Two Things Have Remained The Same
The history of God’s work from Adam down through the Old Testament unto this very day reveals two principles which have always remained the same.
ONE – THE PLAN OF SALVATION. Salvation has always been by grace through faith in the shed blood of God’s Lamb and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. There is only one door to heaven, Jesus. In the Old Testament they looked forward to His coming sacrifice. (+) Since Jesus died on the cross, believers look back to his perfect sacrifice for salvation.
TWO – EVERY SUCCESSFUL WORK HAS BEEN THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT POWER OF GOD. (+) In the Old Testament a study reveals that the Holy Spirit Power of God worked through Prophets, Priests, Kings, Judges and other chosen workers.
Joel, one of God’s spirit filled prophets spoke of a change in the energizing work of the Holy Spirit which would take place in the last days. (Joel 2:28-32). The energizing work of the Holy Spirit would be broadened to include every believer who would ask for and meet the conditions for the Holy Spirit energizing. (+)
Rule of the First Mention
Again the author will refer to the rule of first mention as an important rule of bible interpretation.(+) The Holy Spirit is the author of the library of 66 books, we call the Holy Bible. He used about 40 human writers as his instruments in bringing Gods eternal word into its perfect existence. Each time the Holy Spirit would introduce a new term or practice He would carefully define that term or practice. Each time the Holy Spirit used that term or practice afterwards he would mean exactly what He first defined the word to mean.
THE FIRST NEW TESTAMENT PREACHER WHO WAS JOHN, THE BAPTIST
A strange thing was recorded about this first preacher in order to illustrate his source of success and power. This important truth is that he was filled with the Holy Ghost from his Mother’s womb Luke 1:15 (+) His success is synonymous with the success of all great men of God; they all were filled (energized) by the Holy Spirit.
JESUS AS A MAN WAS A PERFECT ROLE MODEL (+)
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. John 1:1 JESUS HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE ETERNAL, PREEXISTENT SON OF GOD! He has always been God, He is God and He will never cease to be God, but when he came into the world as the Word it was to become flesh. John 1:14 He came into the world as a man in order to live as a perfect servant to his Father.
BEFORE THE ENERGIZING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
For thirty years Jesus was almost invisible. There were only short periods of his life revealed. Then suddenly he burst on the scene and for three and a half years everything focused on him.
What made the difference before his baptism and public ministry and after his baptism?
AS A MAN HE WAS ENERGIZED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT (+)
Jesus didn’t come into the world to serve and please God as a divine person but he came into the world as a human being (yet without sin). As a man he humbled himself in order to function as a man would function.
Since man must depend on the energizing of the Holy Spirit for their power, Jesus chose to limit himself and do the same. He did this for at least two reasons.
First, he had to live a perfect, sinless life in order to become man’s Saviour.
Second, he limited himself in order to become a perfect role model which would teach and demonstrate how to become a proper and successful servant of God.
He demonstrated how to successfully resist and overcome temptation and the devil. It was through the Holy Spirit power and the use of the scriptures.
He resisted and overcame the devil and his temptation through the energizing (power) of the Holy Spirit. “and Jesus, being full of the Holy Ghost (energized) returned from Jordan (where he was baptized) and was lead by the spirit (Holy Spirit) into the wilderness being 40 days tempted of the devil…” Luke 4:1-2 After 40 days of fasting the devil tempted Jesus who resisted him by using the scriptures Luke 4:1-13 After his victory over the devil verse fourteen states, “Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit unto Galilee.”
Later in the same chapter Luke 4:16-22 he revealed the difference in his new life for God AS A PREACHER. After attending the same Synagogue all of his life he revealed the change in his life by reading Isaiah 61:1-2. It begins, “the Spirit of God is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach…..(+) Later, in a sermon that the Apostle Peter preached we have these words. “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power who went about doing good.” He did this good which Peter was referring to AS A MAN, filled (energized) by the Holy Spirit. This tremendous change in Jesus as a sinless human being from the life he lived for 30 years and the life he lived for his final three and a half years can only be explained by the work of the Holy Spirit in his life.
The two prominent preachers John the Baptist and the early ministry of Jesus is a demonstration of the Holy Spirit energizing men in their ministries.
They were to serve as a role model and pattern to all other future preachers and servants of the Lord, In fact the Bible commands all believers, “Be not drunk with wine wherein is excess BUT BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT.” Ephesians 5:18
A VIVID EXAMPLE OF THAT NEED
After all the great teaching message’s on the Beatitudes, The Sermon on the Mount, The Parables, and the coming future kingdom; JESUS WOULDN’T LET THEM GO INTO ALL THE WORLD.
After all the pressurized moments of standing before hostile crowds and religious leaders and demonstrating to young apostles how to face hostilities with calmness and faith; HE WOULD NOT LET THEM GO. He said, “TARRY.”
The apostles had the Bible college training behind them. They were graduates BUT JESUS WOULDN’T LET THEM GO! (+)
Thousands were dying each day with many of them going to hell; BUT HE WOULDN’T LET THEM GO. (+)
WHY?
WHY WOULDN’T JESUS LET THE APOSTLES GO? THE ANSWER: THE DISCIPLES WERE NOT FULLY EQUIPPED YET.
Jesus knew that with all their Bible knowledge, with all their training in the mechanics and materials of disciple-making, and with the goal of preaching the gospel to every creature that they were not equipped to go yet – they needed two more principles to be embedded into their minds and souls before they were equipped to go. (+)
TARRY IN JERUSALEM UNTIL YOU ARE ENDUED WITH POWER
Luke first records this command for the disciples to tarry or wait for the empowering of the Holy Spirit in Luke 24:49 and again in Acts 1:4. (+) Jesus knew it would take the divine power of God to make the divine plan of God successful. THE WAITING ALSO EMPHASIZES THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING WITHOUT THE ENERGIZING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BUT IN CHRIST THEY COULD DO ALL THINGS.
ANOTHER COMFORTER
In John 16:7, Jesus said it was necessary for him to go away (back to heaven) but if I depart I will send Him to you.” Jesus in the body of man could only be in one place at a time.(+) He needed to be with every disciple all of the time.
- Jesus promised never to forsake or leave a person.
- Jesus promised to give wisdom to any who ask.
- Jesus promised to give grace for every occasion.
- Jesus promised to illuminate the minds of believers.
- Jesus promised to give supernatural power for service and soul winning (to every believer at the very same time in multiple places).
As a man he couldn’t do it, but through the Holy Spirit He was able to minister and help any believer, in any place, in any way the believer needed help.
That is the reason that Jesus said He had to go away but He would not leave them comfortless (orphaned) but the comforter (Holy Spirit) would abide with them always. John 14:16-18. Again in John 14:26.
JESUS HAD TO TRANSFORM THE APOSTLES IN AT LEAST FOUR AREAS
FIRST, the apostles were fearful followers that must be transformed INTO FEARLESS LEADERS. (+) Often times these young preachers were afraid. They were scared to death as they fought hopelessly against the severe winds and high waves. Jesus combated their fears and calmed the sea by saying. “Peace be still.”
Toward the end of his ministry when word was sent that officials were planning to kill Jesus, as Jesus prepared to go to the graveside of Lazarus, the Apostles were scared but Thomas said, “Let us go and die with him.”
The apostles fled like timid men when the mob came to arrest Jesus and hovered like scared rabbits behind locked doors during his entombment. There were other occasions where it was obvious that the apostles were fearful followers. THEY MUST BE TRANSFORMED INTO FEARLESS LEADERS. Therefore, the command, “TARRY…UNTIL YOU ARE ENDUED WITH POWER.”
After fasting and praying for ten days and nights, the apostles emptied themselves of selfish ambitions and their self-centeredness and became empty vessels which the Holy Spirit could fill and control. (+) NOW THE FEARFUL FOLLOWERS BECAME FEARLESS LEADERS. They were threatened and whipped as they fearlessly risked their lives in preaching the Gospel and training their converts. They had been transformed so well that they could inject the same boldness and confidence into their followers.
SECOND, the apostles must be transformed from powerless followers into powerful men of strength and ability as leaders. Again the command, “Tarry, until you are endued with power.” These powerless preachers who could not cast a demon out of a young boy (Matthew 17:20) were now transformed into men of boldness (Acts 4:31) and of “great power gave the apostles witness.” (Acts 4:33). They were later referred to as men who had “turned the world upside down” as they lead the assault against the gates of hell to “set the captives free.” THEY BECAME FEARLESS LEADERS.
THIRD, they had to be transformed from men who were overwhelmed by the huge task (to every creature in all the world) to men who looked to the sky, expecting His coming. In the final service that Jesus conducted before His crucifixion, He comforted His disciples with words which they would rehearse over and over again. He said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” John 14:1-3. No doubt the words, “I WILL COME AGAIN…that where I am, there ye may be also” rung in their ears for the rest of their lives.
The day came when Jesus was taken from them and He ascended back into heaven. They stood motionless and stared aimlessly up into heaven. Suddenly, two angels spoke words which would cause the apostles to always keep their eyes focused toward heaven. They said, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
In Acts 1:3 the wording of “being seen of them forty days” seemed to indicate that Jesus would suddenly appear in their midst with a start and after a period of time disappear just as quickly. He seemed to appear and then disappear on several occasions during the 40 days. No doubt he helped them focus their eyes toward heaven by saying, I’m going away but one of these days just like the past 40 days you men will be working for me and suddenly – I will materialize in a physical body just as I have during the past few days. They were transformed from men whose focus was on the events of this world to men whose focus was upward to the skies – WATCHING FOR THE IMMINENT SECOND COMING OF THEIR LORD.
FOURTH, They must be transformed from men who walked by sight to men who would walk by faith. They had heard all his great teachings and “faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God,” but they still walked by sight. They were used to seeing Jesus with them.
They had seen all of his miracles and deeds and had great confidence in his power and ability, but now he was gone and they still had a tendency to walk by sight.
They had been taught that although Jesus wouldn’t be with them in bodily form any longer but he would be there in the invisible form of the Holy Spirit. His bodily absence made them feel shaky and uncertain in their walk for Christ.
THEN JESUS GAVE THEM ON-THE-JOB-TRAINING IN LEARNING TO TRUST HIM BY FAITH. (+) They were taught and convinced that the promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” was true.
How were they taught? How were they transformed from men who walked by sight (fear and trembling) into men of faith and power?
Again, the wording in Acts 1:3 “BEING SEEN OF HIM FORTY DAYS” indicates that Jesus would suddenly burst into the sight of the apostles and teach them things about the coming kingdom and then just as suddenly disappear. He would appear at various times, reinforce the principle about the millennial reign and then vanish. He was there bodily, then he wasn’t there bodily but he reassured them that he was with them all the time whether in the body or in the Spirit he was there – this happened until they comprehended – JESUS IS ALWAYS WITH US, whether we are together or separated by miles of distance He is with us.(+) Just as we depended on Him to lead us for 3 ½ years we can depend upon Him now. The only difference, we could see him bodily then; but now we cannot see Him bodily but He is with us now just as much as He was with us then. (+)
A STORY THAT ILLUSTRATES THEIR FAITH
It is one thing to believe something theologically but it is quite another to believe it in trusting faith with one’s life hanging in the balance. (+)
A man would demonstrate his skill and balance by pushing a wheelbarrow several hundred feet across a dangerous gorge while the unpredictable winds were blowing. The man would often do tricks while he was pushing the wheelbarrow across the gorge.
Huge crowds would cheer as he did so. He would ask the crowds if they thought he could push the wheelbarrow across the wide chasm again?
The crowd would cheer and chant “yes, yesss!”
Then he would silence them by asking if anyone believed he could do it enough to become his passenger in the wheelbarrow(+). HE HAD NO TAKERS.
It was one thing to believe the man could push the wheelbarrow across but it was an entirely different matter to trust him with their lives.
WHAT WAS THE SECRET TO THE GREAT BOLDNESS AND POWER OF THE APOSTLES faith in the invisible Christ? Their faith grew to where they would get into the wheelbarrow and let Jesus push them across even though he was no longer visible to the human eye. (+)
They learned this great principle and were transformed from men who walked and lived by sight into fearless men. WHO CONQUERED BY FAITH. THEY WERE EMBOLDENED AND MOTIVATED BY THE ENERGIZING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. (+)
These apostles learned this lesson so well that they taught and wrote in the Bible how that Jesus was still on the earth, NOT IN A LIMITED FORM OF A HUMAN BODY BUT IN THE UNLIMITED PRESENCE OF THE BLESSED HOLY SPIRIT. Now, to live within and to give grace and strength to every believer in all places of the earth AT THE SAME TIME.
What a difference the presence of Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, makes! Dear friend, accept this important fact and live your life in the light that he is literally with you and will never leave or forsake you. He will empower you just as much as your faith will trust him to empower you.
Please memorize the last phase of the great commission found in Matthew 28:19-20. Jesus states; (a literal translation) “I will be with you perpetually, on every occasion until the very close and consummation of the age.” (+)
That is Jesus’ lingering promise to every believer!
BELIEVE IT!
ACT UPON IT AND LET HIM DO GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS THROUGH YOU!!
Biblical Principles – Some Things I Have Learned That Have Directed My Life.
Biblical Principles
Some Things I Have Learned That Have Directed My Life.
First, I had to figure out who am I and what am I to do in this lifetime.
- Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Second, God not only created me, but he did so in His image and likeness.
- John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
- Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Third, God is from everlasting to everlasting or eternal.
- Psalm 90:1 Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
- God breathed into Adam, and Adam became a living soul.
- Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
- Have a holy reverence for God, because He can kill both the soul and body.
- Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Fourth, God made me for a purpose.
- II Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
- I was saved by grace unto good works.
- Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Fifth, when I became a Christian I ceased to belong to myself.
- I Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
- I was to find and work out my salvation (purpose on this earth) with fear and trembling.
- Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.
Sixth, I was not to be conformed to (live like) this world or follow the practices of this world.
- Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Seven, If I lived like this world I would become the enemy of God.
- James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
- Paul Identified children of God who became the enemies of God as those who mind earthly things.
- Philippians 3:18-19 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
Eight, I was to lay up treasures in heaven and not lay up treasures on this earth.
- Matthew 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Nine, the primary purpose for a Christian was to keep people from going to hell.
- First my brothers and the poor fruit workers.
- Then through the past 61 years, going visiting on an average of two times per week.
- Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
- John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
- Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Ten, I learned that bearing fruit or winning souls was the way one glorifies the Lord in his life.
- John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
- I Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
- Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
The First Verses I Memorized Were:
- Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
- Romans 12:1-2I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
- Ephesians 3:21 Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?
How many people struggle from their self-imposed imprisonment which offers no hope of escape? How much do they spend for a counselor in order to “Just make it”?
Many…and too much…
But they still go back to their usual inferior self, morose and defeated.
How will they be able to find the way to become whole again?
Author James Wilkins, a minister and counselor for over 60 years, offers a plan which will bring complete and lasting freedom in his new book, Will Thou Be Made Whole? It is a dependable tool filled with helpful thoughts, applicable principles, and spiritual guidelines, that offers an eight-week self-help course which will bring complete mental and spiritual healing.
Will Thou Be Made Whole? is a life-changing self-help book that will help anyone unlock the way to happiness and wholeness – to complete healing – in just eight weeks. This offer is only for those who will work this eight-week self-help course each and every day for the full eight weeks. It will take them out of their struggling selves by understanding what they are going through, embracing transformational principles, uncovering the truth, learning the devil’s method of attacks, and working their way to winning over their greatest ordeal. It is filled with enlightening scriptures from the bible and personal commitment and activities to help maintain their journey to absolute healing a great success.
Through Will Thou Be Made Whole? , readers will find the key to open the door to a renewed life – a life ready for new mental and spiritual challenges, which will eventually lead them to a more purposeful and fulfilling existence.
$9.00
New Survivor Site Launched
Please check out the new Survivor book site!
http://www.infantjameswilkins.com/
A Place Called Hell
Questions About Hell, What is It?
Questions About Hell
With so many misconception of biblical hell. We have written the book, Questions About Hell.
Today Hell are pictured as a cartoon place, a swear word or simply a place to go party with your friends when you die. Much in the same way Satan is pictures as this silly little character with his dragon tail and pitchfork.
But the Bible tells a very different story of the place called hell. A place of eternal torment. A place where all those who do not trust Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour will spend all eternity. The Bible pictures Satan as a very real, very active, very evil being, who seeks to destroy souls, while he has time. The Devil is powerful, but God is ALL POWERFUL.
Questions Answered in the Book
So what is the truth about hell?
Is it simply the grave like the Jehovah’s Witness teach? Is it a real place of fire, but when you are there you burn till you burn up and then thats it, like the Seventh Day Adventist teach? Is hell a place of six divisions like the Mormons teach? The Bible teaches it is a place of Eternal Torment. A place where all sinners must go.
What Sends Me To Hell?
What sends a person to hell? Is it Suicide? Is it not being a member of a church? Is it not receiving all 7 sacraments? Is it not being baptized? The bible is very clear that going to hell is a choice to reject Jesus Christ as Saviour. How do I reject or accept Jesus Christ?
Why Hell?
Is God some evil monster that wants to see people burn? Is he so mean and cruel that he set such a high standard, that no one can get out? Isn’t God a loving God? The Bible is very clear that hell was not created for man, but for the Devil and his fallen angels.
If I accept Jesus and I sin do I go to hell?
What if i have accepted Jesus, but I mess up? Is there such a thing as sinning to much? Do I have to get saved again? What does it mean to fall from grace? The Bible is very clear that once you are saved, Jesus keeps you saved. He calls it Eternal Life. The moment you are saved you enter Eternal Life.
97 pages – $6.00
Right Division of the Bible
There were many things which were paramount in changing the author’s life; a travelling salesman selling family Bibles found a 16 year old lost kid with some money, and he sold me my first Bible,and later, God saving me when I cried out to Him in desperation. I rejoice every day,because He changed my life forever.However, the primary thing, which changed my life then, and has affected me most since then, was when I learned how to read and study the Bible.
What good is a Bible if the person doesn’t read it? For all intent and purposes to many people, the Bible is just
another book. However, if someone teaches a new convert how to rightly divide the word so he can understand it, right after he is saved,then the chances are good that he will enjoy reading the Bible and grow into maturity.
The perfect word of God has exerted the greatest influence on my life,and I am a living testimony of its transforming influence.
There are thousands of examples of alcoholics made sober, and wicked, depraved sinners converted to loving ministering saints. When a person considers this powerful effect the Bible has upon people who read and then follow its teaching,he must conclude it is because of THE SUPERNATURAL BOOK.
I. THE RIGHT DIVISION IS MADE BY STUDY
A. There IS a RIGHT way
1. This forceful command to study in orderto rightly divide the Bible, proves there isa right way to view every doctrine
inGod’s Word.
2. Seek the help of the Author. One of the many works of the Holy Spirit is to aid the believer in understanding the Bible. The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible, and one should pray earnestly for His guidance as he studies GodsWord.
3. One must realize that many times wicked men or even the Devil may be speaking, so one should prayerfully seek God’s leadership as he studies.
II. THE GRAND (large) DIVISION OF THE BIBLE
A. There are two natural divisions of theBible
1. The natural division in the Bible isobvious. There is the Old Testament andthe New Testament.
2. The Word “Testament” means covenantor agreement.
B. The Old Testament has three divisions.(Luke 24:44-45):
1. The Law of Moses. Most scholars agree that this division is made up of the first 17 books of the Bible: Genesis throughEsther.
2. The Prophets. This division includes all of the books from Isaiah through theremainder of the Old Testament:seventeen books in all.
3. Psalms. This third division includes 5books: Job, Psalms, Proverbs,Ecclesiastes, and The Song of Solomon.
C. The New Testament has three logicalparts.
1. Historical books The books which are primarily historical are: Matthew, Mark,Luke, John, and the Book of Acts.
2. Doctrinal books There are twenty-one epistles or letters, which make up this section, which are basically doctrinal. If you include the Book of Hebrews,fourteen of these letters were written by Paul.
3. A prophetic book The Book of Revelation is the book in the New Testament which is primarily prophetic.
Still Acting Like Visitors
They still act like visitors.
Welcome Card
There are so many in churches who,although they have been there for months, if not years, are still demanding to be served and ministered to. They conduct themselves as guests instead of members of the Household of Faith.
Are you one of those who is still acting like a visitor?
I’m just new to the Faith.
There are multitudes of people who have been saved for years who are still babes in Christ. The author was talking to a man who kept saying, “I’m just a young Christian.” We would talk a while longer, and he would say, I’m just a young Christian,” He evidently felt embarrassed, because of his lack of knowledge of God’s word, and he excused himself by telling me, “I’m new to the Faith. I’m just a young Christian.”
Finally, the author asked him, “How long have you been saved?” His shocking answer was “Eight years.”
I Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even as unto babes in Christ."
I Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even as unto babes in Christ."
The angels wept in heaven! The sun turned its head in shame! The birds stopped their singing! And if one could have heard it, there was a groan which escaped from the lips of Jesus, Eight years old and still a babe inChrist, still on the bottle, and still untrained.
The Book of Acts.
When one reads the Book of Acts, hefinds 3,000 saved and added to the 120(Acts 2:41). In a few days, one finds thesenew converts going from house to houseteaching. In the next few years, their number had swelled to well over 100,000 members.Many of them gave their lives as martyrs.They were strong in the Faith.In Acts 19, one finds twelve disciples.These twelve, along with all their converts,evangelized the whole province of Asia in thespace of two years. From lost sinners, tobabes in Christ, to flaming evangelists; ALLIN TWO SHORT YEARS. The Book of Ephesians, written to them later, proves thatthey were mature Christians.3. Pray tell, what is the difference? Todaythere are many who confess that they arestill babes in Christ after being saved foryears. In the New Testament days, thedisciples became flaming evangelists andevangelized their whole area in two shortyears (Acts 19:10),
Taken from the Book:
Milk of the Word
80th Birthday Celebration
80th Birthday Celebration
This Sunday Dr. James Wilkins was honored on his 80th Birthday. As a faithful preacher, author, evangelist, and man of God.
Dr. James Wilkins Preaching the Morning Service
From all of those that have had their life impacted by your faithful service, we want to say thank you. Many letters, phone calls and personal face-to-face testimonies have come in, from those who have been saved, discipled, or blessed by your life.
Ms. Donna Zamora Set Up a Table of Celebration for Dr. Wilkins
Dr. Wilkins we love and appreciate the living sacrifice that you are. We admire that even at 80 years old you have no intention of retiring, but rather that you truly desire to continue to fight the good fight, to finish your course, and to keep the faith. (II Timothy 4:7)
Your books and preaching have been a blessing to so many.
The New Convert Care Program
The Three Phases of the New Convert Care Program
Introduction: When Joshua and Caleb died, it did not take ISRAEL but a few years to become an apostate nation.
Joshua and Caleb
After the great revival spread throughout the world, which was led by the apostles in Jerusalem, it was only about 40 years before many false preachers and doctrines plagued their work. In fact, several of the New Testament books were written because of the first great apostasy, which followed this worldwide revival. Jude, II Timothy, Titus, I and II Peter were not prophesies which foretold future apostasies, but instructions to pastors who were dealing with crippling problems which plagued their churches.
The Bible, God’s perfect manual, has principles, which deal with and overcome a period of apostasy.
I. First phase of the New Convert Care Program: The Follow-up Phase
- a. The new convert needs following-up and care as soon as they are saved.
i. They are saved in a period, which is totally non-Christian, because of many years of humanism.
ii. The young converts (babes in Christ) know nothing about God. The primary way a baby learns is through observation and personal attention. Left to learn by themselves by observing they will become victims and fail.
iii. Just as natural babies need immediate and thorough attention from their birth through the early years of their lives, so do our spiritual babies (the new converts).
iv. The new convert needs following-up as soon as possible, because all a newborn spiritual baby has is an emotional experience to rely on.
- 1. Salvation brings emotions
- 2. Salvation is an experience
All the old devil has to do in order to stop or at least confuse the newborn spiritual baby is to get him to have another emotional experience. Get him to sin.
When the new convert sins, he becomes confused, and possibly, permanently wounded. We can prevent much of that through a good follow-up program.
We use the FROM SALVATION TO SERVICE Booklet. It has 7 principles the new convert needs as soon as he is saved.
From Salvation to Service
Do not give the booklet to the new convert without making an appointment with him. During this appointment, you will go over each principle with him. (You will need to train your members in this book so that they can become role models to new converts.) the disciple will present the booklet to the new convert (less than 5 minutes), and then give him time to read it. After a few days, make another appointment to meet with him and go over his booklet together. Mae sure he understands the principles and answer any questions that he might have. After you second meeting with the new convert, give the pastor a report on his progress.
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II. Second Phase of the New Convert Care Program: The Protections Phase.
- a. The new convert must be protected in at least three areas.
i. From the influence of nominal, back slidden or careless Christians.
ii. From the proselytizing spirit which dominates our society today.
iii. From the ghosts of the past, most of the people of today have had serious disappointments and disenchantments in this life. They are much more sensitive and easily offended.
THE SOLUTION: Appoint a role model over them as soon as they are saved to be an extension of the pastor.
III. The Third Phase of the New Convert Care Program, The Development Phase.
In the book of Acts, the early disciples were developed into mature, full grown soul-winning, and discipling members within a few weeks or months instead of a few years.
We must begin to go by the manual or the biblical pattern instead of judging ourselves by ourselves. The Bible is true. It will
The Holy Bible
still develop new converts into strong soul-winning mature working members if we learn to go by biblical principles instead of following the sloppy handling of our new converts which has produced our day of apostasy.
Just as our domestic children deteriorated and develop poor habits and get into trouble unless they are properly trained, so will (DO) our new spiritual babies.
Just as our domestic children learn bad habits from older brothers and sister, so will our spiritual babies unless they are protected and developed!!
In order to hold and develop our new converts, we must
- a. Appoint over them a spiritual role model as soon as they are saved.
- b. Stress the standards of the Bible and seek to get them to make the commitment at the end of each lesson.
- c. Grade them, so they will get their fulfillment from doing spiritual things instead or seeking satisfaction in the world.
- d. Major on the promises and memorize the problems.
Stop talking about negative things such as how hard our field is, the end times you can’t win a Catholic or Mormon, the summer slump, the good old days, ect. And do what the Bible says. When you continually lament on how hard it is, you sow defeat and unbelief into the lives of the people you are trying to develop.
Talk like the Bible teaches: hope, faith, can do, God is greater, the future is bright, you can win your loved one, and our church is going to grow.
Summary
We must place a shield of faith around our new converts as soon as they are saved through a direct, proper follow-up.
We must protect and shelter them while they make the transition from being religious (humanism) lost sinners to where they submit to the pastoral tutorship.
We must train them to observe, and do instead of just leaning the Word. The stress in the Bible is doing, not hearing only. God’s method works – We must learn to work God’s method.
The Materials In the New Convert Care Program:
The New Convert Care Program Book covers all the necessary materials needed to take a new convert from a Babe in Christ to a Mature Christian. It will deal with how to use the materials on this site, and how to properly take a New convert through a complete 30 week course.
Price is $1.00
This book will teach you how to use the Milk of the Word and all future New Convert Care books. It goes into the how’s and why’s of the New Convert Care Program. It contains the answers to the questions in the Milk of the Word. It is an essential book for anyone who is serious about taking the Milk of the Word and discipleing a New Convert! Price is $1.00
This is the book that started it all. It is a very precise study on how to use the idea of setting up a role model over a new convert. It goes into detail the needs of the New Convert, the way to disciple and how to help a new convert. This deals with issues like: The New Convert Learns By Observation; The New Convert Can Feed Himself Spiritually; The New Convert is a babe and needs constant care and attention.
An amateur carpenter cannot build a sound house;nor can a pastor build a good discipleship program, (one that is designed to hold and develop new converts) without biblical directions and tools. Our New Convert Care Program features Biblical Principles which have been tried and tested for over 60 years. Thousands of New Converts have grown into mature Christians by going through our materials. There are many who serve as Missionaries, Pastors, Deacons, Teachers, and Mature Church Members who first went through the New Convert Care Program as new converts.
$3.00
From Salvation to Service - Used Immediately After the Conversion
This book is vital to every new convert. It should be given to the new convert the moment after his salvation. It deals with specific issues relating to the new birth. Some of the topics are : Not Just Safe, But Saved; Saved for Certain; Saved But there are Adversaries; Saved to Submit.
With out this book in the hands of the new convert, it is very likely they will fall away. They will not understand why they still sin. They will not understand what God expects from them now that they are saved. They will not understand that “One church inst as good as the next”
$2.00
Book 1 - Milk of the Word
The Milk of the Word, is the first book used to disciple. The Milk of the Word is a self-help book which will quip the reader to be discipled and take what he has learned and disciple others. Milk of the Word teaches not only how to know God’s Word but also how to do God’s Word. Milk of the Word is part one of the New Convert Care program, which teaches how to follow up, protect, and develop new Christians.
9.00 – Spiral Bound Edition
Book 2 - Mission of the Church
This is book two in the New Convert Series, and teaches a true picture of what the great commission involves. It will produce a greater vision and purpose of the Christian’s life. He will be challenged by principles of biblical motivation and methodology to become part of transforming our world today.
9.00 – Spiral Bound Edition
This is book three in the New Convert Series. This book is designed to put into the heart of the Christian spiritual truths which will cause him to grow in faith. Some of the chapter titles are: God’s Course for His Children, God’s Comforter for His Children, God’s Crown’s for His Children, and God’s Coming for His Children.
9.00 – Spiral Bound Edition -