Ken Blue
“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12
One of the ways a church gauges its conservative posture is by holding to traditions of the past and ensuring that fellow pastors are not upset with them. Some are confused about traditions and allude to them as the “ancient landmarks” established by the Lord. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Jesus accused the religious leaders in His day of, “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.” Mark 7:13. Their second problem was their desire for praise and approval. Therefore, they must conform to those with the perceived power and authority.
For those of you who fear the brethren and think you have not “moved the ancient landmarks” we submit the following. The men listed below would have nothing to do with the fundamentalism of today.
Spurgeon said, “… What a degradation to supplant the intelligent … by the theatrical prettiness of a quartet, bellows, and pipes. We might as well pray by machinery as praise by …strings and pipes… We do not need them. That would hinder rather than help our praise…” (Charles Spurgeon, Commentary on Psalm 42.)
Wesley said, “I have no objection to instruments of music in our worship, provided they are neither seen nor heard.” (Adam Clarke’s Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 685)
Luther said, “The organ in the worship is the insignia of Baal… The Roman Catholics borrowed it from the Jews.” (Martin Luther, Mcclintock & Strong’s Encyclopedia Volume VI, page 762)
Adam Clarke said, “… Music as a science I esteem and admire, but instrumental music in the house of God I abominate and abhor.”
I am not opposed to new music or musical instruments in church. What I am opposed to is that group who think they hold no traditions; that they live by the “ancient landmarks,” and that they and their little crowd are the only spiritual bastion remaining.
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.