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SAMSON, THE SUCCESSFUL FAILURE

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GOD’S PLAN FOR SAMSON

By Ken Blue

“And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life. Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.” Judges 16:30-31.

The parents of Samson had to be delighted and proud of their little boy. The nature of the announcement by the Angel of the Lord, and the fact that he was a Nazarite from his birth must have kindled all manner of hopes in their heart.

But Samson was a paradox and an enigma. He had the power of God upon his life, in spite of the times he broke the Nazarite vow or disobeyed Old Testament Scripture. He was a man of great faith and is named among those in Faith’s Hall of Fame, in Hebrews 11.

God had a plan for Samson to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression. We are confident that Samson was unaware of that plan. However, one thing we learn is that God can take man’s failures and disobedience and use them to accomplish His overall plan. God’s will was to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Samson seemed to care less that he lived under slavery and idolatry. His only revenge on the Philistines was for their mistreatment of him. He would get even.

First of all, he married a Philistine woman. This must have severely grieved his parents. But, that did not matter to him for he said, “Get her for me.” That short marriage ended in disaster and death to many, including his wife and her family.

Then we find him spending the night with a harlot in Gaza. She, no doubt betrayed him and informed the Philistines of his presence. Then there was another woman by the name of Delilah. She too, would betray Samson for a large sum of money and deliver him to the Philistines to be put to death. It is obvious that Samson had serious moral and women problems. Evidently, none of them loved him.

Samson broke his Nazarite vow when he touched the dead lion and the jawbone of an ass. Only one prayer of his is recorded, and God answered it. Also, his vow was broken when his hair was cut. It was at this point “…he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.” Judges 16:20.

What a sad story. Here he is, the great Samson, who could have done so much more for the Lord. His head is shaved, he is bound like an animal, and his eyes have been gouged out. He is as helpless as a child. All the lords of the Philistines have gathered at the great coliseum to celebrate and praise their God, Dagon and be entertained by the enemy of their nation.

A youth leads Samson from his place of confinement. He asks the young man to allow him to lean against the pillars that support the coliseum. It is there, Samson calls upon the Lord to avenge his two eyes and let him die with the Philistines. This was Samson’s last act, and he brought the house down.

There are many lessons that could be learned from the life of Samson, but it is enough to know that God’s plan and purpose will be accomplished. Therefore, Christian, do not fret about the enemy or how it appears things in life are going. God is in charge and his purpose is right on track and on time. Let us be sure that we do not abuse the power and position granted us. We should not overlook all the sorrow Samson must have brought to his family and friends.

SWEET WATERS AND SECRET BREAD

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SWEETNESS OF THE FORBIDDEN
sweet

By Ken Blue

“Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” Proverbs 9:17.

Adam and Eve were told not to eat of the tree and were warned that death would follow disobedience. They ate anyway, and both died. What was it that blinded them to abandon all reason and go against common sense? Two attractions came into play. Satan convinced them that eating the forbidden fruit would open their eyes and make them as the gods, knowing good and evil. Secondly, they were given a free will to choose; and the thrill of taking the forbidden was greater than their thoughts of the consequences.

Israel had hundreds of laws resulting from the Ten Commandments. Yet, no nation was more rebellious than Israel. The story in Proverbs, sets before Israel, the choosing of God’s wisdom or the wisdom of the world. One choice leads to life, the other leads to death. Israel chooses death. Again, we ask, why would they do that? The answer is in our text.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The purpose of the Law was to show man his own wickedness and inability to keep it.[/perfectpullquote]

A herd of wild horses may look tame and normal at a distance, but put a bridle and a saddle on them, and you will discover just how wild they are. Their latent nature comes to the surface. They will kick, bite, buck, and rebel. So it is with a man. A series of messages on “thou shalt not…” will not change the nature or the behavior of man. It will only make his sin nature come alive and expose what is in his heart.

The purpose of the Law was to show man his own wickedness and inability to keep it. “Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.” Romans 4:15. (It didn’t say, there was no sin; it said, “there was no transgression!) “…I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.” Romans 7:7-11.

Once the Law has done its work in “slaying” all personal hopes and self-righteousness for salvation, the sinner must then flee to God for mercy and His saving grace. That is its purpose! We must set before people the way of life and the way of death. Wisdom cries in the high places, “There is salvation in the cross of Christ!” The wisdom of the world cries, “There is sweetness and pleasure in secret sin.” Both are true. But, sin’s customers are unaware that her basement is filled with the corpses of her previous guest.

This was Israel’s warning; they could listen to God and be saved, or join with the idolatry and immorality of the land and be destroyed. Israel choose the “stolen waters and the secret bread.” However, secret sins are never secret; God sees everything, and the sweetness doesn’t last.

“Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.” Proverbs 20:17.

A FRIEND INDEED

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FRIENDMY DEAR CHILDHOOD FRIEND

By Ken Blue

“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24.

Last year Joyce, Rocky and I returned to the days of yesteryear in Northern Arkansas. We stayed in Mountain Home, and I was able to meet in the hotel lobby with my dear, childhood friend, Eldon Neel. I have been in contact with him through the year, and we talked of plans to get together in March of 2010.

Our conversations were reminiscent of the good times we had together over the years. Like most elderly people, we talked much about our ill health and our aches and pains. I was saddened by the news that Eldon was called home to be with the Lord a few weeks ago. I was surprised by the news.

I have also known Eldon’s wife, Jean, for the same number of years. We all lived in the same small community and attended the same one room school house. I thank God that He allowed me to have Eldon and Jean as my friends. In fact, Eldon was more than a friend; he was like a brother to me.

I know the family is grieved at their loss. The children and grandchildren should rejoice in what a great father and grandfather they had. Eldon was a good man and a great friend. May God bless all of you with good memories of his life.

WHY SOME PEOPLE WILL NEVER LIVE FOR GOD

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THE REACTION OF PEOPLE TO THE GOSPEL

PeopleBy Ken Blue

“And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Matthew 13:3-9.

The pastor must not get discouraged, but he must face the fact that the majority who hear his messages will never evidence the fruits of salvation. This should not deter him from faithfulness to his calling. There is no way to be sure who is saved or not. We must leave that decision with the Lord.

The above text, gives three reasons why some will not live for Christ.

A lack of spiritual understanding:

V 3-4; 19. “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.” Matthew 13:19.

Paul lists ignorance as one of the reasons Israel was not saved.  They were ignorant of God’s righteousness and attempting to work their way to heaven. The major reason people are not saved today is their failure to understanding the plan of salvation for this dispensation. Much of this ignorance must be laid at the feet of pastors and teachers. All a person must to do is listen to radio and television preachers and evangelist to witness this mass confusion. If that is not enough, just watch Oprah Winfrey, and her new age religion. Millions listen to her every day and embrace her teachings. The text makes it clear that the Truth had been sown, but the soil was not receptive because of a lack of understanding.

A lack of Christian character:

5-6; 20-21. “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.” Matthew 13:20-21.

This second group showed evidence of real interest at first. They appeared to be eager to follow the Lord wherever He leads. These dear people will respond to any invitation. They may get baptized and join the church. But, within a few weeks or months they disappear. No matter how many calls or letters you send, all is to no avail.

Something they heard or an unpleasant experienced caused their apparent spiritual interest to dry up and die. The reason may have been criticism from a family member, a coworker, or a friend. Perhaps the call to service or to give up some pet sin was all that was needed to cause them to wither and die. The real reason, according to the Lord, is a heart problem. They simply lack the moral character to do the right thing. There is no depth of commitment to their profession.

A lack of Self control:

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Credit cards will choke the life out of you if you don’t get your spending under control.[/perfectpullquote]

V. 7; 22. “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” Matthew 13:22.

Materialism is the number one problem in America: The lust for things we don’t need has caused more divorces and self-centeredness than anything else. Many Americans are very unhappy. They believe they have a right to be happy; and the more things they possess, the happier they will be. This spending trap creates all kinds of emotional, moral, and spiritual problems.

The quest for the latest and the best is the killer. Young couples believe they should have two new cars in the driveway, own a brand new home, have it fully furnished with the most modern furniture, and then be able to eat out in restaurants each night. This is a picture of the average young family, and it is the road to sure disaster. Your credit cards will choke the life out of you if you don’t get your spending under control. Once people begin to have the above problem, they cannot stay focused on church, the Bible, or spiritual things. The cares of this life choke out all that is valuable and important.

Thankfully, some will live for the Lord and serve Him. V.23. “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” Matthew 13:23.

Pastor, there are those who will hear the Word, receive Christ, and become productive believers! You will notice that people differ in abilities and productivity. So preach the Word to everyone you can. Expect God to bless and give souls for your work. But, you must remember that many, who make professions, will never live for Christ. The real problem is not the seed. It’s the soil. If you want more like those in verse 23, you must have more professions. That’s how you do it.

THE INNER SANCTUM

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GETTING THE INNER SANCTUM CLEAN

Inner Sanctum

By Ken Blue

“Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth.” Ezekiel 8:12.

Because of their wickedness, the nation of Israel had been taken captive to Babylon. Ezekiel was among those deported. While in captivity, God spoke to him and transported him, in spirit, back to Jerusalem to show him the extent of Israel’s corruption and idolatry. Much of the wickedness was observable and practiced by the members of the nation, but the greater sins were unseen and hidden from view; they were in the inner sanctum.

Within the inner chambers of the temple were drawings on the walls which portrayed every kind of evil imaginable. These images were symbols of the false, perverse gods which Israel had incorporated into their temple worship. Some are too vile to mention, others are described by the Apostle Paul. “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” Romans 1:21-23. Do you know any religions that practice these things?

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Americans are more concerned with their appearance than they are their character.[/pullquote]

Not only had they descended into the worship of creation and the creatures, they embraced a philosophy that there were no absolute standards of morality. “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;” Romans 1:26-28.

Although the temple appeared respectable, and men marveled at its magnificent construction; when God was through with it not a stone was left standing. God does not judge according to outward appearance. Many Americans are more concerned with their appearance than they are their character. They have confused being nice or loving animals with spirituality.

Jesus makes it clear that it is not that which is without that corrupts the man; it is that which proceeds from within the chambers of imagery that defiles and destroys. Let us make sure that we get the inner sanctum clean; the rest will take care of itself.