Introducing the Foursquare Gospel

 

 “Foursquare” is a biblical term, beginning with the description of the foursquare altar in the book of Exodus and ending with a survey of heaven, the foursquare city, as described in the book of Revelation.  Each of the ten biblical references containing the word “Foursquare” applies to man’s redemption to God, his acceptance with God and his worship of God. (Exodus 27:1, 28:16, 30:2. 37:25, 38:1, 39:9; 1 Kings 7:31; Ezekiel 40:47, 48:20; Revelation 21:16)

 

  These are fitting terms to describe the complete gospel of Jesus Christ—the Redeemer, the Healer, the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, the Soon-Coming King.  The “Foursquare Gospel” - the good news of Jesus Christ—is a Christ-centered emphasis with a many faceted doctrine.

The Foursquare Gospel is Jesus.

 

 

Jesus Christ, the Saviour

 

 Jesus Christ is the only hope of humanity.  The salvation He brings begins with making a decision to become His follower, it is that decision which opens up a lifetime of being healed, restored, delivered from oppression and set free to stand in spiritual, emotional and physical wholeness (Luke 4:18).

 

 

Jesus Christ, the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit

 

 Jesus charged His disciples to carry on the good works He modeled for them.  He told them He would send the Holy Spirit to give them power to spread the good news about Him.  And He instructed them to wait until they received that power from the Spirit because then they would become witnesses in His authority and power (Acts 1:8).

 

 

The Term FOURSQUARE

 

   The term “Foursquare” is found throughout scripture. In addition, early in the twentieth century, the term was often used to describe something or someone who was “solid” and “balanced”. It was out of the mainstream of North American society that God called Aimee Semple McPherson. He gave her insight on the message that He wanted her to preach: a simple, four-point declaration that reached into the hearts of thousands as it proclaimed Jesus Christ as:

 

Savior  *  Healer  *  Baptizer with the Holy Spirit

*  The Soon Coming King

 

    The ministry that resulted from that clear communication soon became a movement.  It gained such acceptance that it was necessary for a Church organization to be established to facilitate the establishment of new congregations and to handle the legalities of owning and developing properties. Bylaws were adopted to ensure that the movement would stay true to the Scriptures, its calling and a consistent form of government.

 

 

The Family FOURSQUARE

 

    When Foursquare members describe their own church, the following words seem to be prevalent:

 

    1. “Family”. People from all walks of life have found new life and fellowship which is full of love, acceptance and forgiveness.

 

    2.  “Worldwide Evangelism”. Etched on the cornerstone of its founding church, the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel has been dedicated to proclaiming the truth of “Jesus Christ, the Same Yesterday and Today and Forever” (Hebrews 13:8) to every corner of the world.

 

  3.  “Middle of the Road”. Foursquare members embrace a theology which is distinctly Pentecostal and practical. It

      relates to the entire body of Christ, finding itself in the “middle of the road”, believing “God has called us to be one in Christ.\”.

 

  4.  “Consistency”. While there is great versatility in the personalities and styles of Foursquare churches, one will discover a thorough commitment to unity and faithfulness regarding the essentials prescribed by God’s Word and His Spirit.