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THE FOOLISH RICH FARMER

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JNS.RoadSalt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Ken Blue

 

The farm of a rich man,

Yielded him his reward.

His barns were filled with grain,

But he forgot the Lord.

 

This year was unusual;

His land brought forth tenfold.

The fields produced a harvest,

His barns could not hold.

 

He tore down the old barns,

Large ones will solve my plight.

It didn’t occurred to him,

His soul would leave that night.

 

As you plan to retire,

To take your rest, and ease.

Tonight could be the night,

Then who will possess these?

 

Each man is a poor man,

No matter what his hoard.

His soul’s in poverty,

Who dies without the Lord.  

 

ABRAHAM, THE GENTILE

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 STARS

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Ken Blue

“ Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10  How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11  And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:” Romans 4:9-11.

Abraham was called out of Syria into the land of Canaan. After some time in Canaan, there was a famine in the land. Abraham went down into Egypt to survive. While there, God blessed him with servants and much cattle. He returned to Canaan a rich man.     

God had promised Abraham an heir through Sariah, his wife. However, they were beyond the age of child bearing, and Abraham questioned God about this promise. To reassure Abraham, God “… brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. 6  And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” Genesis 15:5-6.

We must keep in mind that Abraham had not been circumcised. But, when he heard God’s promise, and saw the stars, he believed God. At that moment, God counted, or imputed righteous to Abraham. Circumcision was not part of the promise. It was a sign that followed, to show the covenant God made with Abraham. It was a picture of death to the flesh, and a reminder of the promised miracle Seed.

So, Abraham, the uncircumcised Gentile was counted righteous because he believed the promise of God. “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Romans 4:3.  “Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7  Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8  And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9  So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.” Galatians 3:6-9.

Abraham did not have the promised seed at that time. There was no nation of Israel, or tribe of Judah. Neither was there any law. The Law was given to Moses 430 years after the promise was made to Abraham.

The unsaved Jew cannot see this fundamental, and essential truth. They believe Abraham belongs to them exclusively, and that following the law is the way to salvation. Thus, they are blinded to the truth.

Romans four and five, and the book of Galatians should be mastered by every Christian until this truth is a bedrock of their faith. Just as Abraham was declared righteous by believing what God promised about a Seed, so the believer in Jesus Christ is counted righteous today when he personally believes what God says about salvation in Jesus Christ. This great truth illustrates how Abraham, the Gentile, was declared righteous by faith without the works of the Law as all believers are today. 

THREE BLIND MICE

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Recently I wrote an article on the importance of selecting songs to match the sermon. Evidently I offended some weaker brethren because I didn’t display enough love when presenting my case. Well, this one is written with love, and hope that I can help some pastors who desire to do a better job in their ministry.

 

One pastor admitted that he, and his two sidekicks were demonstrating the same lack of love and humility they saw in my article. It was beyond surprising that they would sink to the same level I was accused of, and then admit it. Oh well.

If anyone questions the wisdom of selecting songs that support the theme of his sermon, he should look at the back index of the hymnal. Not only is there a general index to every song, there is also a “Topical index!”

One might ask why the compilers would create a topical index, but the answer is too obvious.  I will not take time to list the topics, however someone thought it important enough to choose songs to support the topic of the message, and they did the work for us. If you think this issue is not important, try singing “The First Noel” next Sunday, and watch the expressions on each face. Why? It doesn’t fit!

Finally, let me freely admit that it is none of my business how you conduct your church services. It will not matter to me one bit. If you want your service to look like a Chinese Fire Drill, put together by the Marx Brothers, it is your choice. One thing for sure, if you do not plan to have a well-organized service, you can’t fail.

Now, if you don’t agree, “Can’t we just get along?”

 

POPE FRANCIS ASSURES SCEPTICS: YOU DON’T HAVE TO BELIEVE IN GOD TO GO TO HEAVEN

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pg-34-pope-getty

 

 

 

 

 

 

In comments likely to enhance his progressive reputation, Pope Francis has written a long, open letter to the founder of La Repubblica newspaper, Eugenio Scalfari, stating that non-believers would be forgiven by God if they followed their consciences.

Responding to a list of questions published in the paper by Mr Scalfari, who is not a Roman Catholic, Francis wrote: “You ask me if the God of the Christians forgives those who don’t believe and who don’t seek the faith. I start by saying – and this is the fundamental thing – that God’s mercy has no limits if you go to him with a sincere and contrite heart. The issue for those who do not believe in God is to obey their conscience.

“Sin, even for those who have no faith, exists when people disobey their conscience.”

Robert Mickens, the Vatican correspondent for the Catholic journal The Tablet, said the pontiff’s comments were further evidence of his attempts to shake off the Catholic Church’s fusty image, reinforced by his extremely conservative predecessor Benedict XVI. “Francis is a still a conservative,” said Mr Mickens. “But what this is all about is him seeking to have a more meaningful dialogue with the world.”

In a welcoming response to the letter, Mr Scalfari said the Pope’s comments were “further evidence of his ability and desire to overcome barriers in dialogue with all”.

In July, Francis signalled a more progressive attitude on sexuality, asking: “If someone is gay and is looking for the Lord, who am I to judge him?”

(NOTE: This is new low for the Roman Catholic Church! Saying that a person who sincerely follows his conscience, if he believes he is doing right will go to heaven, even if he doesn’t believe there is a God, is beyond blasphemy. To follow your conscience, means conformity to what one considers to be correct, right, or morally good.

So, atheist, who in good conscience believed they were doing good for mankind by killing millions of Jews, are assured a place in heaven? Anyone who believes that does not know God, and is not going to heaven themselves.

Muslims, who believe in God, do not hesitate to kill unbelievers. They do it with a clear conscience. Is the Pope offering them a place in heaven?

The real issue here is, the Catholic Church has lost so many members over the years because of sex scandals, they must now try to attract anyone by assure them of heaven, if they really believe what they are doing is good. The Pope can’t assure anyone of heaven. He has no assurance of his own. He must spend some time in Purgatory to pay for his own sins!

PASTOR BASHING??

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Recently I posted a blog “Is your music in step with your sermon?” It was posted by Independent Baptist on their website. The following responses to my blog were also posted. My last response was not posted, so I will post all of them here.

Todd Herbert

SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Nice pastor-bashing article that should have been worded differently. There’s nothing wrong with planning, but the Holy Spirit should direct the preacher. This will often mean a change in the pastor’s planned message. If the music is right, and the message is right, these two will always fit perfectly together. The Holy Spirit–yield to Him!

Ken Blue

SEPTEMBER 5, 2013

The only people who feel “bashed,” are those who are too lazy to work at coordinating their music with the sermon. When the pastor plans his music and sermons, he should pray and seek the Holy Spirits guidance. The idea that yielding to the Holy Spirit means that one should not pray, and, plan, and choose songs that reinforce his sermon, is, as I said, a sign of laziness or ignorance. Many pastors wait until Saturday night, and then search through a sermon book for something to preach. Personally, I do not believe the Holy Spirit is in that process. I contend that it is being lazy. The Holy Spirit gives wisdom-seek it from Him!

Mark Foster

SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

I rarely comment when I disagree with an article, but on this one I am going to.

The concept of picking songs which coincide with the message is a good one. However, this article seems to elevate it to such a place of importance that all of the sudden, Pastor who are to “lazy” to plan their sermons “weeks in advance are the problem.

Is this edification? Where in the Bible is their one verse of Scripture to indicate that the opinion of the author must be followed?

Where is it said how far in advance a Pastor should plan his messages? The author says that sermons should be planned “weeks” in advance. Why weeks? Why not months or years? How many weeks is weeks?

I am not trying to be argumentative, but really, I don’t understand the purpose of this article. If the author believes songs should be matched to sermos, then why not say it is his opinion, or that it has been a blessing to him? Why go to attacking pastors who do not do it his way?

The illustration of wedding songs and birthday songs is flawed. People choose wedding songs for weddings. People song Happy Birthday at a birthday. What should they sing in church? How about songs hymns and spiritual songs? Why must they match the sermon topic so long as they agree with the sermon subject…that is to say, the Word of God! Yes, it may be helpful, but is it lazy not to?

When we go so far as to now be telling good men how far ahead they should plan their sermons, or be “lazy”, and how they should choose their music, perhaps we are forgetting what independance is?

I know, the author had a right to write the article. Independentbaptist.com had the right to print it. I have the right to disagree.

I do not necessarily disagree with the author’s opinion. It sound like it might be fine. I firmly disagree with the logic of attacking others for not doing it his way, especially when it is merely his opinion and preference.

Ken Blue

SEPTEMBER 5, 2013

Mike, thank you for your comment.
Everyone has a right to their opinion, and since you do not understand the purpose of the article, I will attempt to explain it. The following quote from the article might be understood by you. “Everything that happens in the service should reinforce and support the purpose of the sermon. This includes all the services. That means that the Pastor must plan all sermons or subjects weeks before they are preached. He must then meet with the music director and see that the songs support the sermon.”
I do not believe all pastors are lazy who do nor coordinate their music with the sermon. Some are simply ignorant of its importance.
Your question, “Where in the Bible is their one verse of Scripture to indicate that the opinion of the author must be followed?” I a “straw man.” Where in the Bible does it say one should not plan his sermon topics, and books he preaches? It sounds like you are opposed to planning before you step into the pulpit. If you do plan, why? Are your sermons “Saturday night specials?”
It sounds like I hit a nerve with you. If you don’t plan your preaching and music, and attempt to coordinate them, it may not be because you are lazy, just uninformed. Consider yourself informed.
You said, “I do not necessarily disagree with the author’s opinion. It sound like it might be fine. I firmly disagree with the logic of attacking others for not doing it his way, especially when it is merely his opinion and preference.” Of course it’s my opinion. After pastoring for over 40 years, I have lots of opinions that might help some pastors. I have also been around long enough to know that many pastors are lazy when it comes to studying and planning.
Finally, if a pastor chooses to plan ahead, or just “wing it” each Sunday, is his own decision. We are independent Baptist. However, that is not an excuse to not do everything possible to be the best we can in our ministry.

TJ Johnson

SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

The author’s response to a very well thought out comment concerning his tone was met by an even worse display of “my way or you’re wrong!”. There is no love in this article, thus it cannot be of God! Do you really believe that you are the only pastor or preacher that God has gifted to shepherd His people? Do you truly feel that worship leaders are simply puppets to have their strings pulled by you? Some would say that the “pastor/dictator” model doesn’t work these days, but I’ll say that model NEVER worked because it is not biblical! I have pastored, youth pastored, and preached for over 20 years and I cannot tell you what a blessing it has been that virtually every time I’ve preached, the Holy Spirit has done an amazing job of leading myself and the song leader in the same, God honoring direction!
For you to dictate the songs that are chosen seems to me to be far more of an issue of control with you than a sound, Biblically based leadership principle. Do you really think the Holy Spirit needs you to fulfill another man’s ministry as well as you own? You absolutely hit a nerve with me because I’ve made a vow to God to never again be silent while the pastor/bully role is being advocated or celebrated!
Lastly, your “where in the Bible does it say not to do it this way” is simply lame. You have zero scriptural authority for “your way” of doing things and you know it.

TJ Johnson

SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

Mr. Blue,
My response was written with the same spirit of humility which I and others perceived in your original article. My only regret is that I did not include the following (this also my answer to your demand to inspect the fruit of God’s ministry through me): Romans 14:4 NKJV

Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

Ken Blue

Mr. Johnson, you need to take a valium and get your thought straightened out. In fact, the last line in your response shows incoherence in your logic and thinking. For instance, your last sentence says, “You have zero scriptural authority for “your way” of doing things and you know it.” I ask, do you have scriptural authority for the “way” you don’t do it? I don’t expect a straight answer to the question.

I too, searched in vain for love in your article. Perhaps you could demonstrate where it is since you are an authority on love, leadership, and how the Holy Spirit works. You should know, with your vast experience, that leaders are always accused to two things, one is being a dictator, and secondly, the absence of love. Are you a decision maker or a dictator? Does the verse you quoted in Romans apply to you also? “Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.”

Now, the intent of my article was to help those pastors who felt the need for some advice. It was not intended for hyper-sensitive, insecure pastors such as yourself. Oh, by the way, stop flattering yourself. It is unbecoming.

mitchell muller

SEPTEMBER 10, 2013

Dear pastor Blue,

I appreciated the advice. I also try to see the benefits of planning ahead. I try to plan ahead with the leadership for at least 6 months in advance, on themes. We all try to be teaching and preaching the same thematic ideas over the entire month. It also includes, to the best of our ability to use music that amplifies or enhances the spirit of the message. Every Wed morning the music director and I have a meeting as we contemplate what hymns might best enhance the message, or what special music by be edifying to the church as a whole.

The leadership of our church works off an Annual Theme of short Mission Statement for the year. For example, last year we had Fortaleciendo la Fe (Strengthening the Faith) as our theme for the year. We had a Theme verse from Colossians, Rooted and Grounded….That in turn allowed us to pick strategic themes for each month.

Our music may not lend 100% to the theme of any given Sunday, but a few of the hymns are picked to enhance and reenforce the message.

I do not believe that the Holy Spirit has ever guided any one to fly by the seat of their pants, although there have been a few times I was asked to preach without being advised before hand, and yes the Holy Spirit was kind and gracious to me in giving me clarity of thought.

God bless you and please continue to share with us your thoughts based upon 40 years of experience in pastoring.

Mitchell MUller

A servant only