifesto to all who would know God and his power through Christ, by the Holy Spirit, to cleanse from all sin.Delbert R. Rose, Ph.D. Prof. of Biblical Theology Asbury Theological Seminary Wilmore, KentuckyFor something over forty years Reverend Charles W. Butler and I have worked side by side in school, tabernacle, and camp meetings. We have had remarkable agreement in our views on all vital matters of doctrine and general policies. When he is called to a camp meeting I know the camp will get great preaching, sound teaching, and rugged truth. His messages come from a rugged personality. A man thoroughly and conscientiously in earnest saturated with truth, shot through with experience and mastered by sober thought, tugging at the mind to lead man to God and holiness of heart and life. Possessing strength without arrogance, faithfulness with charity for all that is good, and unbending opposition to all that is evil or scripturally unsound, his preaching is under the light and anointing of the Holy Spirit. He has continued as long, if not longer in years of full salvation evangelism than anyone of our time. A cedar of the mountains, a strong oak of the valley, a gleaming pine of the hills. May the sun linger on him here until it dawns upon him from the skyline of the everlasting tomorrows.His friend--John Lakin Brasher

Central to God’s character is the quality of holiness. Yet, even so, most people are hard-pressed to define what God’s holiness precisely is. Many preachers today avoid the topic altogether because people today don’t quite know what to do with words like “awe” or “fear.” R. C. Sproul, in this classic work, puts the holiness of God in its proper and central place in the Christian life. He paints an awe-inspiring vision of God that encourages Christian to become holy just as God is holy. Once you encounter the holiness of God, your life will never be the same.

True Christian faith is a profoundly transformational experience in which every part of our being is marked by God’s change and energized by his presence. This transformation takes us far beyond mere sin avoidance to a robust “full-bodied” holiness in which we make ourselves “holy available” to God every minute of the day. From Starbucks, to the office, to the soccer fields, to the boardroom, believers have the opportunity to carry the presence of Christ wherever they go. God offers the reader more than mere forgiveness; he wants to radically change and fill them with his presence, so they can experience an entirely different kind of life based not just on what they do or don’t do but on who they are.Yet while many Christians today profess belief, their Christianity has no pulse. Holy Available is a manifesto of fully alive faith. Gary Thomas issues a compelling call for readers to see with Christ’s eyes, feel with Christ’s heart, and serve with Christ’s hands. We make ourselves available to become “God oases,” places of spiritual refuge where God can bring the hurting and lost to enjoy his presence and ministry.

The hole in our holiness is that we don't care much about holiness. Or, at the very least, we don't understand it. And we all have our reasons too: Maybe the pursuit of holiness seems legalistic. Maybe it feels like one more thing to worry about in your already overwhelming life. Maybe the emphasis on effort in the Christian life appears unspiritual. Or maybe you've been trying really hard to be holy and it's just not working! Whatever the case, the problem is clear: too few Christians look like Christ and too many don't seem all that concerned about it. This is a book for those of us who are ready to take holiness seriously, ready to be more like Jesus, ready to live in light of the grace that produces godliness. This is a book about God's power to help us grow in personal holiness and to enjoy the process of transformation.