MOTIVATION

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By Ken Blue

It was dark that evening; he was tired and weary,
So he took a shortcut through the old cemetery.

A freshly dug grave was open that day;
And unseen by him, lie in his pathway.

He stumbled and tumbled, falling head over heal;
The darkness was thick; was the kind you can feel.

Unbeknownst to him, another man was there,
And in that darkness, the same fate did share.

The first traveler observed, aware of his plight;
Would wait in the corner until mornings first light.

The second traveler leaped, and down he would skid.
“Can’t get out, can you?” said a voice; ah, but he did!

So if you feel trapped in your hopeless plight,
Remember the man, in his darkest night.

An anonymous voice may motivate you;
You’ll be surprised what you’re able to do.

WHY YOUR CHURCH DOES NOT GROW

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THREE REASONS A CHURCH DOES NOT GROW
Church

 

By Ken Blue

“…. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:47.

It may surprise you that there are pastors who do not seek or desire their church to grow beyond a certain number. There are several reasons for their “non growth” mentality; we will give the three we believe to be most prevalent.

Wrong to seek growth-

There are a few pastors who believe that seeking growth is carnal and should not be among any ministry objectives of the church. They believe that prayer, Bible preaching and witnessing is what God requires and all that is necessary. They are opposed to any and all forms of activities, events, or promotions to attract the lost. The church, to them, is intended for the saved only. The only acceptable outreach is door-to-door soul winning.

Like a small church-

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]There are pastors and churches who do not want their church to grow beyond a certain number.[/perfectpullquote]

A small church is a wonderful thing, as long as it is large enough to pay you a salary. A small church is like a family; everyone knows everyone, and they all know the pastor. He receives all the attention and praise for things that go well. He is also able to give attention to all the members.

In many cases, the pastor and the people like this arrangement. They practice “doublespeak.” While they speak of winning the lost, they seldom give room to new families. The glue that holds the small group together is the cement that keeps others out. Everyone is happy and content. All that is lacking is a fireplace where this wonderful little family can gather for fellowship.

Fear growth-

There are those who would like for their churches to grow, but fear keeps it from happening. Their greatest fear is their inability to pastor a larger group. I have witnessed a few preachers and Christian workers with this phobia. If you pay close attention, you will observer them sabotage any growth that is threatening.

This fear is based in insecurity. The reason for the insecure is the pastor has not learned the skills of organization, management, and leadership. Ignorance of these is enough to cause fear in the heart of any pastor. That is why it is important to learn how to pastor, in addition to ones preaching ability.

It may be difficult for you to believe that there are pastors and churches who do not want their church to grow beyond a certain number. Believe me, they exist. You may be one of them. If so, tackle your roadblock, remove the fear, and grow for the Lord.

FATHERS, SONS, AND SINS

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Who’s sins are they anyway?

By Ken Blue

“Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;” Exodus 20:5.

This passage is repeated three other times in the Pentateuch: Exodus 34:7, Numbers 14:18, and Deuteronomy 5:9. It is always associated with Israel and their Law. It was national rather than personal.

The warning was against the idolatry in the land of Canaan and the sins associated with it. For that list, read Leviticus 18:1-30. We need not think that God’s judgment would cease after the fourth generation if future generations continued their evil idolatrous practices. In other words, God’s wrath would continue as long as their sinful behavior continued. If one repented, he would find God to be a merciful God.

Another possible interpretation is seen in the case of Achan, who had stolen items forbidden for Israel to take. Yet, his entire family and all he had were executed. See Joshua 7:24. It was not uncommon for families of three or four generations to live in one tent or house. Sin brought judgment on the entire family. The execution of the whole family was not always carried out, and it will be eliminated under Israel’s new covenant. See Jer. 31:29, 30; Eze. 18:2.

Occasionally, we meet believers who think they are being punished because of the sins of their great, great, great grandfathers. This is not the case, nor is that the intent of the text. It is sad to see many parents who think sickness, deformity or the death of their child is their fault. In some case, it may be, but usually, it is not. These parents spend the rest of their life in guilt and self-abasement. But, we must understand that each person makes up his or her own mind to rebel or live for God.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Many of God’s choice servants have descended from the worst of parents, and many of the most wicked men and women have had godly parents.[/perfectpullquote]

We are told clearly that it was not the sins of the parents that caused the blindness of the man in John’s gospel. “ And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” John 9:1-3. Still, the nation was under the heel of Rome.

The facts are that many of God’s choice servants have descended from the worst of parents, and many of the most wicked men and women have had godly parents. If anyone turns out to be a vessel God can and will use, it is only by His grace!

Raise your children the best you can under the influence of godly people and a good church. Then pray that they will listen and live for the Lord. But, don’t beat yourself up, blaming yourself, or your great grandfather for your behavior of that of your children. We all have a free will, and we make our own choices. Let us pray that they will be the right ones.

PASTORS, BEWARE!

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By Ken Blue

In the early years of my ministry, I invited guest evangelist, singers, missionaries, and pastors to our church on a regular basis. We always took love offerings for them and attempted to give generously. Most of the time I instructed our people to makes their checks to the church, and then we would write one check to our guest.

I remember one speaker requesting to copy the checks written for him so he could send a “thank you” note to each giver. I was naive and saw no problem in allowing him to do it.

Evangelist would invite church member to give their name and address on a card or signup sheet, in order to receive their monthly News Letters. Many missionaries did the same thing so the members could be updated on their ministry and know their prayer needs.

However, as the years passed, I discovered that many of these guests were compiling a mailing list and were directly or indirectly requesting funds from individual church members. Not only were these guests receiving a love offering from our church, and in some cases monthly support; they were also requesting money “on the side.” I have seen sales people and business owners attempt to get the membership mailing list for personal gain.

I am thankful that our church always saw to it that my needs were met while I was pastor. However, it would have been unethical and wicked for me to attempt to solicit funds from them while receiving a monthly salary. That is one reason I never ask our people to pray for our physical needs. I knew some would respond with money; and using prayer request as a means of getting money from people is as low as you can get.

Now, what is the solution? Instruct all missionaries, singers and evangelist to mail one letter only, and it must be sent to the church. The pastor can then read it and edit it as he sees fit. Most churches have a mission display were letters can be posted for members to read. If money is needed, the pastor should be the one to make the decision, if special funds are sent.

Most guest speakers are ethical and will respect your instructions. I, for one, would not allow any guest speaker, or church member, to build a mailing list of our members. If you do, you are asking for the flock to be fleeced. So, Pastor, beware!