WE REPORT; YOU DECIDE

by

By Ken Blue

We have heard constant criticism from some pastors and evangelist who have painted themselves into the proverbial corner by preaching against the use of hi tech media in church. The implication is, if it is old, it is acceptable; if it is modern; it is worldly and must be rejected. Well, we will let you decide. Which of the above items do you think God dislikes most? Take your time.

At one time, the one on the left was new and hi tech; some churches refused to use them. But, in time they backslid and gave in. Now they compare it to the new technology and feel no guilt when using it. In fact, a little self-righteousness might exist.

These men conclude that newer must be evil and worldly because it is new, and because of who first used it. Brother, if you are going to be ridiculous, why not give up your Blackberry, the IPod, the iPhone, the laptop and the GPS, the fuzz buster, the internet, and your cruise control, which you have no problem setting just a little bit over the speed limit? Technology has no moral significance; it all depends on how you use it.

Like Fox News; we report, you decide.

THREE MAIN INGREDIENTS OF A GREAT PASTOR

by

IDENTIFYING INGREDIENTS FOR GREAT PASTORING

ingredients

By Ken Blue

Of course there are different definitions of what the word great means. Every man has his own idea, and he is somewhat confident he fits its definition. We are confident we know what a great church or ministry is and what it is not. But what is it?

I am not positive God is as concerned about our church and our ministry as we are. God is far more interested in the man than He is the ministry. He always works at making the man first. By man, I don’t mean your swagger, your truck, your bad manners, or your gun rack. We are hearing a lot today about “developing men,” when we haven’t the slightest clue what we are talking about. Regardless of what you think a pastor must be to “prove” his manhood, there are three things that are indispensable for one to be a good pastor.

The first, not the most important, is personality.

The American Heritage Dictionary says personality is, “The pattern of collective character, behavioral, temperamental, emotional, and mental traits of a person: Though their personalities differed, they got along as friends. Distinctive qualities of a person, especially those distinguishing personal characteristics that make one socially appealing”

One of the weaknesses of pastors is their failure to understand the importance of developing a personality that others can identify with. Every pastor would do well to read How To Win Friends & Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. I am aware that it will not be spiritual enough for some, but they don’t need it anyway.

A guitar has six strings. You must be able to work with all six of them if you hope to strike a chord. Some people can only pick one string and therefore can only relate to those who like that string. Broaden your personality as much as possible so you can identify and relate to as many people as possible. You must be able to adjust your personality to people in order to relate to them. The pastor with the greatest ability in this area will have the best opportunity to widen his ministry to others.

I’m sure you know good men who have the personally of a skunk or a porcupine. They have a stinking attitude and disposition. Also, they are always trying to stick it to someone.

The second necessary ingredient for a pastor is that of competence.

Competence is the ability to do the task at hand. A pastor must first know the Lord, and then he must know His Word. He must learn how to pastor from the best. Some men are great at soul winning. Learn all you can from them. Others are outstanding teachers. Find out what it is that makes people want to hear them. Competent pastors know how to plan, lead, organize, and control growing church ministries. Learn all you can about management and organization.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Competent pastors know how to plan, lead, organize, and control growing church ministries.[/perfectpullquote]

Again, you must learn these skills if you hope to move forward in the ministry. Competence can be learned. Look to those who are doing the best job in each phase of the ministry, and then learn all you can from them. Don’t be satisfied to just pick one string.

Finally, your most important quality is your character.

A former pastor of mine told me, “If you want your people to jump a foot, you must jump ten feet.” Another pastor said, “Don’t expect people to show up on work days, if you are there.” If a pastor asks his people to give money for a special project, he must be the first to give.

Discerning people can spot the blemishes in your character right away. One major sign of weak character is to excuse ones failures and blame someone else. I have heard preachers lie about matters, they thought were unimportant. I have watched them make themselves the hero of their sermons. Your mouth may be your greatest liability.

Personality, competence, and character are the three indispensable ingredients for the pastor. On the other hand, the following three habits guarantee your failure. One is the “I don’t care” habit. The second is the late habit. The third is the “I quit” habit. The first three will insure your success. The last three will insure your demise.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Personality, competence, and character are the three indispensable ingredients for the pastor.[/perfectpullquote]

CHRIST’S SECURING LOVE

by

By Ken Blue

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Romans 8:35

Shall I question His love for me when in my tribulation,
When I see His agony, in His humiliation?

Shall I question His matchless Love when troubled or distressed?
He loves me so, and so I know, for me, He knows what’s best.

Shall I question His perfect love when in my persecution?
He suffered on the cross for me; became my substitution.

Shall I question His abundant love in my time of famine?
Through it all, He’s teaching me, a faith I need to fathom.

Shall I question His tender love, in my Nakedness?
Naked, on the cross He hung, and drank the bitterness.

Shall I question His protective love, in my time of peril?
From the manger to the cross; He was pursued by hell.

Shall I question His undying love, if called to face the sword,
When His abiding love secures for me, my great reward?

UPDATED WAR REPORT

by

By Ken Blue

“There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war…” Ecclesiastes 8:8

Most of you are aware by now that I have been battling ALS, or what some call Lou Gehrig ’s disease for some time. It continues to weaken my body and some important changes are taking place.

Joyce and I concluded that this winter would be the last opportunity for the two of us to take an extended vacation, so we took four month and went to Arizona and Arkansas. I did all the driving. We had a wonderful visit with friends and family. I was able to preach for Pastor Dave Crichton once, for Pastor Andy Wirtz three times, for Pastor Szydlowski once, for Pastor Ken Bates once, and for Pastor Nathan Cook once. I have preached for Pastor Murphy twice since returning home.

I am scheduled to preach for Pastor Bill Bailey all day, May 16th, for Pastor Murphy all day, May 30th, for Pastor Al Hughes August 8th in the A.M. service. Please pray for God’s blessing on these churches. As you may know, I must preach from my wheelchair. I am no longer able to walk or stand. I praise the Lord for those open doors.

I have given up driving, since transferring and safety have become an issue. Joyce does all the driving, and I now have the white knuckles.

Friday, the 23 of this month, Joyce and I will be traveling to Wenatchee to finalize the arrangements for my funeral. Now, don’t get too excited; I have no idea how much time God will give me. It may be six month or a few more years. I simply want everything taken care of before the time comes. You know me, I hate surprises. Until God is through with me, I hope to continue to write and speak for Him.

Thank you for your faithful prayers for us. Please remember to pray for Joyce and the family, as this is more difficult on them than on me. I am thankful that we are co-labors together with Him. May God bless you richly.

HOW TO RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE BIBLE

by

A NOTE ON RIGHT DIVISION

right division

By Ken Blue

“That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:7-13

There is a difference between an age, a dispensation, seasons, and times. Finis Dake’s Bible notes say there are five ages within time. The ages to come are two; one is the kingdom age; this begins at the Second Advent of Christ and lasts 1000 years. The final is the eternal age which begins with the new heaven and new earth.

The “times past” refer to those times prior to the church of this dispensation of grace. “The times past” reach back to Abraham, or perhaps to Adam. They continued up to the birth of the church in Acts.

The statement, “But now” suggest the third division in God’s economy. It began with the birth of the church and will continue until its rapture to heaven. Within each of these divisions are different dealings by God.

It is important that the believer understands these three divisions and the teaching that belongs to each one. Failing that, there will be great confusion and mishandling of God’s Word.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Failing to divide the Bible rightly can cause great confusion and mishandling of God’s Word.[/perfectpullquote]

Paul said. “Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:” 1 Corinthians 10:32. We see that the Scripture not only divides into past, present, and future; they also divide into various groups, to whom they are written.

If a Christian brings a teaching from one section into another, or if that which is addressed to the Jews is forced on the church, all kinds of confusion and false teaching will result. “Right division” is imperative to correct doctrine.

Romans through Philemon are church epistles for the “but now” period and contain church doctrine. Genesis, through the Gospels and early Acts, is for Israel and their Kingdom and fit the “times past” period. Hebrew through Revelation is Jewish and will assist them through the Tribulation and the Kingdom when God jumpstarts His program again with them. This is the “ages to come.”

Most of the confusion and division in Christianity is due to the failure of right division, and the forcing of a text from one dispensation into a place never intended. The Baptist are notorious for this. It ought to be obvious; you can make the Bible teach anything you like if you disregard proper divisions.