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THE WEANING OF THE WIMPS

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This is a sermon I preached years ago. Someone found it and ask that I post it. I hope you enjoy it.

 

The Weaning Of The Wimps

A CHURCHES GREATEST NEED

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THE CHURCHES NEED FOR MONEY

churches

By Ken Blue

“A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.” Ecclesiastes 10:19.

I ask a pastor recently what he believed the greatest need of churches is, other than prayer and the Word of God. He said, “I can’t speak for others, but I think the greatest need of our church is more income. We are not able to do anything without the means to do it.”

The above verse concerning money is not intended to teach “all things” without exception. We know of many things money will not fix. However, the context and the book of Ecclesiastes, give a hint of what the writer had in mind. There are some things that cannot be fixed or corrected with or without money. We must see the difference and understand the intent of the writer.

Churches must have money to buy property, build buildings, buy supplies, pay the pastor and staff, and to have its various ministries. Someone has accurately said, “You can’t build a church with people who have no money, nor can you build it with the rich, they will not follow.”

There is no secret here. You must increase the income, or decrease the expenses, or you may need to do both. I would suggest that the pastor looks at all necessary operating expense. These are probably fixed and cannot be eliminated. Mortgage and utility payments must be made.

One thing we did at Open Door to get us back in the black was cancel mission conferences and Bible conferences. We saved thousands each year and never had to cut any of our missionaries. Do an inventory and find ways to cut down waste and to eliminate non-essentials. Money is the answer here, and you must have it to move forward. Guest speakers are a blessing, but they do not increase the attendance or the income of our churches. The pastor and the people must and can do this.

STOLEN WATERS

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By Ken Blue

From my roof I could clearly see,

What was not intended for me.

So I took the fruit that wasn’t mine,

My eyes opened and I was blind.

 

The news that came was bitter gall;

Nine months would announce it to all.

A plan was made to hide my plight,

Joab would send home the Hittite.

 

Uriah came home, per my plan.

He was a good and simple man.

I welcomed him, go home, I said.

Certain he’d sleep in his own bed.

 

He didn’t go but slept at my door.

What was wrong with the leaves I wore?

Wine’s the key he’s only a man.

But nothing went just like the plan.

 

A note was sent by the Hittite.

Move Uriah up front in the fight.

Joab knew what the message said.

His reply; the Hittite is dead.

 

I finally slept the whole night through.

There’s nothing left I need to do.

Early morning came my next of kin.

Was the Prophet; I let him in.

 

I offered a drink and a chair.

I’ll stand, I’ve a story to share

About a poor man and a sheep,

Each night at his bosom did sleep.

 

A rich man took it to feed his guest.

Your judgment’s right, you know what’s best.

The king stood, with fire in his eye.

He who did this will surly die.

 

Nathan paused, then lifted his hand,

And said, as God lives, you’re the man.

God gave Thee every tree in sight,

You stole the one from the Hittite.

 

Stolen waters are sweet; they say,

But you will always curse this day.

Your kingdom will crumble away.

And thousands for your sin will pay.

 

CHECK OUT AUDIO SERMONS AND SONGS

 

WHAT IS LEADERSHIP?

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THE POSITION OF LEADERSHIP

leadership

By Ken Blue

The American Heritage Dictionary says leadership is, “1. The position or office of a leader: 2. Capacity or ability to lead.” You will notice that one is a position and the other is capacity. It is possible to have the position of leadership without the capacity to lead. Or, one may possess the capacity and not have the position.

There is a world of difference between position and capacity. One may be promoted to a position of leadership such as in a military or government job without possessing the capacity. However, those under his leadership must comply or pay the price. This same situation may exist in large cooperation, but it is not as prevalent.

However, church leadership is altogether different. The pastor does not possess leadership qualities because of his possession. This is one reason many churches cannot grow. The pastor must have the capacity to lead. No one follows because they are required to. Ninety-five percent of church work is done by volunteers. There must be other factors that influence people to follow the pastor. Leaders have followers. If no one is following, you are just taking a walk.

A few misconceptions about leadership: Position of office, telling others what to do, being the loudmouth of the group, or having the prominent position. None of which will work for long.

There are three imperatives of leadership and they are the same in the secular or the sacred. One of these qualities is personality. The more people you can relate to, the more influence you can have. We know many who lead from the strength of personality. The second quality needed is aptitude. The better you are at your vocation, the more people are apt to follow you. So, learn all you can about your calling. Learn from the greatest in that field. Read all you can on how to improve your vocational skills. People are reluctant to follow those who are unsure of what they are doing.

Finally, to have a lasting influence in leadership, you must be a man or woman of character. Of the three, your character is most important. People will not follow a person they cannot trust. What is it that exposes your lack of character? It will usually be your mouth. Therefore, be slow to speak and swift to hear.

CHECK OUT AUDIO SERMONS AND SONGS

SHOW ME THY WAY, AND SHOW ME THY GLORY

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THE WAY OF THE LORD

The way

Ken Blue

“Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.” Exodus 33:13. “And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.” Exodus 33:18.

The backsliding and rebellion of Israel was beginning to take its toll on Moses. He was so angry and disappointed in the nation that he moved his tent outside the camp where he met with God alone. Joshua was the only remaining loyal friend. He too, found his way to this tent.

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]As believers we need the same guidance as Moses.[/pullquote]

It was there Moses realized that the task before him was impossible unless God went with them and guided them. Thus Moses asks, Show me thy way, and show me thy glory. These he must have if he was to move forward. This God did in a wonderful and compassionate way.

As believers we need the same guidance as Moses. Both the guidance and glory has been provided, and the hand of God is not blocking our view. The way and the glory are seen in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way…” Those who follow Him find that they have the Light of life. We need not wonder about the way as we make our journey toward heaven. He is the Way!

Also, He is the glory of God incarnate. “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6. The “face” is synonyms with the person. Jesus Christ is the way and the glory of God. Let us gaze upon Him, and know the way as we worship His glory.

CHECK OUT AUDIO SERMONS AND SONGS