LIFE OF A.B. SIMPSON

1
LIFE OF A.B. SIMPSON

• Prof. Jintae Kim, Ph.D.
• Alliance Theological Seminary
• Nov 2, 2003

2
Part I Introduction
3
What to decide?

• Tolkien, p.55-6.
• Importance of knowing the time and the mission
  (vision).

4
Concept of time and human destiny

• I wish it need not have happened in my time,
  said Frodo.
• So do I, said Gandalf, and so do all who live
  to see such times. But that is not for them to
  decide. All we have to decide is what to do with
  the time that is given us. And already, Frodo,
  our time is beginning to look back.

5
Two Millennia of Evangelizing
6
The Worlds Peoples and Their Discipling

• Majority Christian
• Missiological Breakthrough
• Pioneer Ministries
• The Least Reached

7
Evangelicals 1960 - 2010
8
Although many peoples are still unreached, the
number is only a fraction of that of 100 years
ago. The goal is attainable in our generation --
if we mobilize prayer and effort and work
together to disciple the remaining least reached
peoples. --Patrick Johnstone
9
One clear vision of Simpson Divine Plan

• A Dynamic body of
• New Testament-type churches
• giving preeminence to Jesus Christ
• in personal experience (Holiness)
• and universal witness (Mission).
• Primary purpose
• Function of evangelism.

10
Simpsons Passion Action

• He used
• all his talents and resources
• for achieving
• this one goal
• with utmost passion and zeal.
• His dream and Heart for the lost souls!

11

• No time for trifling in this life of mine
• Not this the path the blessed Master trod,
• But strenuous toil each hour and power employed
• Always and all for God.
• Time swiftly flies eternity is near,
• And soon my dust may lie beneath the sod.
• How dare I waste my life or cease to be
• Always and all for God!
• I catch the meaning of this solemn age
• With lifes vast issues all my soul is awed.
• Life was not given for trifling it must be
• Always and all for God.
•  

12

• His work became a movement that goes far beyond
  his worthy efforts and grows unchecked by his
  passing from the scene (All For Jesus, xi). The
  work that began in Simpsons heart has grown into
  one of the more significant missionary forces of
  modern church history, while in North America its
  impact grows by the year (All for Jesus, xii).

13
Part II Context of His Life (1783-1914)
14

• 1) Regionalism Economic (Farm vs. Factory)
  Social
• 2) Revivalism
• Holiness movement Wesley (1703-91) C.
  Finney (1792-1875)
• Turrey (1856-1928) D. L. Moody
  (1837-99)
• Healing movement A. Murray C. Cullis
  (1833-92)
• W. Boardman (1810-86)
• First Great Awakening (1726-70) J. Edwards
  G. Whitefield
• Second Great Awakening (1795-1835) A.B.S.
  (1816)
• Missionary Societies.
• 3) Millennialism
• America as the almost promised land
• New Jerusalem
• 4) The Westward movement (Gold Rush)

15
Connection with Mission from His Birth

• 1843 Albert Simpson is born
• as 4th son of James and Jane
•  Baptized and dedicated to missionary service by
  Rev. John Geddie
• on his way to South Sea Islands
• as Canadas 1st missionary.

16
Part III 4 Periods of His Ministry
17
1. 1865 Knox Church, Hamilton

• Wedding Ceremony, Ordination Ceremony, and
  Installation Service
• Pastor Preacher

18
(1) Two Hidden Liabilities

• 1) Poor Health.
• 2) Deep Depression from dogged sense of
  inadequacy Issue of sanctification
• (Was he perfectionist?)

19
(2) Important Connection

• Fellowship with Evangelical Alliance (1846)
  non-denominational worldwide evangelical
  fellowship.
• Simpson adopted the idea of Alliance later when
  he established
• the two Alliances (1887).

20
2. 1873 Chestnut St. Presb.Louiseville (3
Events)

• 1874 His sanctification experience
• 1875 City evangelism for unchurched poor
• Non-denominational/sectarian,
• but evangelistic/catholic
• 1877 Dream Chinese? ?Dedicate to the mission to
  China ?Rejection by Margaret
• ?Idea of a missionary magazine

21
(1) 1874 His sanctification experience

• Boardmans Higher Christian Life Surrender to
  Christ
• 2 Poles of Emphasis
• Holiness ? Mission

22
Evangelist

• 1875 Invited Whittle/Bliss Evangelistic Team to
  City Evangelism for unchurched poor.

23
(2) Departure from Louisville

• 1878 Building and Dedication of the new church
  building no salary, free tabernacle vs. deluxe.

24
3. 1879 13th St. Presb.,New York

• Mission magazine editor
• Feb, 1880 1st issue of
• Gospel in all Lands
• (with 555 churchs
• Christmas gift money)

25
(1) Conflicts and Resignation

• Pastoral
• City evangelism for unchurched poor, esp.
  Italian immigrants ensuing conflict with his
  church.
• 2) Doctrinal
• The issue of Infant Baptism and his
  rebaptism by a Baptist minister ? His resignation

26
(2) August, 1881 His experience of Divine
Healing (Old Orchard)

• Climbing Mt. Kearsarge 3000 next day.
• 3 year old Margarets illness and healing.

27
4. 1881 Gospel Tabernacle,New York

• Only 7 other members (11/20/1881)

28
(1) Divine Pattern of the New Testament Church
29
(2) Emphasis on Free

• 1) Classless church
• 2) Voluntary contribution (free membership)
• 3) Independent non-denominational
• 4) Simple doctrinal statement no barrier.
• 5) Target the unchurched middle classes
• 6) Purpose-oriented
• Evangelism ? Foreign mission.

30
(3) Activities

• 1) Oct Conventions
• 2) Friday meetings (Holiness and Healing)
• Summer Tent meetings (Evangelistic outreach)
• 3) Berachach Healing Home (1883)
• 4) 2 Alliances
• 5) Mission magazine
• The Word, the Work, and the World
• 6) Missionary Training Institute (1882) The
  precursor of Nyack College and Alliance
  Theological Seminary.

31
(No Transcript)