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POLITE SINNERS

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polite

 

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By Ken Blue

Not all lost people are rude or impolite. Some are quiet, kind, and unoffending. During my 40 years of pastoring, I have knocked on literally hundreds of doors in the Lynnwood area. I have encountered just about every reaction imaginable on those visits.

I have had people who opened the door, and before I could say one word, they  yelled, “NO, we don’t want any.” On other occasions, when I introduced the church, and myself they told me where to go, and it wasn’t heaven. Then I have had some who listened briefly, and then slam the door. In every case, I was shut out, and left standing alone on the porch.

However, there was one experience I will never forget. It happened just a few blocks from the church. I knocked on the door, and a very polite lady came to the door. I introduced myself, gave her a piece of literature about our church. She smiled, and thanked me for it. I ask for permission to ask her a question, which she gave.

I ask her if she knew for sure she would go to heaven when she died. She responded, “I believe we make our on heaven or hell right here on earth.” I then ask, “Which are you in?” See assured me that this was not heaven. She then thanked me for the invitation; she smiled, and gently shut the door. As all the others mentioned above, I was still shut out and standing on the porch alone.

I’ve met a few like her. They are polite sinners, but they have no time for Jesus Christ, or the gospel. They just gently close the door, and shut Him out. Regardless of the attitude, the end result is all the same. Christ is rejected because they haven’t time for Him.

What about you? Are you just a well-mannered, polite sinner? Politeness and spirituality are two different things. You may not curse Jesus; you just don’t have time for Him. Well, let me say as politely as I know how, those of you who have no time for Jesus, will find at the judgment, He will have no time for you, and He will not be polite.

 

 

 

IS THERE LIFE AFTER DELIVERY?

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    LIFE AFTER BIRTH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                 

 

In a mother’s womb were two babies. One asked the other: “Do you believe in life after delivery?”

The other replies, “Why, of course. There has to be something … after delivery. Maybe we are here to prepare ourselves for what we will be later.”

“Nonsense,” says the other. “There is no life after delivery. What would that life be?”

“I don’t know, but there will be more light than here. Maybe we will walk with our legs and eat from our mouths.”

The other says, “This is absurd! Walking is impossible. And eat with our mouths? Ridiculous. The umbilical cord supplies nutrition. Life after delivery is to be excluded. The umbilical cord is too short.”

“I think there is something and maybe it’s different than it is here.”

The other replies, “No one has ever come back from there. Delivery is the end of life, and in the after-delivery it is nothing but darkness and anxiety and it takes us nowhere.”

“Well, I don’t know,” says the other, “but certainly we will see mother and she will take care of us.”

“Mother??” You believe in mother? Where is she now?”

“She is all around us. It is in her that we live. Without her there would not be this world.”

“I don’t see her, so it’s only logical that she doesn’t exist.”

To which the other replied, “Sometimes when you’re in silence you can hear her, you can perceive her.”

I believe there is a reality after delivery and we are here to prepare ourselves for that reality. …

(Copied: Michael Savage.com)

©2013 MichaelSavage.com

THE FOLLY OF THE FEARLESS

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By Ken Blue

 

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

The world’s definition of fear, to some people is, “a sign of weakness.” I believe the greatest fear Americans have is the fear of rejection. Thus, they assume the more material possessions, or approval from others, the more acceptances they will have. This kind of fear leads to anger, disappointment, and depression.

First, there is great safety, and reward in having the right kind of fear. The absence of all fear shows a lack of wisdom and understanding. There are many things we should fear. Sadly, most are ignorant of what these are. Out text states, that the fear of the LORD is the “beginning” of wisdom and “understanding.” Some have not reached beginning point yet.

Secondly, “… fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8. Fear will keep one from things that will destroy health and strength. The word “navel” refers to physical strength. Marrow of the bones speaks of renewed strength. The body is refreshed with new blood that comes from the marrow. The fear of the LORD will guard your physical health, and renew your strength daily.

Thirdly, glaring evidence that one does not fear the LORD is their attitude toward wickedness. “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” Proverbs 8:13. One thing God hates is pride. Other than unbelief, pride may be man’s number one sin. God hates, “pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the forward mouth…” A believer should hate what God hates. We must deal with this sin in our own heart before we point a finger at others. Do we hate the sin of pride in our own life? How do we deal with it? The fear of the LORD is to hate this sin. The reason we should hate it in our life, is that it exalts self above God.

Fear and obedience to the LORD brings great peace, satisfaction, and tranquility. That which we so desperately wanted, and thought would make us happy, soon loses its ability to do so. The lust for more money only leads to the desire for more. We believe, if we go against God’s will, and do our own will, or have more material possession, we will find happiness. It is better to have a little, with contentment, than to have more, with strife and misery. “Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.” Proverbs 15:16.

There is no end to the benefits of having the right kind of fear; common sense tells you that. Men and women, who boast of not having any fear, are lying, or delusional. Why not think for a moment, and come to terms with what you really fear? Are you wise, or herwise?

PASTOR, DON’T STEP IN IT!

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By Ken Blue

Several years ago, while I was pastoring, a man came into my office to complain about one of our Sunday school teachers. He mentioned the teacher’s name, and said, “Some people are complaining about this teacher, and say if you don’t do something about it, they are going to leave the church.” My first emotion was the feeling of my blood beginning to boil. I had seen this kind of setup by the devil before.

However, don’t be too alarmed when someone says, “some people are saying…” It is usually, only him and his wife. I stood up and said, “If you think I am going to this lady with the complaints of others, you are crazy. Let them bring her to me with their accusations, and then I will listen. Otherwise, they can all leave.” They did not come, nor did they leave, and the problem resolved itself. In fact, it was later found out that he and his wife were two of the most destructive people in the church.

Now, let’s assume that I went to the teacher, and faced her with the rumor. Regardless of the truth, she would have been offended, and left the church. Suppose the accusation was not true. She would have been offended with the question, and would have left. What people, who bring you gossip want, is to get your finger prints on their murder weapon. So, don’t step in their trap. Let the accusers bring the accused to you.

Never take sides with the accuser, against the accused. He will go directly to the accused, and let them know what you said. Now, you have a greater problem. No matter how tempted you are to give your openion, don’t do it! Pastor, your mouth could be your biggest problem. I have learned that by personal experience.

Always insist that the accusers bring the accused and their complaint at the same time. Otherwise, forget it. But, beware of the person who brings the accusation to you. Usually, it is his wife who is jealous, or upset at the other person. In fact, say to the accuser, “Obviously, you are concerned for this person, let’s pray for the teacher.” Then ask him to lead in prayer. Case closed.

HOW TO TRAIN PEOPLE FOR MINISTRY

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What do you want done: You can’t expect people to know or have a clear understanding of what you want them to do, if you are not clear in your own mind, and cannot clearly communicate it. This is the most important point; you must know what you want, and convince others to be on your team.

© Ken Blanchard

Let people know what you want: You must be able to communicate your vision clearly. This takes time and repetition. Don’t assume they know just

because you have announced it. Keep it simple so they understand. Post it, publish it, and proclaim it.

 

Ask them to let you know if they are interested: Create ways they can respond to you, and show their interest. Have cards, or some means, so they can let you know of their interest. Make it easy for people to respond. Let them know how importance of the task or project is. If it is not vital to you, why should they believe it is important?

 

Assure them of your help and support: People fear what they don’t understand. They fear they may not be able to do the job, and will fail. This is why you need a job description for most ministries. In addition, you must assure them that you will supply everything they need for the job. This includes training and tools.

 

Show them how to do it: Show them how to do the task. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that telling is training. It involves telling, showing, doing, and correcting. Preaching is not training. Training is “hands on” work. Jesus preached to the thousands, but He trained the Twelve. He told them. He showed them. He let them do it, and He corrected them. This was His “core” group. Go thou and do likewise.

 

Let them do it. Praise, correct, support, etc. as needed: In the beginning, they will need lots of directing. The Situational Leadership Chart by Blanchard is the most helpful. It is at the top of this article. I recommend you read his books on training others. You job is to train leaders. Therefore, you must learn all you can about the subject.

 

Match new trainees with those who know the job, and let them train them: One of the best training methods is a man or women who is already trained, and have the ability to train others. That makes your job easier, and increases you training team. Jesus set them out by two’s.

 

Pastor, you must be able to train, and lead others if your ministry is to continue. Preaching is not training. Many pastors hide behind the pulpit because they like it there, and they feel safe. Training others is a test of your leadership abilities. You can learn how to do it. Here is the key. “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.” 2 Timothy 2:2. You can learn as you do it; so, do it!