The Apostolic Way 2013-2014

My Brothers and Sisters,
I welcome you to this second volume of The Apostolic Way. I applaud your commitment to making group Bible study a priority and to supporting the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World as we strive to operate in the excellence and wisdom to which God has called us. The Apostolic Way presents the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through Bible studies that encourage and strengthen Apostolic believers to know that God’s call of holiness in our lives is not only attainable, it is the emblem of faith that He still expects us to uphold and live out so others will be drawn to Him.

In this time of turmoil and unease, the saints of God must be stalwart in declaring the Gospel.
Other faith communities often stand in the public square and claim to speak for the entire
Christian family, but where is our voice? Where is the voice of those who are baptized in the Name
of Jesus and filled with the Holy Ghost? We have a place in the public square because it is there
that the clarion call to salvation must be made. This issue of The Apostolic Way reminds us of some
of the bishops in our organization who God used to speak power and hope to the saints and our
nation in an earlier time of unrest. Now is the time for us to speak to this generation. Now is the
time to prepare for the destiny God has called us to and the blessings He has for us; but we must
do so according to the priorities expressed in His Word.

I am very pleased that this year’s study begins with the theme “First Things,” because we must
keep a focus on the Word if we are going to do what God wants us to do. While The Apostolic Way
will take us into an exploration of the first things of God, I want to challenge you to remember
these first things of your faith:

• Remember the Name of Jesus. This is more than a “mantra” that defines you as Apostolic
believers. It is the Name above all names. His is the Name that brought salvation, the Name
that gives healing, the Name that brings deliverance. In His Name there is hope, joy, and peace. That is why it is the first thing. When you hold up the Name, believe in the Name, pray in the Name, and share the Name with others, you are walking in His path and into your destiny.

• Keep your eye on the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).
This is the salvation He has wrought in you. This is the destiny that God Himself declared
for you (Isaiah 42:6). The prize of eternal life in Jesus Christ is your destiny and your blessing.
When your eye is on the prize and your reliance is in His high calling, then nothing can
move you away from what God has for you.

• Hold on to your faith in God. I think of it like a child whose hand is in the hand of a loving
parent. There is no fear in unknown circumstances or dangers seen or unseen. When you
hold to His unchanging hand, you not only continue in the face of trials, but you excel. You
serve Him with gladness. You find joy in well-doing. You represent Him to a world that is in
confusion and disarray. Your faith in God is the mainstay of your ministry and the power behind your commitments. Your faith is the source of your strength in the midst of violence
and your perseverance when everything around you says, “Give up.”

So saints, let’s keep the first things of God as the first things of our lives. Study the Word this year
with delight. Live the Word with gladness. Share the Word with joy because this is the first thing!

Yours in Him,
Bishop Charles H. Ellis III
Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.