Ken Blue Ministries

PASTOR BASHING??

September 11, 2013 by Ken Blue

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

THE CORNER, THE NAIL, AND THE BOW

September 3, 2013 by Ken Blue

“Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow…” Zechariah 10:4.

There are three wonderful types of Christ in this verse, and each topic is a lengthy study in itself. The context is a prophecy about the return of Israel to their promised land, and out of the tribe of Judah will come the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, He is called “The Corner.” Throughout the Old Testament, the LORD is called “The Rock” of Israel. In the New Testament, Jesus is often referred to as a stone. Jesus rebukes the Priest and the elders for their unbelief. “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?? Matthew 21:42.

When the temple or a great building was constructed, the corner stone was the most important part of the building. It was larger than the other stones, and it had to be perfectly square. A square was placed on all four sides to insure that it was perfect. The placement of it must be perfectly level. It would be the starting point of the building. Each stone used to build the walls, must be in perfect alignment from the corner stone.

The corner stone symbolizes strength, stability, truth, justices, righteousness, and perfection. Jesus is the embodiment of all these, and more. He is the Stone that was rejected at His first coming. He will be to the nation of Israel, all the corner stone is to the temple. Note- I encourage you to do an exhaustive study of the stone that is a type of Jesus.

The Nail: The nail was usually a wooden peg used as a tent stake, or to secure two timbers together. “Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail…” Not only was the nail used to secure the timbers of the temple together, it would be driven into the wooden walls for a place to hang various items.

Jesus is the Nail that holds the building firmly in place, and He is the Nail on which all hopes, and burdens could be hung. The type is clear. When Jesus comes to Israel the second time, He will secure the temple, and the nation, and place them securely in their land. He will be their righteous Corner Stone, and their Nail of security.

The Bow. The bow is a symbol of war. It could be used as a defensive or offensive weapon. The context of Zechariah 10:4 is the second coming of Christ to establish His Kingdom promises with Israel through the tribe of Judah. The following lengthy passages speak of those days when Jesus will be Israel’s Bow.

“The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. ² Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. ³ And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. ⁴ In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness. ⁵ And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God. ⁶ In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem. ⁷ The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah. ⁸ In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.” Zechariah 12:1-8

This age and dispensation ends with the most spectacular war the world has ever experienced. Jesus Christ will come as The Bow to the defense of Israel, and the destruction of all who are assembled at Armageddon.

Thus, He is the Stone upon which the nation will be founded. He is the Nail that will secure them, and their temple in their land, and He is the Bow that will defeat all their enemies.

LET’S STUDY REVELATION # 45

September 2, 2013 by Ken Blue

The analogy here is that the remnant has realized that Jesus Christ is their rejected Messiah, and that He is about to return to earth. They are now in extreme straits, and they are praying, “Thy kingdom come…deliver us from evil…”

Isaiah says, “Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child. Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God. Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her: That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory” (Isaiah 66:7-11).

(End of the previous study

Satan and His Wrath Against Israel

Described (12:3-17)

“And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Revelation 12:3-17).

The other “wonder” or “sign” seen in heaven is that of a great red dragon (vs.3-4). Just as God will use Israel and their kingdom to fulfill all His will in the earth, so the Devil uses the kingdoms of this world and that of the beast, in particular, to carry out his plans. The seven heads comprise seven Gentile kingdoms to carry out his will against God and His Christ by persecuting Israel. This ought to explain all the suffering Israel has endured and is yet to endure.

The Devil has many names or titles in Scripture. Each one is symbolic and depicts some aspect of his wiles and nature. He is called, “that old serpent,” to illustrate his subtlety and deceit. He is called “Satan,” because he is an adversary to God’s people. He is called a “red dragon” to show his ferocity and bloodshed. He is called an “angel of light” to illustrate his deception. He is presented as a “roaring lion” to picture his power and might. He is the “prince of the power of the air” to show his domain and the nature of his kingdom. Satan is none of the above in his form, yet he is all of them in his nature. These “signs” are not to be taken as though they themselves literally exist; rather they symbolize that which is literal.

All these names are given to him to reveal his various attributes. Just as the woman was symbolic of Israel, who was blessed and protected by God and will bring forth a Son who will defeat Satan, so the serpent is symbolic of the power and hatred behind the Gentile powers that seek the destruction of Israel.

The dress and attire of the woman are symbolic of different aspects of her character, purpose, and government. The description of the dragon is also symbolic.

The “wonder” or “miracle” of the Gentile powers can be seen. Satan is the power energizing them to persecute the woman down through the centuries. Satan himself does not have seven heads, he is the Anointed Cherub! His heads, or ambassadors, are the seven kings, “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy” (Revelation 13:1). “So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns” (Revelation 17:3). “And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns” (Revelation 17:7). “And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth” (Revelation 17:9).

You will notice in each of the above passages the beast is comprised of seven heads or kings. These seven kings rule consecutively and constitute the one great beast consisting of seven kings.

Commentators vary somewhat as to who these ancient kings are. Tim Lahaye says the seven heads consist of five kings prior to the vision given to John. The sixth, which existed in John’s day, was Domitian. The Antichrist will be the seventh. He lists four by name: Babylon, Medo-Persian, Greece and Rome. James Knox thinks the seven heads are seven-series of Roman governments of the past. Dr. Peter S. Ruckman says they are:

Nimrod, the king of Babylon.
Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.
Sennacherib, the king of Assyria.
Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon
Darius, the king of Persia.
Unnamed “X,” the mystery man–the sixth head is a mystery and unnamed.
The seventh head, of course, is the kingdom which conquers Alexander the Great and takes over the world. Preparatory to the first advent of the Lord Jesus Christ: Rome!

George Williams says they are:

1. Egypt

2. Syria

3. Assyria

4. Babylon

5. Persia

6. Greece

7. Rome

We shall see in the next study.

HE KISSED THE DOOR TO HEAVEN, AND WENT TO HELL

August 31, 2013 by Ken Blue

By Ken Blue

Jesus said, I’m the Way,

The Truth, the Life, the Door.

All those who hear My words,

Find the life they’ve searched for.

He chose Twelve Disciples,

And sent them forth to preach.

Equipped for every task,

His gospel they did teach.

But one did not believe

The kingdom he proclaimed.

He was one of the Twelve,

And Judas was his name.

So he devised a plan.

For a price, he’d betray,

The One who proved to be,

The Truth, the Door, the Way.

A kiss would be the sign,

The enemies would know.

“Hold Him fast and bind Him,

And do not let Him go.”

Judas said, “Hail Master,”

And kissed Him as before.

He sealed his fate that day,

As he kissed Heavens door.

Let this be a warning.

You know the story well.

Judas kissed heaven’s door,

And sent his soul to hell.

THREE INDISPENSABLES

August 28, 2013 by Ken Blue

Personality

Aptitude Character

By Ken Blue

It is impossible to give accurate percentages on the learning curve between audio, visual, and participating. These depend on the presentation, and the memory retention of each individual.

However, when it comes to ones effectiveness in any field, there are three indispensable qualities. Especially is this true of the ministry. These are personality, aptitude, and character.

Personality: “the condition or fact of relating to a particular person; The complex of characteristics that distinguishes an individual or a nation or group; especially : the totality of an individual’s behavioral and emotional characteristics.” Merriam Webster Dictionary.

One should note especially the words “relating to a particular person.” If you cannot relate with a person, you will not be able to minister to them. One book I would recommend is How to Win Friends and Influence People. “How to Win Friends and Influence People is one of the first best-selling self-help books ever published. Written by Dale Carnegie and first published in 1936, it has sold 15 million copies world-wide.” Wikipedia. The more people you can “relate” with, the more you can reach them with your message. It will not matter how much Bible you know, or how well you can preach, if you have flaws in your personality that repels others.

Aptitude: “a natural or acquired capacity or ability; especially : a tendency, capacity, or inclination to learn or understand.” Merriam Webster Dictionary.

The capacity to learn and understand differs with each individual. However, it is my belief that most of us use very little of our God given potential. In the ministry, one must learn how to visualize, and plan. If others are involved, then he must have the qualities of leadership in order to get others to join in. Then there is the matter of organization. This includes men, materials, money, and time. Finally, the pastor must be able to control all the above. All these can be learned, if one will pray for wisdom, and commit himself to mastering them.

Character: “the complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person, group, or nation.”

Without a doubt, your character is your most valuable asset. You must be seen as sincere, honest, caring, well mannered, polite, ethical, non-pretentious, nor high minded, or self-important.

If people see the absence of these in a pastor, they lose all respect for him, and hold him accountable. You may “wow” people with your personality. You may impress them with your aptitude to preach or minister. But, they will never overlook your character flaws. Most pastors who ruin their ministry, is because of the “little” character flaws that are seen by others.

“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Timothy 4:15-16.: