The Way. It Was.

[John Lynn]

The Way. It was.By John A. LynnIn the interest of truth, both small “t” (the facts about The Way International) and capital “T” (the Word of God it taught), I am compelled to propose why I think The Way International was (past tense), from a certain perspective, one of the most significant movements in the history of the Christian Church. I do so for the benefit of any graduate of the “Power For Abundant Living” class who still wants to live for the Lord and who may have been unduly discouraged, either by his/her own experience in The Way or by the ensuing barrage of negatives from other ex-Way saints about what was wrong with The Way.Given that I was one of the top ministry leaders from 1967-1987, I speak with experiential knowledge. Furthermore, I have spent the past 21 years continuing to dig into the Word of God along with knowledgeable Christians, and, in the process, re-evaluating everything we were taught. I speak with great thankfulness for the truth I heard in The Way (hereinafter TWI), with no doubt that God led me to it, and then away from it. And though I left with some wounds, I also took with me the resources I had been given that enabled me to be healed from those wounds and help others do likewise.I speak so that you can know “the rest of the story,” as opposed to all the disparaging things that have been said about The Way through the years by the media (much of that false), other Christians (much of that false), and disgruntled former followers (much of that true, some of it false). My purpose is to set forth a much more redemptive view of The Way than what I have thus far read from others with “ex-Way vision.” In some ways, this is a sequel to my March, 1988 letter in which I blew the whistle about what was then going on in TWI. (http://www.swiftlynx.com/beyondTheWayInternational/)Yes, there was more doctrinal error than I ever realized while I was in TWI, and there was corresponding practical error that became more evil than most of us involved ever imagined. Yes, many precious people were terribly abused. Yes, there was dishonesty about Scripture, there was plagiarism, and there was rampant sexual sin, all of which contributed to many people choosing to turn away from God and His Word. And as I realized these things, I did speak out about them, both publicly and privately, from 1987 until about 2000, after which TWI had marginalized itself in Christendom.Perhaps worst of all, a golden opportunity to make known the Word of God, as it had not been known since the first century, was squandered. I will elaborate upon why that is true from a doctrinal standpoint, but when else in the history of the Christian Church has there ever been such a cadre of thousands of young, energetic, enthused, biblically knowledgeable, logistically equipped, organizationally backed, diverse, multi-lingual, mobile, available, and committed-to-“It-is-written” men and women with leadership qualities who were willing to go anywhere and spread the Word? Certainly not often in the past 2000 years. Thank God that many of these students of the Word became teachers themselves, and were thus able to recognize the errors that crept into TWI.The Way. It was. What was it? First and foremost, it was, from about 1955-1987, the only place I know of where anyone could hear the amount of truth of the Word of God that we heard. Why? In large part because God led Victor Paul Wierwille to the work of E.W. Bullinger, whose approach to Scripture was virtually unique. That is what allowed Wierwille, and thus TWI to an even greater degree, thanks to the quality men and women with research ability whom it attracted, to put the Word together like it had not been known since the first century Church.The sad thing was that I, and many others, became too proud of our knowledge, and failed to couple it with enough of a humble, heartfelt desire to obey God and become like Jesus Christ. We became too arrogant toward other Christians, thinking that our study of truth somehow made us more “approved before God” than they. To a degree, we became more like hearers of the Word than doers, and often deceived our selves. BUT, the antidote to that is not to throw out the baby with the bathwater, because without knowledge of truth there can be little practice of it.Why did God have a need for The Way International? Actually, He didn’t. But He did have a need for any group of people who would make known what, or close to what, the Apostle Paul taught once the whole of what we now read in the Church Epistles had been unfolded to him. Why was there such a need? Because true Christian doctrine had all but disappeared from the spectrum of Church history by the 4th century. It was then that the Roman Catholic Church began based upon a bunch of fables mixed with Christian verbiage, established a monolithic ecclesiastical hierarchy, and for more than a thousand years dominated the European religious landscape, killing countless dissenters and for the most part silencing the rest.When Martin Luther came along (1517 was when he nailed his 95 Theses on the church door at Wittenburg), thank God he did recognize justification by faith rather than by works, but what we today refer to as the “Reformation” of the Roman Catholic Church was very limited in scope. Much of the Roman Catholic doctrine was assimilated into Protestantism and is still being passed along as Christian groups continue to split off from one another. In a nutshell, that is why even the independent church in your neighborhood today most probably believes that there is a Trinity, dead people are alive, God is in control of everything that happens, the Four Gospels are written to Christians, water baptism is relevant, and maybe even that the Bible is not absolute truth.I don’t know where else we could have heard the “package” of biblical truth we heard in TWI. Admittedly, most of the major doctrinal components of that package were being taught by some Christians, with varying degrees of accuracy, but none that I know of put together as many into a package as TWI did. Let’s begin with what I mentioned about E.W. Bullinger’s contribution to TWI, which was HUGE, because his basic approach to Scripture is what facilitates one being able to discover its inherent keys and utilize them to derive the Author’s originally intended meaning.TWI taught us to approach the Word with the “It is written” conviction that it is what it says it is, and that it cannot contradict itself. That alone is enough to at least identify error about the Bible, and the keys to the Word’s interpretation we were taught enabled us to understand it, take its truth into our hearts, and apply it on a daily basis.Given that the identity of Jesus Christ is the world’s biggest deal, I would have to say that chief among the wonderful biblical truths we heard in TWI was that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (not God), the Man who mediates between God and men, and that the Trinity is a pagan fable. Some ex-Way saints now say this distinction is not that important, but I assert that God thinks differently, given what He says in His Word (e.g., 2 Cor. 4:3 and 4). Yes, TWI failed to teach us that we can have an intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus, but there were not too many other places where we could have heard that Jesus is not the “eternally begotten” Second Person of the Trinity.I’d have to say that the next most important biblical truth we heard in TWI was what we then called the “Mystery,” and, correspondingly, what parts of Scripture are written to Jews, to Gentiles, or to Christians regarding either the past, the present, or the future. For the record, we have since learned that “Sacred Secret” is a more accurate way of rendering the Greek, musterion.Ephesians is the apex of the Church Epistles (the primary curriculum for Christian living), and it clearly shows that the Body of Christ (the “one new man” of Chapter 2, verse 15) is the most unique group of people who have ever lived, chiefly because of the permanence of our salvation and our holy spirit equipping. 1 Corinthians 2:8 chimes in with the monumental (and generally overlooked) truth that had Satan known the Sacred Secret, he would not have crucified Jesus!In terms of biblical error that is practically debilitating to one’s quality of life, I see nothing more important than knowing what Scripture is written to whom, when, and in particular what is written to us as Christians today. The Church’s failure to understand this central truth has led to its trying to live in accordance with directives pertaining to other people at other times. It is only in the Church Epistles that a Christian finds his true identity “in Christ,” as well as his true Hope. Simply put, the Word of God will never fit together without contradiction if one does not understand the “administrations” therein, and in particular this current “administration of the Sacred Secret” (Eph. 3:9).Yes, there are quite a few Christians who have a “Dispensational” view of Scripture, but the vast majority of them fail to grasp that Jesus is not God and that he did not know the Sacred Secret. Most think that parts of the Four Gospels and the book of Revelation speak of the Christian Church, but that is not the case. The Gospels record the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies about Christ’s first coming to the earth to Israel (his suffering), and Revelation records the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies about his second coming to the earth to Israel (his glory).Another major truth we learned in TWI, which is unknown to most Christians, is that of the Giver and the gift, and, correspondingly, that speaking in tongues is available to all Christians because it is a manifestation of holy spirit, not a gift. We also learned the indispensable truth that speaking in tongues is the only absolute proof that one is saved. How many tens of thousands of people did those truths alone set free?TWI also taught us that death is, in fact, the end of life, and that our true Hope for new life in the coming age is to be raised from the dead and meet the Lord Jesus in the air prior to the Tribulation (the “time of Jacob’s trouble” – Jer.30:7). What percentage of Christians do you think know this? Although TWI failed to teach us that Paradise (the new earth), not heaven, will be our everlasting home, thank God we learned that resurrection is much more than an incorporeal “soul” once again getting a body.And TWI pointed us toward an understanding of the figures of speech in the Bible (thanks to Bullinger), of which little is known in theological circles. This included the figurative language in the Old Testament that helped us see that God is not responsible for evil or suffering, nor is He in control of everything that happens.Like I, you may know of some ministries that do teach some of these truths, but I submit that until 1987 there was nowhere other than TWI to find all of them taught as accurately as they were there. That is why The Way International stands out on the spectrum of Church history as an amazingly significant Christian movement.As far as I can see, TWI was also about the most disparate dichotomy of good and evil in the history of Christianity. Like the wheat and the tares growing up together, tremendous truth and egregious evil shared the ministry platform. Many people look back on their TWI experience with nothing but thankfulness, while others rue their free will choice to stay involved as long as they did because of the abuse they suffered. Some have been stymied by self-condemnation due to the abuses they themselves committed. No doubt there are also many who recognize that they heard the Word like they never had, who have allowed the Lord Jesus to heal any wounds they suffered in TWI, and who have since experienced spiritual growth far beyond what they ever imagined back in “the good old days.”I hope you are in that last category, and if you’re not, you can be. Even if people badly abused and disappointed you, you can turn to the Lord Jesus, he who is The Way to wholeness in all categories of heart and life. His love and truth will heal your heart and help you forgive and move forward with him toward the same goal you once had. You have a ministry in the Body of Christ, and he who is the Head longs to help you fulfill that calling. It was neither your heavenly Father nor your Lord who hurt you, nor does whatever happened to you change anything the Word says. God’s promises are still true, and they are yours for the believing.The Way, we were. If you once sat through PFAL, you heard the Word of God taught more accurately than the vast majority of Christians who have ever drawn breath. As a fellow PFAL grad, I identify with you, and have an affinity for you and a desire to encourage you to take advantage of the truth you once heard, if you are not already doing so. Along with me, you will one day stand before our precious Lord Jesus Christ, who will reward you according to how you have lived your life as a Christian. In essence, he will ask each of us something like this: “What did you do with what you knew?”[For a detailed list of biblical subjects I think TWI mishandled, see the following link: http://www.christianeducational.org/25diffTWI.htmIf you would like to discuss with me about what I have written, please contact me at [e-mail]]

[John Richeson]

Along with me, you will one day stand before our precious Lord Jesus Christ, who will reward you according to how you have lived your life as a Christian. In essence, he will ask each of us something like this: “What did you do with what you knew?”

On the other hand sometimes I fear he will look at me and go......"Dude, wrong door. Yours is the one behind you/ Watch out for that hot doorknob!"

[Jeff Frank]

God is leading me on a path to build bridges in the body of Christ. It is amazing that within the walls of Christian churches and home fellowships that I attend everybody is looking for that true and vital RELATIONSHIP with God through Jesus Christ. I see the Christ in and at work everywhere I go(at church and in the work place). It seems believers just don't realize how mightily the head of the one body is working outside the 4 walls of their group. That is the discord among the brethren that Satan wants to foster. But God is bigger and we will see His will come to pass at the Return if it never quite lives here on earth.
I both give and receive at the fellowships that I attend. We have so much to offer Christians in leading them into SIT, but I see how well some churches do at getting unbelievers born again or directing believers away from Satan's snares and back into relationship with our Father. Learning is an exciting adventure. Any hurt that we experienced at the Way can be forgiven. There is so much good to be thankful for.

[Janis Lang Johnson]

I have a question John. (You know me)

What inspired you to write this, at this time, in this arena? It's obvious you put years of thought, considerations, and observations in it. Did you just want people to think about where they were, where they are and where they can be?

I am still thankful for the loooooong phone calls and how it helped me get back in the game. I will ever appreciate that.

Janis Lang

[Debra Kline]

I LOVE this:
JR wrote: "Some never fully heal. I can not condemn a person who is hurting nor can I condemn them because they have not recovered or are not trying. I have not walked in their shoes. Who am I to judge them?"And it's gonna be 'Welcome Home' . Lots could be said on both those topics, but time's up, for today, for me.

[John Richeson]

John thanks for posting this. I also try to take the positive viewpoint in life regardless of circumstances. Skeptics and skepticism in general has a place and we need them. But I am a sucker for optimism. Maybe it is a defense mechanism on my part. Oh well.

Here are a few of my thoughts on some of the statements you made. I apologize if I do not quote scripture verses to cooborate my comments. I am not as "versed" in scriptures as I used to be (and I am ok with that):

"We became too arrogant toward other Christians, thinking that our study of truth somehow made us more “approved before God” than they."

Yes! I totally agree. Nail on the head. Arrogance was rampant. It is the one thing I regret and have vowed to refrain from being critical of other Christians, churches, spin-offs, religions, etc. again. Nor am I so quick to judge their doctrines. If someone has knowledge of more truth than someone else does it really matter? I think what really matters is how someone lives their life and if they help others along the way.

"That is why The Way International stands out on the spectrum of Church history as an amazingly significant Christian movement."

I am not sure I agree as to the significance of TWI in the spectrum of church history. But it was certainly significant to some of us and many we came in contact with. It has been said (I heard CG say it back in 1978) that 100,000 people took PFAL as was recorded in what was referred to as the "Book of Life", the records that existed before computers were a part of our life. Since then I am sure lots more took PFAL. But it is clear that MOST did not care for PFAL and did not stick with it. Many forgot all about it such as several of my brothers and sisters. It just did not mean much to them but they thought it was cool and then moved on with their lives. It is noted that at it's peak there were perhaps 40,000 people actively involved in TWI many of whom were on the fringe of involvement. There is a mega church here with as many members. I am sorry if this offends anyone but I am not so sure TWI was significant in history or our culture. It is certainly not now.

"It was neither your heavenly Father nor your Lord who hurt you, nor does whatever happened to you change anything the Word says. God’s promises are still true, and they are yours for the believing."

This is a good perspective, John. These facts are what helped me when I was healing from hurt when I first heard these kinds of teachings in PFAL. I used to blame God. Instead I learned to focus on the great promises posted in the Bible. It takes some longer than others to heal from hurt and abuse. It might take decades for some. Some never fully heal. I can not condemn a person who is hurting nor can I condemn them because they have not recovered or are not trying. I have not walked in their shoes. Who am I to judge them?

Along with me, you will one day stand before our precious Lord Jesus Christ, who will reward you according to how you have lived your life as a Christian. In essence, he will ask each of us something like this: “What did you do with what you knew?”

Partially agree, but I do not picture myself being asked anything of him other than him saying "Welcome Home!"

[Sally Powell]

Dear John, I so enjoyed reading your letter this morning . I am and have always been deeply thankful for the truth that was taught to me by the way international . I was in involved from 1980 to 1987.. I was there in Virginia .it was some day in the word when the big boys from international came to give you your hat ,so to speak .since that moment I never saw or heard from you again, so its so good to hear from you now and to read from your heart . I will be happily waiting for your new book .

[Debra Kline]

Nice John. Refreshing logic. Thank you.

[Frank Abissi]

John. I think you said very eloquently what most of us have thought over the years. As you mention the there is more truth taught today than ever before 1987 and..... Do you think the dispersion of all of us there were asked to leave had any influence on this. perhaps even bigger than when we were there I'm certain those who stayed in the way didn't recruit many at all. I started to here rumors of one class in the nation of 14 and when it ended 3 graduated., I don't know if it's true or not bnut in any event I know for a fact their membership numbers were down