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TOPICS FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T PREACH THE BIBLE

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PREACHING TOPICS THAT DEFY RIGHT DIVISION

By Ken Blue

Many pastors are searching for sermon topics to preach. Since some completely ignore the dispensation they are in, or they are ignorant of it, we will supply a few topics for them. These subjects will not help your people understand right divisions, but they will give them spiritual discernment of other.

  1. Preach against women wearing anything resembling pants. It is easy to make the Bible teach anything you want; so pay no attention to where the text comes from. Just grab some verses and run with them.
  2. Preach against men with long hair. Just don’t let your congregation know that many of the songs they sing, and the writers you quote had long hair. If you don’t know that, it just shows how ignorant you are of the subject and text. If you need PROOF, read the chapter on long hair in my book, Standards and The Standard.
  3. Preach against men wearing tight jeans that expose their privates. That will be novel and win you lots of friends.
  4. Preach against television. You must be up to date on all the Hollywood actors and actresses, and it is your duty to warn your members about what they should not be watching.
  5. Preach against all music except what you like. Everyone will conclude that you know what music God approves.
  6. Preach against Powerpoint and multimedia in church. You don’t want people to think your church is a movie theater.
  7. Preach against eating in church. You don’t want people to think you have turned your church into a restaurant, do you?
  8. Preach against blacks. We all know that Ham was cursed, and we don’t want cursed people, of another race, (Hamites) in our churches.
  9. Preach against background music. God couldn’t be in it. Just don’t forget to sell your sermons and songs on CD after the service. That’s different.
  10. Preach against political leaders, that’s what Paul tells you to do. (Romans 13; I Timothy 2.)
  11. Preach against those not in the Baptist Bride; all others are in harlot churches. Just don’t let your members know they are singing songs written by those in harlot churches, and that most of your books are by non-briders.
  12. Preach that those you don’t agree with are of the devil, are antichrist, immoral, and approve homosexuality. Surely this will turn people against them, and endear your listeners to you.
  13. Preach that those who believe soul winning, discipleship, and service for Christ are shallow and have selfish motives. Pastors should be whipping the same hobbyhorse you are riding.

These ought to be enough to get one started. Once you get the hang of it, the rest will come naturally. If you need additional help on other such subjects, you can always find newsletters and websites to assist you.

JOHN THE BAPTIST AND THE LAMB OF GOD

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JOHN’S UNDERSTANDING OF JESUS’ DEATH

By Ken Blue

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.

Recently a dear lady sent an email asking if John the Baptist might have understood that Jesus would die on the cross since he called Him the Lamb of God. It is my firm conviction that neither John nor anyone else believed that Jesus would die. In fact, all four gospels indicate that none of them understood this Old Testament truth.

John was greater than all the prophets, in that he had the distinct responsibility and privilege of preparing a remnant of Jews for the promised King and the kingdom. His message was clear, “Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins; the King is coming and the kingdom is at hand.”

Everything John believed and preached was that Jesus was Israel’s King and that the kingdom would soon follow their repentance and reception of Him. It never occurred to John that Jesus would be rejected by Israel or be crucified. This is why, when he was in prison, he asks “are you the one we should look for or should we look for another?” Nothing was going as John expected.

When he referred to Jesus as the Lamb of God, he was not thinking of His sacrificial death, but rather, of His purity and righteousness to lead Israel to victory against their gentile enemies. This is what all believing Jews understood.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]John probably died a perplexed and confused follower of Jesus Christ.[/perfectpullquote]

Zaharias the prophet proclaimed the expectation of Israel when he said, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, 69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; 70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: 71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, 74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. 76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:68-79.

When John spoke of Him “taking away the sin of the world” he was expecting that to happen in his lifetime. He is not speaking of His death on the cross. However, because of Israel’s refusal to repent, that event is reserved until the Second Advent and the end of the Kingdom. It will be during that time, sin will be taken away from the world. Satan, the Antichrist, the false prophet, and all the wicked, will be “taken away” by the wrath of the Lamb of God.

Paul never called Jesus a lamb or the lamb. That distinction is reserved for Israel. We read more in Revelation about the Lamb than anywhere in Scripture. The wicked, who are about to be expelled say, “And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:” Revelation 6:16. “The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:” Revelation 14:10. This is the context of the comment by John.

It has been made clear to us, and it will be to Israel (Isa. 53) in the future, that the Lamb also had to die. But, that truth was not understood by anyone in John’s day, and most orthodox Jews do not see it today. Note the conversation on the Emmaus Road. “And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: 20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. 21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. 22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; 23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. 24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. 25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:19-27.

These two demonstrate exactly what other believing Jews expected, and how they felt. Note the words “should have redeemed Israel.” The redemption Israel expected did not include a sacrifice, rather it meant the renewing and reclaiming Israel’s kingdom, as spoken by the prophets. The redemption was deliverance from gentile dominion.

This is why John asks the question, in doubt, “Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” Matthew 11:3. Even though Jesus sent abundant evidence in His answer, John probably died a perplexed and confused follower of Jesus Christ.

WE REPORT; YOU DECIDE

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By Ken Blue

We have heard constant criticism from some pastors and evangelist who have painted themselves into the proverbial corner by preaching against the use of hi tech media in church. The implication is, if it is old, it is acceptable; if it is modern; it is worldly and must be rejected. Well, we will let you decide. Which of the above items do you think God dislikes most? Take your time.

At one time, the one on the left was new and hi tech; some churches refused to use them. But, in time they backslid and gave in. Now they compare it to the new technology and feel no guilt when using it. In fact, a little self-righteousness might exist.

These men conclude that newer must be evil and worldly because it is new, and because of who first used it. Brother, if you are going to be ridiculous, why not give up your Blackberry, the IPod, the iPhone, the laptop and the GPS, the fuzz buster, the internet, and your cruise control, which you have no problem setting just a little bit over the speed limit? Technology has no moral significance; it all depends on how you use it.

Like Fox News; we report, you decide.

THREE MAIN INGREDIENTS OF A GREAT PASTOR

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IDENTIFYING INGREDIENTS FOR GREAT PASTORING

ingredients

By Ken Blue

Of course there are different definitions of what the word great means. Every man has his own idea, and he is somewhat confident he fits its definition. We are confident we know what a great church or ministry is and what it is not. But what is it?

I am not positive God is as concerned about our church and our ministry as we are. God is far more interested in the man than He is the ministry. He always works at making the man first. By man, I don’t mean your swagger, your truck, your bad manners, or your gun rack. We are hearing a lot today about “developing men,” when we haven’t the slightest clue what we are talking about. Regardless of what you think a pastor must be to “prove” his manhood, there are three things that are indispensable for one to be a good pastor.

The first, not the most important, is personality.

The American Heritage Dictionary says personality is, “The pattern of collective character, behavioral, temperamental, emotional, and mental traits of a person: Though their personalities differed, they got along as friends. Distinctive qualities of a person, especially those distinguishing personal characteristics that make one socially appealing”

One of the weaknesses of pastors is their failure to understand the importance of developing a personality that others can identify with. Every pastor would do well to read How To Win Friends & Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. I am aware that it will not be spiritual enough for some, but they don’t need it anyway.

A guitar has six strings. You must be able to work with all six of them if you hope to strike a chord. Some people can only pick one string and therefore can only relate to those who like that string. Broaden your personality as much as possible so you can identify and relate to as many people as possible. You must be able to adjust your personality to people in order to relate to them. The pastor with the greatest ability in this area will have the best opportunity to widen his ministry to others.

I’m sure you know good men who have the personally of a skunk or a porcupine. They have a stinking attitude and disposition. Also, they are always trying to stick it to someone.

The second necessary ingredient for a pastor is that of competence.

Competence is the ability to do the task at hand. A pastor must first know the Lord, and then he must know His Word. He must learn how to pastor from the best. Some men are great at soul winning. Learn all you can from them. Others are outstanding teachers. Find out what it is that makes people want to hear them. Competent pastors know how to plan, lead, organize, and control growing church ministries. Learn all you can about management and organization.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Competent pastors know how to plan, lead, organize, and control growing church ministries.[/perfectpullquote]

Again, you must learn these skills if you hope to move forward in the ministry. Competence can be learned. Look to those who are doing the best job in each phase of the ministry, and then learn all you can from them. Don’t be satisfied to just pick one string.

Finally, your most important quality is your character.

A former pastor of mine told me, “If you want your people to jump a foot, you must jump ten feet.” Another pastor said, “Don’t expect people to show up on work days, if you are there.” If a pastor asks his people to give money for a special project, he must be the first to give.

Discerning people can spot the blemishes in your character right away. One major sign of weak character is to excuse ones failures and blame someone else. I have heard preachers lie about matters, they thought were unimportant. I have watched them make themselves the hero of their sermons. Your mouth may be your greatest liability.

Personality, competence, and character are the three indispensable ingredients for the pastor. On the other hand, the following three habits guarantee your failure. One is the “I don’t care” habit. The second is the late habit. The third is the “I quit” habit. The first three will insure your success. The last three will insure your demise.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Personality, competence, and character are the three indispensable ingredients for the pastor.[/perfectpullquote]

CHRIST’S SECURING LOVE

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By Ken Blue

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Romans 8:35

Shall I question His love for me when in my tribulation,
When I see His agony, in His humiliation?

Shall I question His matchless Love when troubled or distressed?
He loves me so, and so I know, for me, He knows what’s best.

Shall I question His perfect love when in my persecution?
He suffered on the cross for me; became my substitution.

Shall I question His abundant love in my time of famine?
Through it all, He’s teaching me, a faith I need to fathom.

Shall I question His tender love, in my Nakedness?
Naked, on the cross He hung, and drank the bitterness.

Shall I question His protective love, in my time of peril?
From the manger to the cross; He was pursued by hell.

Shall I question His undying love, if called to face the sword,
When His abiding love secures for me, my great reward?