“THE WAY”

When Jesus completed His task on Calvary’s Cross, He said “It is finished” (John 19: 30). He had finished his God-given work on earth but that was not the finish but the start of something new. His followers were left in a quandary: What do we do now? Answer: continue to follow the things Jesus taught. Upon rising from the dead He had a short time before He went to heaven . During this time He gave them some startling instructions.

‘I’m going but My Holy Spirit is coming in power.’

“…you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;” (Acts 1: 8a)

“…wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1: 14, 15)

Over the years people were told they had received the baptism in the Holy Spirit when they believed in Jesus — it was actually information. theology or religion BUT NO POWER!

Since the beginning of the 20th century the Pentecostal Movement has been adding baptism in the Holy Spirit to belief in Jesus. it was discovered from the great Christian leaders of the past. Now, “the developing world” has seen millions of people in Africa, Asia and South America discovering the reality of the Jesus who promised; “…he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. (John 14: 12)

The gospel writer Mark recorded it this way: “…these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16: 17,18) … they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.” (Mark 16: 20).

This was the reason why the early Church grew so rapidly and is the reason why Pentecostal Churches across the World today, are doing the same – the reality of Jesus doing what He always did!

The largest individual Churches in the world; some numbering Millions of believers, are, these days, found in Africa, Asia and South America. But some western Churches, realising that Christianity was not just a game of mental superiority have found that what was promised to the first Church recorded in the Book of Acts, can have the same results here and now — God hasn’t changed.

But mankind changes! Throughout history there have been huge periods of “Dark Ages” where the enthusiasm generated by Spirit baptism has been missing. So called Christian Churches became selfish, lazy and threatened by real spiritual things so lively spiritual life and worship dried up. Pentecostal Churches are no exception. While many continue on in a life giving manner some loose their fervour and become like many old-line Churches – boring and self-serving. When this becomes obvious, worldly superficial changes are often employed to try to lift the game – all to no ultimate spiritual effect.

After Jesus death, burial and resurrection the early believers gathered together and became known as followers of “The Way.” (Acts 9: 2; 16: 17; 19: 9 & 23; 24: 14 & 22). It was much later, in Antioch, that the believers began to be known as Christians (Acts 11: 26)

It is the desire of the Church, now meeting in 9 Gipps St, West Tamworth to become the Church Jesus said He would build (Matt. 16: 18) — Ie. “the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14: 6) This does not deny the right of any other Church denomination, developed from any country or theology, to do the same . We will be happy to relate with them. But, it does say that the truths of the Word of God and the fullness of the ongoing Holy Spirit baptism Jesus left for us (John 16: 13 – 15) are what we need — hence “The Way.”

“The Way” intends to be in the vanguard of whatever the Spirit Of God is currently revealing from Scripture. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit spoken of above with its emphasis on gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12: 4 – 11) is as much for believers today as it was at the beginning of Jesus Church. We look forward to the anointed presence of the Spirit of God in all our meetings bringing life to our worship, plus prophetic proclamation of God’s Word and life giving Biblical exposition.

In these latter days there is a Holy Spirit resurgence in the structure of the Church as outlined in Ephesians chapter 4 verses 10 to 13.

In Verse 10 Jesus is initiating the way He saw His Church.

Verse 11 outlines 5 gifts that should be in place in the true Church — Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. These are not egotistical positions of self-absorbed individuals trying to promote themselves; they are directly called by the Holy Spirit to these roles — they are not the most important people in the Church. They are there to bring about: –
Verse 12 “the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” The ‘Saints’ (the Church members) are the most important part of this principle. The gifts are there to help them become all that Jesus wants His Church to be.
The Church is a family — The gifted of verse 11 are there to function in the role of parents.
Verse 13 tells us that when things are functioning in a true righteous and humble Biblical pattern there will be automatic unity.

“The Way, Tamworth” realises that it is not yet complete with the called 5 Fold Ministries and so is responsible for its oversight to Glory City International Network, Brisbane, Qld. Day to day ministry under their guidance is overseen by former Missionaries Dr Colin and Mrs Kim Crago. (Colin completed 4year under-graduate theological studies at Churches of Christ N.S.W. Bible College and later earned a Doctorate of Ministry thru’ Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, USA – he has 50 years experience in continuous Church Ministry. He is ably assisted by his wife, Kim a bachelor of Education from Charles Sturt University with a graduate certificate in special education from Flinders University.)