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!

TURNING INWARD

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By Ken Blue

Churches, like individuals, have birth, growth, maturity, and death. For a church to have birth and growth, it must be outward focused. This ought to be obvious. It is also necessary for a church to mature as pastors and teachers do their appointed ministry. However, unlike individuals, most churches don’t have to die. They begin to die as soon as the pastor and people change their focus.

I read years ago that the average church, twenty years old or older, has turned inward and has shifted from a mission outreach to inward ministries. That is, buildings and programs become center stage. The pastor and the people are busy, but their busyness has little or no consideration for the lost or church growth.

Activities and ministries, in many churches, are for existing members only. How to use that ministry to include outreach is seldom considered in the planning, if any planning is done. Sermons are crafted for the members as pastors dive deeper and deeper into the hidden mysteries of the Word. In other words, the church has shifted from a growth mentality to a maintenance mode.

The pastor’s job is unique. He must maintain a red-hot outreach ministry. He must improve the buildings, and he must mature his congregation. But, he need not let the church die. How can that be prevented? Don’t allow the church to turn inward. Keep an outward focus in everything you do.

TARGET EVANGELISM

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ENCOURAGEMENT TO HIT YOUR TARGET

Bulls eyeBy Ken Blue

Target evangelism means that the church decides on whom they will target; then they structure buildings and ministries accordingly to reach that objective. Target evangelism does not mean you ignore or refuse to win others; it mean you select a certain location, ethnic group, or age group your church will continue to focus on.

Scripture teaches it. Scripture records that Jesus trained the Twelve and commanded them to target certain people. “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 10:5-6.

Jesus practiced it. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” John 1:11. I am aware that Jesus came to die for the sins of the world, but He only came to and ministered to a select people. Another example will show the same truth. “But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 15:24. As we said before, this doesn’t mean that Jesus did not minister to others, but Israel was His target.

Paul practiced it. Paul practiced target evangelism throughout his ministry. Note what he says in Romans 1:16. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16. We see this strategy throughout Paul’s ministry. The first place Paul preached after his conversion was in a Jewish synagogue. “And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.” Acts 9:20. We see this same pattern wherever he goes. Those who reject target evangelism must answer the question why Jesus, the disciples, and Paul practiced it.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]If you aim at nothing you’ll hit it every time.[/perfectpullquote]

The Holy Ghost practiced it. It mattered to the Holy Ghost to whom Paul and his companions went. “Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.” Acts 16:6-7. One should ask why God would not allow Paul to go into Asia or Bithynia. Weren’t these souls just as valuable and precious as others? Of course they were, but God wanted Paul in Macedonia. Again, we ask why, if target evangelism in not a valid approach?

The reason the Holy Ghost sent Paul to Corinth was because He knew the people in that city would be more receptive to the gospel message. “For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” Acts 18:10. In fact, Paul stayed eighteen months winning the lost and teaching them the Word of God. The Spirit had a target people and divine wisdom sent Paul to them.

Missionaries practice it. If missionaries are truly led by the Spirit to certain people and places, then God is targeting these people through His servants.

It is logical. Although the Spirit may not direct us as He did Paul, these examples and common sense dictates that every church should purposely practice target evangelism. Churches must have children and youth programs, but unless young families are brought into the church, most of the children will disappear. Every church should have, as its purpose, to bring families from spiritual infancy to spiritual maturity. McDonald’s is wiser, in their planning, than most churches!

The wise pastor will target young families for several reasons. They need salvation. They are easier to indoctrinate, and you don’t have to reeducate them. It is easier to mold young people than it is to mend older ones. They have young children to grow up in the church. They have energy and are eager to serve. They are the ones who go to Bible College and the mission fields. They add new blood and excitement to the ministry.

The reason many pastors do not aim at a specific target is their fear of missing? Aim at nothing, and you will hit it every time. Win everyone you can, but follow the example of Jesus, Paul, and the Holy Spirit. Do you have a definitive target yet?