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TURNING INWARD

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By Ken Blue

Churches, like individuals, have birth, growth, maturity, and death. For a church to have birth and growth, it must be outward focused. This ought to be obvious. It is also necessary for a church to mature as pastors and teachers do their appointed ministry. However, unlike individuals, most churches don’t have to die. They begin to die as soon as the pastor and people change their focus.

I read years ago that the average church, twenty years old or older, has turned inward and has shifted from a mission outreach to inward ministries. That is, buildings and programs become center stage. The pastor and the people are busy, but their busyness has little or no consideration for the lost or church growth.

Activities and ministries, in many churches, are for existing members only. How to use that ministry to include outreach is seldom considered in the planning, if any planning is done. Sermons are crafted for the members as pastors dive deeper and deeper into the hidden mysteries of the Word. In other words, the church has shifted from a growth mentality to a maintenance mode.

The pastor’s job is unique. He must maintain a red-hot outreach ministry. He must improve the buildings, and he must mature his congregation. But, he need not let the church die. How can that be prevented? Don’t allow the church to turn inward. Keep an outward focus in everything you do.

TARGET EVANGELISM

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ENCOURAGEMENT TO HIT YOUR TARGET

Bulls eyeBy Ken Blue

Target evangelism means that the church decides on whom they will target; then they structure buildings and ministries accordingly to reach that objective. Target evangelism does not mean you ignore or refuse to win others; it mean you select a certain location, ethnic group, or age group your church will continue to focus on.

Scripture teaches it. Scripture records that Jesus trained the Twelve and commanded them to target certain people. “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 10:5-6.

Jesus practiced it. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” John 1:11. I am aware that Jesus came to die for the sins of the world, but He only came to and ministered to a select people. Another example will show the same truth. “But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 15:24. As we said before, this doesn’t mean that Jesus did not minister to others, but Israel was His target.

Paul practiced it. Paul practiced target evangelism throughout his ministry. Note what he says in Romans 1:16. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16. We see this strategy throughout Paul’s ministry. The first place Paul preached after his conversion was in a Jewish synagogue. “And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.” Acts 9:20. We see this same pattern wherever he goes. Those who reject target evangelism must answer the question why Jesus, the disciples, and Paul practiced it.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]If you aim at nothing you’ll hit it every time.[/perfectpullquote]

The Holy Ghost practiced it. It mattered to the Holy Ghost to whom Paul and his companions went. “Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.” Acts 16:6-7. One should ask why God would not allow Paul to go into Asia or Bithynia. Weren’t these souls just as valuable and precious as others? Of course they were, but God wanted Paul in Macedonia. Again, we ask why, if target evangelism in not a valid approach?

The reason the Holy Ghost sent Paul to Corinth was because He knew the people in that city would be more receptive to the gospel message. “For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” Acts 18:10. In fact, Paul stayed eighteen months winning the lost and teaching them the Word of God. The Spirit had a target people and divine wisdom sent Paul to them.

Missionaries practice it. If missionaries are truly led by the Spirit to certain people and places, then God is targeting these people through His servants.

It is logical. Although the Spirit may not direct us as He did Paul, these examples and common sense dictates that every church should purposely practice target evangelism. Churches must have children and youth programs, but unless young families are brought into the church, most of the children will disappear. Every church should have, as its purpose, to bring families from spiritual infancy to spiritual maturity. McDonald’s is wiser, in their planning, than most churches!

The wise pastor will target young families for several reasons. They need salvation. They are easier to indoctrinate, and you don’t have to reeducate them. It is easier to mold young people than it is to mend older ones. They have young children to grow up in the church. They have energy and are eager to serve. They are the ones who go to Bible College and the mission fields. They add new blood and excitement to the ministry.

The reason many pastors do not aim at a specific target is their fear of missing? Aim at nothing, and you will hit it every time. Win everyone you can, but follow the example of Jesus, Paul, and the Holy Spirit. Do you have a definitive target yet?

COMPLETE STUDY OF HEBREWS

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By Ken Blue

09-23-2009-104908pm

Available now on audio DVD! A complete study of the book of Hebrews! These 39 messages consist of a verse by verse, dispensational approach to one of the most misunderstood books of the New Testament. There are approximately 30 hours of instruction! These lessons were taught in the Open Door Bible Institute by Pastor Blue.

All you need is your Bible and these lessons for your private Bible study. You can pause them at any time to check cross references and to take personal notes. The total cost for the 39 lessons is only $39.99 plus postage. They can be ordered from the Open Door Bookstore at https://www.opendoorbaptist.com/Bookstore/productslist.aspx?CategoryID=2&selection=1, Or you may contact me at https://kenblueministries.com/. Plays on PC/DVD/MP3 audio only.

SHOULD CHRISTIANS SAVE MONEY

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WISDOM REGARDING MONEY

moneyBy Ken Blue

The Bible may have more to say about money than any other subject. The reason could be because of man’s love for it, and the wickedness perpetrated by many to possess it. The love of money is the root of all evil. We observe this mostly in big business and big government. Wealth and riches should never be the goal of life. Scripture states that many of God’s people have erred from the faith, and brought nothing but sorrow and grief to themselves and those they come in contact with because of their aspiration for money.

On the other hand, God has some positive things to say about the wisdom, the necessity, the value of saving money and how we use it. A good steward will not be greedy for money, nor will he squander it. The believer is a steward of all God gives him and must conduct himself accordingly to be obedient.

I have heard pastors preach against saving money. They tell themselves and their congregation that saving money is a lack of faith and that they should be putting their money in heaven. This teaching and attitude is not scriptural nor is it an act of faith. In fact, it is just the opposite. That teaching is unscriptural and foolish.

Listed below are several proverbs written by Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived:

  • “In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. Proverbs 15:6.
  • A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Proverbs 13:22.
  • Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:19.
  • There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. Proverbs 21:20.
  • Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. 9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. Proverbs 6:6-11.
  • He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. Proverbs 10:5. 24 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: 25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; 26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; 27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; 28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces. Proverbs 30:24-28.”

It would take volumes to completely deal with the subject of money, but the wise pastor will prepare financially for his church and for his family. He will also help his church members to do the same. It is not a sin to make all the money you can; if you do it honestly. However, you must also be willing to give away all you can for the cause of Christ and save all you can for the future. There is no conflict between these three.

WHAT IF…?

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By Ken Blue

“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job…?” Job 1:8.

What if, in one day, all your children died?
What if, in your grief, your faith your spouse did chide?
What if, in your darkness; God’s face He turned aside?

What if…?
Just, what if…?

What if, in that day, all income was lost?
What if your home was gone; you couldn’t pay the cost?
What if sickness struck you, and Jordan soon you’d cross?

What if…?
Just, what if…?

What if God’s face on your life ceased to shine?
What if all your friends said the fault was all thine?
What if in your misery, comfort you could not find?

What if…?
Just, what if…?

What if God said, “All was a test for you”?
What if Gods plans and intent, you already knew?
What if you have sore trials today, how will you do?

What if…?
Just what if…?