FINDING THAT WHICH WAS LOST

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ByKenBlue

 

 

 

 

 


 

A certain man had a hundred sheep.

He counted them every day.

But in the process of time,

One wandered away.

 

And so he left the ninety and nine,

In the safety of the fold.

While He searched all through the night,

Till the lost He did hold.

 

Come ye my friends and rejoice with me,

I did gladly pay the cost.

My searching all through the night,

Was to save the lost.

 

Was a certain woman with ten coins;

But one was lost or misplaced.

To go in public without it,

Would be a disgrace.

 

She lit a candle and used a broom,

Searching every darkened place.

She found it in the darkness.

It adorns her face.

 

Come all my friends and rejoice with me,

I did gladly pay the cost.

My purpose for all the toil,

Was to find the lost.

 

Was a loving father with two sons,

But one left and went astray.

So, he patiently waited;

For that special day.

 

The lost son said, coming to himself,

“My Father has bread to spare.

I will now go home to Him,

He is waiting there.”

 

Come now My friends, and rejoice with Me,

I have paid in full sins cost.

All my joy is now fulfilled,

I’ve found what was lost.

 

(Hear audio songs and sermons)

THE WOLF AND THE SHEEP

by

ByKenBlue

 

(THREE NEW SONGS)

 

 

The way you can tell a wolf from a sheep,

Is how they talk, and what they like to eat.

 

You would think appearance, would be enough.

But the wolf is clever, covered with fluff.

 

The sheep is simple, trusting, and naive.

The wolf is masterful, born to deceive.

 

They have different motives, and different ends.

True, they may feed together, but not as friends.

 

The wolfs appetite is for another sheep.

Pastors are best; to him the kill is sweet.

 

The wolf has learned the talk; if you’re listening;

You’ll hear some words, with the sound of hissing.

 

The wolf is known by his words and his diet.

Put the sword through him while the time is right.

 

The sheep is known by his diet and fleece.

You’re the shepherd; his knowledge must increase.

 

Feed them Gods Word so they won’t be asleep,

And they will know a wolf, from another sheep.

 

IT CAN BE DONE, EVEN IN THE SUMMER SLUMP!

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH OR SUMMER SLUMP

Summer SlumpOnce again Pastor Jason Murphy and church members have demonstrated that you can reach your community for Christ, even in the summer slump, if you are determined to do so. Below are some pictures and comments by Pastor Murphy.

“Praise God for a great day at Open Door. Last Sunday we had our annual “Freedom Celebration.” It was such a blessing to see our church work together to reach the community. These are some of the benefits I see by having community outreaches in a local church.

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]You can reach your community for Christ.[/pullquote]

1. It involves our members in inviting their lost friends, relatives, coworkers and neighbors.

2. It gives them a chance to serve in multiple capacities: Set up, clean up, manning a booth, cooking food or simply running the visitor booth.

3.  They get involved in praying for the lostSummer Slump

4. It helps the church to not grow inward and become complacent

5. It helps develop a spirit of unity for the body as they serve together with one goal in mind. To bring honor and Glory to Jesus Christ and to fulfill our Biblical command of reaching the lost.

Summer SlumpBy God’s grace last Sunday we had just over 700 in attendance 240 first time visitors 7 professions of faith. Now, we as a church have the opportunity to follow up and these souls God has brought us into contact with.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

OH, WICKED HEART

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By Ken Blue

(THREE NEW SONGS)

 

 

 

 

Oh, wicked heart, buried deep inside;

Why are you still beating, although crucified?

 

I awake; you are planning my day.

When I talk with God, you influence what I say.

 

Every thought is filled with vanity.

Every intent; I find, focused on me.

 

When I would do good, you’re always there.

My heart’s so wicked, I cry in despair.

 

You were defeated at Calvary.

Failing to remember, you defeat me.

 

The answer to your power inside;

Is reckoning with Jesus Christ I died.

 

 

THE CHURCHES SECOND GREATEST NEED

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The Greatest Need is not Always Preaching

By Ken Blue

Recently I wrote an article about a pastor who responded to a question about the church’s greatest need, other than prayer and the Word of God. He informed me that the need of his church was more finances. We dealt with that need and suggested some things that might ease that burden. That blog is on this website.

The second greatest need, in most churches, is people to do the work of the ministry. After 40 years of preaching and pastoring, I am convinced that we have been misinformed that preaching is the most important part of the ministry. I am sure, if you love preaching, you will disagree with me and insist that preaching is the most important. I too, believed that for many years. But, as I step back and observe churches, I have changed my mind.

Preaching is a vital part of the ministry, but by itself, it will not produce or develop workers. The right kind of preaching will create a conviction to work in a ministry, but someone must recruit, train, inspire, and assist men and women in their task.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]People want to be an important part of an important organization.[/perfectpullquote]

Before you start preaching about service, decide on as many areas as possible to serve in the church. Have a job description for each ministry so people will know what is expected of them. Two things I learned years ago. People want to be an important part of an important organization. Secondly, “use me or loose me.” Provide training for workers. Make much of how important it is to serve the Lord and others in the church.

Yes, you must have money, but if you aren’t training and using your people, you are failing them. Stop being a one man show and let people serve where they are most fitted and comfortable. Don’t ever citizen them to anyone, rather, help them do a better job. Remember, Jesus preached to the multitudes, but He trained the Twelve.