Grandpa Teach Me to Pray $6.00 

LESSON THREE

HALLOWED BE THY NAME

ALMIGHTY GOD IS THE BELIEVER’S FATHER

“Hello, Timmy boy, who’s your little friend?”

“Oh, Grandpa,” answered Sarah, Tim’s younger sister. “Tim came home so enthused and excited about what he learned that I decided that he wasn’t going to have all the fun. And besides, I learned the memory verse before he did.” And with that she repeated Ephesians 3:20, only when she got to the word him, she inserted (my heavenly father.)

“Now unto my heavenly father that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” (+)

Grandpa applauded her effort and said, “Welcome, the more the merrier.”

Tim burst into the conversation by saying, “Grandpa, when we began to read the model prayer we started a verse or two above where the model prayer began.  And you know what?”

“What?” Grandpa answered.

“From the beginning of chapter 6 verse one through the 18 verses Jesus referred to God as “Father” TEN TIMES.” (+)

“and..,” Sarah interrupted her brother, “he would always put a personal pronoun in front of Father, ‘Thy Father’ or ‘Your Father.’ Which means that Jesus really wants us to view or picture the Almighty God of heaven, not as some far off distant God who is busy running the universe, but he wants us to approach him as our father who loves us.”(+) “Hello, Timmy boy, who’s your little friend?”

“Oh, Grandpa,” answered Sarah, Tim’s younger sister. “Tim came home so enthused and excited about what he learned that I decided that he wasn’t going to have all the fun. And besides, I learned the memory verse before he did.” And with that she repeated Ephesians 3:20, only when she got to the word him, she inserted (my heavenly father.)

“Now unto my heavenly father that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” (+)

Grandpa applauded her effort and said, “Welcome, the more the merrier.”

Tim burst into the conversation by saying, “Grandpa, when we began to read the model prayer we started a verse or two above where the model prayer began.  And you know what?”

“What?” Grandpa answered.

“From the beginning of chapter 6 verse one through the 18 verses Jesus referred to God as “Father” TEN TIMES.” (+)

“and..,” Sarah interrupted her brother, “he would always put a personal pronoun in front of Father, ‘Thy Father’ or ‘Your Father.’ Which means that Jesus really wants us to view or picture the Almighty God of heaven, not as some far off distant God who is busy running the universe, but he wants us to approach him as our father who loves us.”(+)

“Kids,” Grandpa interrupted, “Let me add a little fuel to your excitement, Sarah, I see that you have your Bible with you. Turn to Romans 8:15 and read it

“For we have not received the Spirit of bondage again to fear,” read Sarah, “but we have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, father.”

Both young peoples eyes were focused on their Grandfather’s face waiting for his explanation. He began by saying, “This verse teaches the Spirit of prayer. Notice, whereby we cry, Abba which is the dearest term for father. Abba is not the formal term, Father, but the endearing term “Daddy.” (+)  It is used like a little child looking up into her father’s face and pleading, ‘daddy please’.”

“Grandpa, that’s great.” Commented Tim.

“No, that is awesome, to think that God, our father really wants us to come to him in prayer,” injected Sarah. “And he wants us to begin our prayer one remembering that we are talking to our daddy.” (+)

FATHER IS USED 146 TIMES

            “Kids, since we are discussing coming to God in prayer as our father may I ask you to use your computer.”

“Use our computer, Grandpa?” came Tim’s surprised inquiry.

“Why,” ask Sarah.

“Get your Bible program that your mom and dad used to check scriptural facts and to compare Scriptures.”

“And do what,” ask Sarah a little impatiently.

“Check on how many times the word of a derivative of the word ‘Father’ is used by Jesus.”

“Remember that in the Gospel of John Jesus is referred to as the Word.”  (+)

“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 anything made that was made.  John 1:1-3.” quoted Sarah.

“Grandpa, I never understood why they called Jesus, The Word.”  said Tim.

“Words are used to express the thoughts and feelings of a person.  Jesus was called the Word because he came to express the love and nature of God through his teaching and life. (+)  He came to show the world what God was like through his daily life and teaching.”

“But back to my question,” said Grandpa. “How many times do you think Jesus referred to or called God his Father?”

“20,” came Sarah’s guess.

“More than that,” answered Grandpa.

“50,” said Tim.

“Double that number,” Grandpa said.

“100?” replied Sarah.

“I still want you to look it up for yourself but in order to illustrate and emphasize God as your Father, I will tell you now.  Jesus referred to God as his Father either directly or indirectly a total of 146 times in the Gospel of John. (+)  The reason I want you to look it up yourself is to see that figure is accurate and to see the different ways and times that Jesus referred to God as His Father.

“No doubt he was emphasizing what he taught the apostles in the model prayer in order to get that fact into their minds.  They would think of God as their Father

instead of thinking of him JUST as God.” (+)

“Another reason, no doubt, God is seeking fellowship with his children as is attempting to get them to look up to him and rely on him as children rely upon their dad.” (+)

“146 times, that is almost unbelievable,” commented Tim in wonderment.

“Jesus is really working to get His point across and teach us to learn and accept that God is our Father,” remarked Sarah. (+)

COME BOLDLY TO THE THRONE OF GRACE

            “Tim, you were going to say something your mother taught you, “ reminded Grandpa.

“Oh yes, mom pointed out a Scripture that states that God wants us to come boldly unto the throne of grace…,” stated Timmy.(+)

“Throne of grace is where God hears our prayers,” explained grandpa to Sarah who had a puzzled look on her face. “In fact, the rest of the verse explains why we are to come to the throne of grace-that we may attain help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)  Our father wants to hear from us and help us.” (+)

HELP IN TIME OF NEED

“Sarah,” said Grandpa, “I’m sorry, but what does it mean?  We may attain help in time of need?”

“It probably means that God is always there to help – in every situation and problem,” offered Tim.  “I read a scripture where Jesus said that men ought always to pray and faint not.”

Sarah answered, “I believe that God answers prayer, but that statement sounds like God somehow or another helps people especially when they are praying.  Is that right?”            “That’s exactly right Sarah.  Sometimes a Christian just doesn’t know which way God wants him to go, or he gets into a trial and is really hurting.  He doesn’t know what or who to believe.  It is here that God, your Father, gives someone to help you in time of need.”  (+)

“Someone like you, Grandpa?  I know you really have helped me — many times,” said Tim.

“God may use me or your parents or someone else, take your pastor or a friend, to help you.  But God offers greater help than humans can give.”

“Really Grandpa, who?” ask Sarah.

“The Holy Spirit,” answered Grandpa.  “You see, no human can see the innermost thoughts of a person.  They cannot see the hurt or the fear or pain a person may be experiencing; But God can.”

Many times we don’t know what to pray for or we don’t have the words to express our inner feelings.  But your Heavenly Father sees your thoughts, your

indecision, yes and even your confusion and he dispatches someone to help. (+)

“I believe what you are saying and I believe it,” commented Tim.  “But is there a clear Scripture which states that?”

“Good boy, Tim,” congratulated Grandpa.  “Always turn to the Bible for the foundation of truth or doctrine.  Sarah, turn to Rom. 8:26-27.”

Sarah read, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

After Sarah finished reading, Tim stated, “Wow! Grandpa.  Everything you stated are right there in those two verses.”

“Helpeth our infirmities,” quoted Sarah.

“We don’t know what to pray for – but the Holy Spirit makes intercession (pray for us) according to the will of God (+) (gives direction in the will or to the will of God),” explains Grandpa.  He continues by saying, “With groanings which cannot be uttered means the Holy Spirit takes our inner hurts, tears and problems as if they were really his – and presents them to our Father – WE OBTAIN HELP IN TIME OF NEED.”

“Grandpa, what a lesson!  God wants us to approach him by calling him Father – -.”

“Daddy,” injected Sarah. “And then when we really need help He sends the Holy Spirit to help us.”

“Especially in our prayers,” added Sarah.

“Especially in our prayers!” explained Grandpa.

“I’m going to memorize these two verses,” stated Tim.

“Me too,” echoed Sarah.

“That brings us to what our lesson is about today.  It concerns our attitude when we approach God in prayer. (+) What should be one’s attitude in coming before God at the throne of grace in prayer?” inquired Sarah.

THE PROPER ATTITUDE

“Kids notice the statement, ‘our father which art in     heaven.’  What is the next statement?”

Both Sarah and Tim answered in unison, “Hallowed be thy name.”

“What do you think that means, ‘Hallowed be thy name?’” Grandpa pauses and allows his question to sink in.

In a split second both of the young people hands shot up.

“Does that mean the attitude that one should have when they approach God in prayer?” inquired Sarah. (+)

“Earlier in the chapter Jesus told of his disciples that when they prayed that they should enter into a private place and shut the door. Isn’t that a commandment to make prayer special by getting alone with God and showing reverence to Him?” asked Tim. (+)      “Grandpa, isn’t that kind of like Moses when he met God at the burning bush and God told him to take off his shoes because he was on holy ground?” offered Sarah.

Grandpa answered, “Who is the teacher in this class? Both of your questions are very good.  Hollowed be thy name is dealing with the attitude that a person should have when he approaches God in prayer. Hallowed be Thy name, or may your name be revered, or may your name be held holy or honored.” (+)

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IT SHOWS HONOR TO GOD

Hallowed be thy name shows honor to the superhuman ruler of the universe. (+) It is more than a subject of a kingdom coming in to the throne room of his human king. Hallowed be thy name is acknowledging the absolute supremacy of God who is holy and over all. (+)

IT ACKNOWLEDGES THE GREATNESS OF GOD

“When Jesus tells us to address the supreme God of heaven as our “father” or “daddy” and then comments, Hallowed be thy name that is and expression of love, praise and submission.”

THY NAME

            “Kids, let’s stress, ‘Thy Name’ from a different view point.  We found that John stressed Father a total of how many times in the Gospel of John?”

Both young people spoke enthusiastically at about the same time, “146 times.”

“Now, lets give a few names or titles of Jesus, which are found in the Bible. (+) I will illustrate by giving the first.”

“Jesus is called, ‘The Word’.”

Quickly Tim stated, “He is ‘Saviour’.”

“Good,” complimented Grandpa.

“The Rose of Sharon?”  Sarah ventured.

“Good,” echoed Grandpa.

“He is the Alpha and Omega.”

“The Lilly of the Valley.”

“The Author and Finisher of our Faith.”

“He is the Bright and Morning Star,” stated Sarah.

“The Chief Shepherd,” was Tim’s next title

“The Bridegroom,” said Sarah.

“OK kids, you get the point.  There are countless titles or names for Jesus.”

“But Grandpa, we just got started,” Sarah protested.  “He is the Friend of Sinners,” she concluded.

“You’re absolutely right.  There are many, many different titles or names to describe Jesus.  But how many names in the New Testament are there for God?” (+)  Grandpa just sat there while the children thought.

“He is called Jehovah,” said Sarah.

“But that is in the Old Testament,” added Tim.

“Hallowed be THY Name,” quoted Grandpa.  “Kids, it seems to me that God is striving to get his children to center in on one name. ‘Father’.” (+)

“He is trying to help us to believe in God more than just in a Theological sense.  He is attempting, by the absence of other titles, to get His children to focus on the fact that He is our Father.”

“Grandpa, do you mean that now we believe in God, the Father – as the title instead of a person?” inquired Sarah.

“Yes, Sarah, that is exactly what I believe God is trying to emphasize and get into His children’s hearts – ‘I am not just a Title – I am your Heavenly Father’.”  (+)

IT SHOWS HUMILITY

“To me, the expression, ‘Hallowed be thy name’ shows the attitude one should manifest as he comes to his father in prayer, he should come humbly,” instructed Grandpa.

Tim added, “Grandpa that is what the pastor preached on last Sunday. He said, ‘God gives grace to the humble’.” (I Peter 5:5-6)

“But he resisteth the Proud,” added Sarah.

 Grandpa began to close the lesson by saying, “we have dealt with some very important principles concerning the Model Prayer which God gave to his disciples to follow…”

“They were given to us to follow also, weren’t they, Grandpa?” interrupted Tim.

“But in our next lesson we will come to the heart of the Model Prayer.”

“Is that, ‘Thy kingdom come’?” asked Sarah.

“That is your homework assignment in preparation for our nest lesson, but let me close this lesson by saying you will never get your prayers answered unless one learns to come in a humble way into the presence of your Heavenly Father.  (+) But there is nothing that reveals the praise, reverence and love as the simple approach Jesus give….” Our Father which are in Heaven… “HALLOWED BE THY NAME.”

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A VIVID EXAMPLE OF THAT NEED

Jesus gave a vivid example of the need of Holy Spirit in the Apostles lives. Please consider this vivid lesson of the need for God’s divine power as illustrated by Jesus surprising command. The Apostles had been part of all the lab sessions where Jesus demonstrated the principles of training soul-winners and disciplers; BUT AFTER ALL OF THAT TRAINING JESUS WOULD NOT LET THE APOSTLES GO.

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. (+)

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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!!

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“Penny, Not Even a Nickel, Just a Penny”

October 19, 1929 – February 20, 2012

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The Great Commission According to Jesus is a book which features all the words of Jesus pertaining to his commission or mandate to his church. These words will be studied over a period of six-weeks and were written to be used the six weeks prior to Faith Promise Commitment Sunday.

-Book Excerpt-

INTRODUCTION: The average Christian does not feel any sense of responsibility in carry out the Great Commission. Many members give some type of mission offering because of the Great Commission, but there seems to be very few believers who comprehend the magnitude of their personal responsibility to the lost world.

Matthew presented the PROCEDURE for the Church to follow in making and developing disciples for world evangelization. Mark tells us the METHOD that must be followed. The individual believer is to witness to those in his individual world. Luke stresses the MESSAGE that must be presented in order to make genuine believers. John presents JESUS as the Son of God. As the Son of God, Jesus felt the tremendous need of the lost. (+) Their hopeless plight and the consuming consequences if they die lost. When John presented his view of the Great Commission given by Jesus, he passed this individual responsibility on to the believer.

Years ago when D. L. Moody was first saved, he was presented to a Church board as a candidate for church membership. He was asked the question, “What has Jesus done for you in particular?” Young Dwight, who was nervous and untaught in the Scriptures, replied, “I know He has done a lot for us in general, but I cannot think of anything He has done for me in PARTICULAR.”

Apostle John’s account of the Great Commission attempts to take the responsibility of the believer out of the general category and make the individual believer feel his responsibility to a lost world in PARTICULAR.

A VIVID PRESENTATION OF THE COMMISSION

SUMMED UP IN THE QUESTION, “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?” John shows his insight into his job as a Christian by saying, “My job on earth is the same job God the Father gave His Son to do while He was on the earth.”

“AS MY FATHER SENT ME.”

Why did God the Father send Jesus into the world? Jesus answers this question in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

The daily life of Jesus demonstrates why He came into the world.

He won Nicodemus, the woman at the well, Zacharias, the thief on the Cross, and hundreds of others daily.

He was teaching, developing, and encouraging others daily.

Jesus sacrificed His life. The whole life of Jesus was lived for the benefit of others. He finally gave His life of the Cross for others.

“EVEN SO SEND I YOU.”

This is very clearly stated. “I, Jesus, am sending you to do the same things and for the same reason that my Father sent Me.”

“EVEN SO” comes from the Greek, “Houtos Kai,” which means in the same manner or in the manner previously described or illustrated.

The Great Commission, according to John, simply bypasses laws, procedures, technicalities, and speaks directly to the believer’s heart. (+) “Whatever Jesus did in a given situation, is the same thing you should do.” Jesus was totally committed to the SAVING of lost souls and to the development of believers.

We need to die to self and present our body as a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1)

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At 12:35 AM on Monday February 20, 2012 Mrs. Lurene “Penny” Wilkins went to be with the Lord.

Mrs. Wilkins had long been battling Alzheimer Disease.

Dr. James Wilkins has asked that instead of sending flower arrangements, a donation  be given to the Valley Bible Baptist Church Building Fund. All donations that are received will be used to complete the new church auditorium. Valley Bible Baptist Church will dedicate a section of their new building in honor of Mrs. Wilkins with a plaque celebrating her life and all the wonderful things she did.  Dr. and Mrs. Wilkins would sacrificially give to the building fund and (Mrs. Wilkins) desired that through its completion many souls would be saved.

To give a donation please contact contact Valley Bible Baptist Church at:

Valley Bible Baptist Church – Pastor Brian McMath

56 Arroyo Seco Circle

Espanola, NM 87532

505-747-6694

or

The “Donate Button” located on the right of this page.

(Please specify “building fund”)

 I have been asked to write a short essay about two of the greatest people I have ever known. John and Wanda Casias who seemed more like family than friends. In fact, the Casias’ often referred to me as their father. Some of their children at one time or another called me, grandpa.

I met John by virtue of the old fashioned watt line (telephone). I was in Indiana preaching when the phone rang in my motel room.

The Voice said, is this Dr. Wilkins, Dr. James Wilkins. Boy, you are sure a hard man to run down. This is John Casias in Amarillo, TX.

Thereafter, my phone would ring 3 or 4 times a week and it would be John. His questions were always about the Big Brother (New Convert Care) books, discipleship or soul-winning.

I learn that John at the age of 21 went into sales . By 25 he was the district manager over several states making in excess of $300,000 per year.

His last job was as a salesman for a new care agency in Amarillo. Although he had owned several businesses he found that the could make as much money as a car salesman without all the problems that went with owing his own business. He had customers from three states, New Mexico, Oklahoma as well as Texas. His file box had cards of dozens of people from those states who were repeat customers.

He had a Catholic background when a friend led him to the Lord in personal work. He was politically a strong conservative and was active in local politics. Soon after his conversion he was baptized and become a member of the Central Baptist Church.

It was at the funeral of a friend that his life was changed. The Pastor mentioned that this very good Christian friend was a member of the Big Brothers. John was shocked! How could a godly man like his friend be a part of the ungodly secular Big Brothers Organization. There had been a recent story in the newspaper about one of the secular Big Brothers molesting a young boy.

John went straight to the widow with his question. She said, “Oh no, Bro John, its not that Big Brother. It’s a book to train New Converts.” With that she gave him a copy.

That was when the Phone calls began. John often stated that he was discipled over the telephone. He showed the book to his Pastor, Bro Bingham. He soon had permission to start a discipleship class in the church and order some books. I was invited to come to Central Baptist to preach and help start the Big Brother Program (New Convert Care Program).  I was invited to stay in the Casias’ home. It was here that I met Wanda. As I knocked on their door a very, attractive woman with a big smile opened the door. “So you are Dr. Wilkins! I have been dying to meet you. I’m reading one of your books right now.”

Wanda was a good mother , wife and gracious woman. Her modest home was well kept and she worked part time in real estate.

I didn’t know when she opened the door that day some almost 35 years ago what an important part she would play in my personal life. She was an exhorter and encourager. (More about her later)

John stated with about 6 to 8 in his Big Brother discipleship class. The church was only running about 45 to 50 in attendance. Only John, the pastor and another member or two went out visiting on their visitation program on Thursday nights.

Under John’s leadership twelve months later there were 45-50 in his class with the church attendance up around 150. There was 20 or 30 out visiting every Thursday night. But John had a problem, God had called him into fulltime ministry. I was surprised to get a phone call, not from John but Wanda one night. She said, “Dr. Wilkins, the next time your preach in this surrounding area will you call John and take him with you. He is driving me nuts! He’s called to preach and knows it, and he is so hard to get along with.” I told her that I had an invitation to preach at Temple Baptist Church in Tucumcari, New Mexico in the near future and would be a guest in their home soon.

John drove me to Tucumcari, and sure enough came forward and surrendered his life full to God at the close of the service.

Wanda’s mother also lived in Amarillo and was ill. Wanda had told John she would follow him when he went preaching any place in the world as long as it was near her mother in Amarillo.

When we drove the 100 miles back to Amarillo after the service Wanda was waiting to inform John she had surrendered her life to the Lord and would go anywhere God should lead John.

Monday MORNING john gave his COMPANY a 30 day notice and went full time for the lord. They sold their house in Amarillo and moved to the metro-plex.

For the next year or so John put in full time assisting me in training people in the Big Brother Program.

Before leaving Amarillo John had a jail ministry. One day he visited Cullen Davis a famous millionaire who was charged with murdering his wife. John led him to the Lord. Cullen lived in Fort Worth and was later influenced to join a larger charismatic church.

The Church John was a member of was taking a mission trip to Mexico. Since John had no appointments that week he decided to go.

What he saw, the poverty, the religious ignorance and the bondage to the Catholic church, it broke his heart. He recognized and surrendered to the call to go as a missionary before he had gotten back home.

He could not read or speak Spanish, but he was a very disciplined man who read four chapter in the Bible and prayed every morning before breakfast. He was up some morning at four A.M. That was a vow that he made to God. When he got to Mexico he read from the Spanish Bible, with the aid of a dictionary and concordance. It took him up to six hours to keep his promise to read four chapters and feed his inner man before having breakfast and feeding his outer man.

After returning from the mission trip John instantly made plans to move to El Cercado, Mexico where he started the first and soon to be the mother church for 13 other churches over the next 35 years.

His wife and family along with John lived in a poorly insulated mobile home which was just a little larger than a camper the first year of so. It is so hot there in the summer time that Wanda lost weight so much so that it almost took her life.

Sean, their youngest son lived several months in our home in Arlington, Texas as he finished high school.

John found the property in which their beautiful church facility is built. It was  a little more than a city dump when he approached Cullen Davis for funds to buy it. I am not sure how much Mr. Davis helped but I know he helped some. John and family began to clear the lots and soon was having services out under a tree. Soon I was summoned to come and hold a meeting for two or three nights for John.

I was privileged and marveled as I saw John and Wanda labor to first clear the lots then built a tiny little building which was soon added to until they have one of the most beautiful facilities of any Independent Baptist church anywhere in the world.

With John and Wanda it was up in the morning , reading four chapters, then out to work on the building by 6:00 AM. Regardless of what the morning or day would bring they were in a home witnessing or disciplining several nights each week. Most of the time John took someone with him while Wanda did the same.

In my opinion Wanda was as good or better at discipling that John. She was the best woman’s disciplier that I have ever known. There are many mature women in the Lord in Mexico, that can testify to this.

Penny, my wife, lost her husband after 40 years of married. Since she and the Casias were good friends she re-surrendered at the age of 60 and went as a missionary helper to Mexico to assist the Casias. Penny and Wanda started an annual prayer retreat for women. Several hundred women from churches both in Mexico and in the United States have attended. They are to have their 21^st annual prayer retreat there in September 2012.

My first wife died after 41 ½ years of marriage. I was a very happy man travelling and preaching.

Penny has a severe car accident which caused her to move back to Amarillo Texas and become the church secretary at Central Baptist, Wanda’s old home church. The two had previously started a ladies prayer group there.

On Mother’s Day the church had a mother-daughter banquet with Wanda as the special speaker.

At the close of the dinner Wanda and another lady, called Penny up before the group and gave her a gift. When she opened the box it was a pair of men’s trousers. One of the ladies had read that a single lady had found a husband when she placed a pair of men’s pants on her bed post and asked the Lord to fill them with a husband.

Penny and Wanda had taught their prayer groups to pray retail (for an exact request) and not wholesale (things in general).

Penny thanked the ladies and reminded them not to pray wholesale (for any husband) but retail, that God would fill the pants with Dr. James Wilkins. Little did I know that two groups of women, one in Amarillo and the other in Mexico had written in their prayer journals and daily ask God to fill those pants with me, Dr. James Wilkins. Wanda was the originator and instigator of it all. Thank God she did! And thank God for the dozens of times she would call with a little problem and to remind me of her gratitude and love for Penny (her best friend) and me for being John’s father in the ministry. Very few people will miss her more than Penny and I.

John and Wanda have been a blessing to many people and churches. Here in Espanola there are people whom John and Wanda have won to Christ when they were here a day or two. That could be said about many churches where they have visited and preached.

On one occasion I was preaching for a church in Denver Colorado. The pastor knowing I was a good friend of John and Wanda asked me about their work. He said God had laid them on his heart. I told him they desperately needed $3,300 to finish a project but Wanda was praying for $34,000 which would finish up the room and building.

The pastor asked, “Do you have their address?” I answered sure but they will stop briefly at my home next week. You could send the offering to them in care of my address and I’ll give it to them when they stop by. The following week Wanda came in first while John made a phone call. I gave her the envelope and she let out a little yell and fainted dead away. In a few seconds she came to and from the floor handed me the envelope. It was a check for $34,000.

John and Wanda reminded me of the man who found the pearl of great price. They sold all and forsook all earthy things to pursue eternal things. They had successfully pursued wealth and learned the secret of making a lot of money which didn’t not satisfy the inner longing which God had placed in them. When John was saved and totally surrendered himself to learn to win souls in his daily life – then he found the tremendous joy of discipling others.  He sold all he had and followed the Lord’s call to win and disciple others to seek eternal riches.

They were two of the most joyful people I ever knew – please – please – please dear reader consider the greatest lesson their lives declared.

They, who had tasted what money could buy forsook it all in order to live in an out of the way dangerous place in Mexico and humbly and thankfully serve their Lord in seeking others eternal welfare.

I received a message on my cell phone which declared that Wanda had gone to eternal rewards. This message should have read, Blessed is Wanda who died in the Lord – who rest from her labors (resting in heaven or on vacation in heaven – and her works do follow her.) She and Brother John went to heaven on Sunday night there to rest until the soon coming of Jesus who will judge and reward them for their faithful years of service. It is then when they will receive their reward they will also be reassigned a position of rulership on the earth for 1000 years during the Millennial Reign of Christ.

The statements, their works do follow then, means the works of rearing their children to serve the Lord and the works their grandchildren do for the Lord partially go to John and Wanda’s account and add to John and Wanda’s reward at the Judgment Seat.

Their (John and Wanda) works in the thousands of souls lives which they influenced to be save and then serve the Lord – will follow them and will partially be added to their account which will give the accumulative rewards at the Judgment seat. These rewards will be in the form of a place of leadership for a full 1000 years. (Revelation 14:13).

Remember if you are one of John and Wanda’s family members or one of their converts. Whatever you do will further their reward. One of John and Wanda’s favorite scriptures was I Peter 5:10 which states:

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

The God of all grace called John and Wanda to share in his eternal glory.

His Grace enabled Wanda to leave her sick mother.

His Grace enabled them to give up living close to the children and grandchildren.

His Grace enabled them to enjoy the many long, tiring, and sometime trying years of service in Mexico.

And it was God’s wonderful grace which enabled them to endure the brutal murder which they endured on a Sunday night after church.

Across America and around the world many Christian’s went to some place for a bite to eat and for fellowship. After church on that Sunday night John and Wanda were invited to come up and fellowship with Jesus. And you know, they are still fellowshipping!

Across America the newspapers and television media reported “tragic death of two missionaries in a little town in Mexico.” But in heaven there was quite a different headline! It reported, John and Wanda Casias, two of God’s most faithful saints safely landed at the “inter-world airport” Sunday night where thousands of the family and converts were there to welcome them home. They will rest a little while before they go to the Judgment Seat of Christ where they will receive many honors. Among those honors will be a Martyr’s Crown of Life which will single them OUT FOR ALL TIME AND ETERNITY.

Give the Gift of Faith Pack

TEN BOOKS $20.00

 Add To Cart$20.00

Many have become Christians after reading one of these books. The way the gift of faith works is for the GIVER to write a little note of endearment inside the books and your find or loved one will treasure and read it.

 With your purchase in the Months of February and March, we will also offer at no charge, A Baby’s View Point of Life and Death 

FREE SHIPPING For THE Months of February and March!!!

Special offer!!!

Purchase today and receive

A Baby’s View Point of Life and Death

Drama at the Cross  - Sermon on the crucifixion. Thousands have been saved after reading or hearing this message. – $4.95 – Proclaimed as a classic

Survivor a true story of how the author survived an abortion. It gives a strong message of love and hope to all the women who have aborted their babies. – $8.95

Your Short Race Home – Heaven is so close, it just a short race away. Are you ready, have you fulfilled all that God has asked of you?

God’s Cure for Our Nation, a faith building book which gives the Biblical steps for another spiritual awakening and moral reformation in America. – $8.95

Struggle to Peace , By Richard and Cindy Benson, a story of a sixth generation Mormon and her struggles with religion which lead her to eternal life and freedom. A great tool to help your Mormon friends. 2.25 million in print – $5.00

Questions About Hell, identifies the Devil as the real villain and God as the father of mercy. One of the first copies sold led a man and his wife to Christ. It will help you be a better person. – $8.98

Preacher Boy’s Little Faith, a book which will strengthen young people and five them direction in courtship and marriage. “A thrilling story of faith, courage and miracles.” A fascinating read- $5.00

On the Other Side of The River, is a 350 page book on the 1000 year reign on this earth which follows this age. It asks the question, “What will be your mailing address on this earth for 1000 years?” Some will serve as mayors, governors, kings while others will live as paupers. One readers comment was, “It’s a life changer!” – $14.95

What’s Behind Your Light – Just after death…what then?

 The Call of a Lost and Dying World and Your Response – A story of compassion in the lives of four men

Add To Cart$20.00

We are so happy to announce the completion of the book

A Baby’s Viewpoint of Life and Death. 

“God prepared a special little person and sent her into the world. Her life impacted every person she encountered. Now she is gone…but her influence lingers on…”

“…Early on the morning of July 20th, I started the labor process in order to give birth to my new baby, and I am still certain the new addition to our family will be a boy. We had previously decided he (the new baby) would be named, Isaac Judah, which means laughter-praise in the Hebrew translation. For each of the pregnancies of the previous six children I would ask the Lord to give me a scripture to meditate on for the duration of each labor, and that morning I asked the Lord for something I could use to comfort myself as I would undergo the labor and birth of my baby, either a song, Bible verse, or a prayer. When I opened my Bible, God led me to II Corinthians 12:9, as I pondered on this verse, I questioned the Lord asking Him, “I already know this verse, Lord,” (I had memorized this verse in 2001 quoting it to my mother-in-law, Carlota Lovato,before she underwent heart surgery) and the Lord said to me, “This is the one I want you to think about today.” II Corinthians 12:9 reads, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Upon reading this scripture, I felt the Lord piercing my heart about the infirmities, yet I thought of the heavy labor I would soon endure, and assumed that was the infirmity God was showing me–I never related the infirmities to my baby. (Just recently I looked up the meaning of infirmity and it was the description of Gracie’s life, how Powerful God is!)…”

We invite you to share the journey of Jake and Anita Lovato and their little baby Grace (Gracie) as they experience A Baby’s Viewpoint of Life and Death.

$6.00

The Great Commission According to Jesus.

This book uses the 5 accounts of the Great commission as a magnifying glass to look deeper into the true meaning and understanding of the Great Commission. 

JESUS USED FOUR MEN TO GIVE THE COMMISSION TO HIS CHURCH

In the Great Commission, According to Jesus we see the full impact of the Great Commission.

Matthew stresses it’s authority, order and scope.

Mark stresses the personal need to fulfill it

Luke’s stresses the true message which will bring, “Repentance and Remission of Sins”

John stresses the fearful responsibility of each believer and the consequences of not going.

Acts, Dr. Luke, stresses the Divine Power which will make their going successful.

Dr. Wilkins has served over 60 years as missionary, mssion teacher or church builder – This is his 4th book of Faith Promise and features the “Study-to-Learn-and-Do” Method.

$9.00

The theory of one Christian reaching one sinner; then the two of them reaching two others until every Christian was reaching another will work only theoretically.(+) It is easy to illustrate and demonstrate, but when you factor in the weakness of the flesh, the allurement of the world, and the warring of the Devil, the theory just becomes wishful thinking.

GOD’S SYSTEM WILL REACH MULTIPLICATION

God’s system of reaching the biblical plan of multiplication is an unbreakable chain of four links.(+) It was implemented by Jesus in his choice of twelve apostles and illustrated by the apostle Paul.

ILLUSTRATED BY APOSTLE PAUL

Everyone who has ever given any serious thought to discipleship will instantly turn to II Timothy 2:2.(+) “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

In this verse we have the four links in the chain of discipleship which will lead to the multiplication level.

FIRST, we have the leader as the first link. (+) That leader in this particular chain is the apostle Paul.

SECOND, we have a prominent disciple, Timothy, as the second link in the chain which leads to multiplying.(+) If the chain stopped at link two, we would have reached the level of addition. Two could become a series of disciples who could lead to large additions, but never to multiplication.

THIRD, we see the simplest form of multiplication, FAITHFUL MEN. Notice the qualification of men. It is faithful men. The term, faithful men denotes that the men in this third link have met the three qualifications Jesus set forth in Luke fourteen which people must meet to become one of his disciples. First, one must love Jesus more than anyone in this life, including himself (Luke 14:26). Second, the men have surrendered to becoming one of his disciples by taking up their cross (job of doing God’s will Luke 14:27.) Finally, they have counted the cost of being one of his disciple’s (Luke 14:33), and are following his divine plan, which will reach the level of rapid growth of dedicated Christians. But the three links in the discipleship chain will never have the potential of getting the gospel to “every creature in the world”.

FOURTH, we see the faithful men (plural) who Timothy disciples begin to generate the rapid growth of multiplication. Faithful men begin to disciple others. When this chain becomes strong, we have a chain that will not be broken.

Paul helps train Timothy so well that Timothy is developed to the level that he is able to teach “faithful men.”

Just as Paul supervised Timothy in training faithful men, Timothy is now responsible and capable to supervise faithful men to train others.

IMPLEMENTED BY JESUS IN HIS CHOICE OF TWELVE APOSTLES

Have you ever wondered why Jesus chose twelve men, whom he named apostles?

Why didn’t he choose ten or twenty men instead of twelve?

Someone will suggest twelve is a biblical number, so he chose twelve. It is a biblical number, which stands for government as demonstrated by there being twelve apostles and twelve tribes of Israel. The author will acknowledge that twelve is a biblical number for government, but why twelve? Could there be another reason for choosing twelve apostles in addition to the number twelve representing government?

ONE CHURCH BUT TWELVE PASTOR-TRAINERS

Your author has for many years called people’s attention to the fact that Jesus started one church, but placed in that one church twelve pastor’s or trainers. This was to illustrate the method that the early church used in training their members in soul winning. The early church (local) first showed a member as well as taught him how to win souls by giving him on-the-job-training from house to house until the trainee had learned sufficiently how to win souls and had become another trainer. I reasoned that Jesus chose twelve men whom he developed to become trainers to expedite the training of their members. Twelve apostles training one or two trainees at the same time would partially explain the rapid growth of the Jerusalem church.(+) No doubt this is, at least, part of the reason that he chose twelve apostles. But a closer study reveals the real reason for choosing twelve was to establish an unbreakable chain in discipling, which would lead to multiplication and getting the gospel to every creature in their generation.