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ARE YOU A “LATTE” CHRISTIAN?

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CONNECTION BETWEEN A CHRISTIAN AND A LATTE

latteBy Ken Blue

Caffe Latte – “Strong espresso coffee with a topping of frothed steamed milk . Espresso- strong black coffee brewed by forcing hot water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans.”

A cute little saying by some preachers and evangelist, in an attempt to question Christian manliness, is to call them “Latte Christians.” What is implied or intended is to attack the sincerity and spirituality of believers in America. Somehow, the connection between the Christian and a latte is supposed to be a gauge of their spiritual maturity. Obviously, the Marlboro Man has never tasted a real cup of espresso.

The first espresso I ever tasted was at a sidewalk cafe in Athens, Greece. The cup was very small, and the coffee looked like crude oil straight from Iraq. The taste was even worse. I was no match for it. I needed two pots of hot water to dilute it to a drinking point. When I was through I had a quart of coffee.

Little did I realize that frothed steamed milk would transform this little cup of napalm, into a sissy drink called a “latte” that even I could handle. I like my coffee. My preferred drink is an espresso with foamy steamed milk and chocolate syrup, topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder. This is known as a “cafe Mocha.” It’s not quite as descriptive of us sissy Christians as the “latte.”

Oh well, up here in the North West, we aren’t allow to slap our wives or spit on the side walk any more. Don’t you just hate the emasculating of your manhood? I guess the only ones left who can have a “latte” are the women and closet sissies. Strong Christians must avoid it.

HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY, OPEN DOOR

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By Ken Blue

Forty years ago this October, 2009, Mrs. Blue and I held the first service of Open Door Baptist Church. We purchased 25 song books and 25 folding chairs, and we met is our small block house in Mount Lake Terrace. The only people present for that service were my wife and our four boys. However, we did have a lady to visit that evening, and she remained with us for many years. Her name was Mrs. Jean Wake.

A few weeks later we rented a small community club and spent a year in it. Some of the people, who were saved in that first building, are still at Open Door. God gave us several souls, and by the end of the first year we had outgrown it. Nearby, was an elementary school where we rented the gym, and used it for about six months. By now, God had given us about 150 in attendance.

Our next move was to Cedar Valley Grange in Lynnwood. This was a much better building. It came with padded seats, hardwood floors and a full basement with a kitchen. Some of those saved in that building were at the anniversary celebration last Sunday. What a joy to see these precious people again!

In 1972 we purchased the present church property. It had some buildings on it which we upgraded and used for church until we were able to build. God’s blessings continued on our church, and we saw souls saved each week. By God’s grace, and the hard work of our wonderful people, we were able to build a two story church building and a two story education building. In addition, the church owns five acres of prime property in Lynnwood. All building and properties are debt free, and the church has never borrowed any money.

The church has had many high days during the years. I believe the largest attendance was 1800! It is difficult to remember a Sunday that we have not had visitors or professions of faith. There are dozens of young men and women, sent out by the church, who are in full time service for Christ. We praise Him for all this.

I appreciate Pastor Jason Murphy inviting me to preach this milestone service. Jason grew up in Open Door and served on staff for six years before taking over the leadership. He is doing an excellent job, and the church continues to grow under his gifted leadership. He informs me that the influx of visitors and the professions of faith continue each week.

God has been good to this preacher and his family. I know who I am, and those of you who know me, know that all the blessings and provisions are by God’s unlimited grace. May His grace continue to be shed abroad on Open Door as they exalt Him.

Finally, I want to say thank you to Jason and Mary. You are in our hearts, and we love you. My prayer is, first of all, a prayer of thanksgiving for you. Then I pray that God will use you in a much greater way to reach, lead, and love people for Christ. Thank you for your kindness to this poor preacher.

IS MICHAEL MOORE REALLY OPPOSED TO CAPITALISM? YOU DECIDE

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Michael Moore is a Socialistic Capitalist.

michael moore

By Ken Blue

One can tell that Michael Moore is not suffering under capitalism. In fact, some have estimated his amassed worth is over $50 million. CNSnews.com quoted Fortune Magazine as stating that Moore’s movies have grossed over $300 million worldwide. His film “Sicko,” earned him $25 million plus DVD sales. His most recent film: CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY, brought in on opening night, $1,500,000. Yes, capitalism is really mistreating Michael Moore.

Moore claims his money comes from his efforts to educate the poor and downtrodden of the evils of capitalism. It would be interesting to see what percentage of Moore’s millions he gave to the poor. Or, better yet, how much he had left over; if he gave anything?

[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]…none of the leaders of Socialistic or Communist countries live in poverty. [/perfectpullquote]

The reader should be aware that none of the leaders of Socialistic or Communist countries live in poverty. The truth is, it is quite the opposite; they are all evil Capitalist, taking from the poor by promising them a better life. When it’s over, all are equally poor, except those in the “party.”

We are reminded of another who lived 2000 years ago, and sold out Jesus Christ because he claimed he cared for the poor. But Scripture tells the truth about him; he was a thief.

So you decide. Is Michael Moore really against capitalism, or is he practicing the evil side of capitalism in order to become a “fat cat” capitalist himself?

THE OLDER BROTHER

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Ken Blue

“Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. 28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.” Luke 15:25-28.

This is not intended to be an incitement of all seniors; being one myself. Some of the best saints I have known were seniors. However, it is also from this group the young pastor may experience the greatest resistance and trouble.

The elder brother, in the above parable, represented the self-righteous religious leaders of Israel who could not accept Jesus as the Messiah. The reason was, He loved and received all sinners who came to Him in repentance. The older brother had worked hard to build the farm. He had invested his money and time, and he believed it gave him a position of entitlement. The younger brother was a perceived threat, and too much attention was given to this intruder.

As your church grows, these older brothers become more insecure and threatened. They have received all the attention till now. But, the influx of sinners and the attention given to them is more than some church members can enjoy. As the pastor’s time and attention shifts, so does the loyalty and support of those like this older brother. They cannot rejoice that a sinner has come home.

Some changes must now take place. There must be room at the table for the younger brother. A room must be prepared for him, and the Father may give him an equal position and standing on the farm.

The pastor must not be paranoid, nor should he be ignorant about the resistance he may encounter, as new members are received and installed in various ministries. The best way to deal with this is as the father in the parable did. Preach sermons to remove any perceived threats church members may have. Explain to them the value of each sinner, and that it is God’s plan that they be received and welcomed with open arms and rejoicing into the church.

IF YOU WERE BLIND

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BLIND TO THE FAULT OF OTHERS

blind reading brailBy Ken Blue

“Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” John 9:41.

For several years a young lady, who was blind, visited our church on Sunday and Thursday evenings. She lived in the University District of North Seattle, and would ride the bus to attend the services. She always sat on the front row, to my left. As we sang the songs and preached the Word, the smile of God was on her face. What a blessing she was to this old preacher!

In some ways, I envied her. Although she dressed modestly, she never worried if the colors matched or not. The decor and condition of our buildings mattered not to her. She came for the blessing and nothing could distract her focus.

Oh to be blind! If only we were blind to the faults of others. If we were blind to the attitudes and actions of others, they could not disturb us. In some cases, blindness is a blessing. “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” Proverbs 17:9.

Most importantly, we need to be blind to our own accomplishments and self importance. Had the Pharisees been blind to their own self righteousness, they would have received the Light of the world and salvation. But, because they were so sure they could see, their sins and the problems that accompany them remained.

Are you the man or woman with all the answers? Do you see yourself as all-knowing, while scoffing at others? Is everyone else blamed for your problems? If so, I pity you. There is no help from the Lord for you when you are ignorant of your own blindness and pretend you see. “…If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” Admit your blindness and receive your sight!