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ARE YOU EQUIPPED TO TEACH SCRIPTURE?

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ALL SCRIPTURE IS NOT PROFITABLE FOR EVERY DOCTRINE

By Ken Blue

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17.

In light of the increased persecution to come upon believers, young Timothy is reminded that the source of strength and stability is found in the Word of God. All the Scriptures are given by inspiration of God, and always have been and always will be what the believer needs to be fully equipped for service. God is always faithful to His Word in every dispensation.

The mistake by many in interpreting this passage is the idea that the entire Bible fits all situations and circumstances. It is “all Scripture” that is given by Inspiration; not that all Scripture is profitable for every doctrine. There are hundreds of verses that do not profit the doctrine of baptism, the church, marriage, the rapture etc. Although there are many various doctrines in Scripture, we must support them with Scripture that fits them, and the proper dispensation.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]All Scripture is profitable only when it is properly applied…[/perfectpullquote]

There are many things in the Old Testament that were forbidden and people were reproved, corrected, and executed for their disobedience. Some of those same actions would be a sin if imposed on God’s people today; for example, diets, days, travel, and socializing.

If the instruction in righteousness has to do with obedience to God, then we find the same rules as above. That which would have been righteous behavior in the Old Testament, would be completely contrary to this dispensation of grace.

When teaching, reproving, correcting, or instructing, we must do so with Scriptures that comply with the church epistles written by Paul. The goal was that Timothy would be thoroughly equipped for preaching and teaching. All Scripture is profitable only when it is properly applied, otherwise it becomes a source of bondage and destruction.

CHECK OUT AUDIO SERMONS AND SONGS

 

COLOR BLIND

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COLOR BLIND OR GREY AREA?

By Ken Blue

“Most color vision problems are inherited. People usually have three types of cone cells in the eye. Each type senses either red, green, or blue light. You see color when your cone cells sense different amounts of these three basic colors. Inherited color blindness happens when you don’t have one of these types of cone cells or they don’t work right. You may not see one of these three basic colors, or you may see a different shade of that color or a different color.” (http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/tc/color-blindness-topic-overview.)

Years ago I purchased a 1947 Lincoln sedan. It had velvet interior, power windows, power seats, push button doors, and twelve cylinders! It was a collectors dream. One day I was telling a friend all about it, and that it’s color was black. My wife overheard the conversation and quickly came in to correct me. “The car in not black, it is maroon,” The full impact of my color blindness hit me when I applied for a job that required a color test. I am as color blind as a bat. I know there is a number in the circle, but I cannot see it!

However, when it comes to the ministry, there is another area where we are to assume no real color exists; that is called the “gray” area. The idea is, since the Bible is silent on this issue, we will call it “gray.” The problem is, before any pastor gets through the gray area, he has found the issue to be black and white.

There are several of these areas in Scripture. They usually fall in the area of music, instruments, methods, hair, and entertainment. For example, I heard an evangelist say, “There’s nothing in the Bible about music being used to reach the lost.” Then he went to the piano and led us in “There’s Room At The Cross For You.” Another preacher chimed in, saying the same thing in another meeting, and then gave the invitation, having us sing, “Just As I Am.” Why would a pastor or evangelist use music to get sinners down the aisle, and then in the same sermon make negative comments about reaching the lost with music? Usually, we give little thought to what we are saying. We just quote others because we think it is true. Isn’t it amazing that some preachers think Bluegrass gospel is ok, and that classical music that people dance to is acceptable, and yet they can clearly see the music that is wrong, while in their “gray” area?

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]There is no such area as a “gray” zone for the preacher.[/perfectpullquote]

Our predecessors did not see any musical instrument as a gray area. To them, it was black and white. Note: Spurgeon said, “… What a degradation to supplant the intelligent … by the theatrical prettiness of a quartet, bellows, and pipes. We might as well pray by machinery as praise by …strings and pipes… We do not need them. That would hinder rather than help our praise…” (Charles Spurgeon, Commentary on Psalm 42.)

Wesley said, “I have no objection to instruments of music in our worship, provided they are neither seen nor heard.” (Adam Clarke’s Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 685)

Luther said, “The organ in the worship Is the insignia of Baal… The Roman Catholics borrowed it from the Jews.” (Martin Luther, Mcclintock & Strong’s Encyclopedia Volume VI, page 762)

Adam Clarke said, “… Music as a science I esteem and admire, but instrumental music in the house of God I abominate and abhor.”

Pastors have criticized us for years because we make much of special days in order to attract the lost. They would rather let a kid go to hell than give him a piece of bubblegum.

The Bible College I attended would not allow sideburns below the ear. A coat and tie must be worn to all classes. Most colleges maintain those standards today. I have no issue with that. However, many Christians have decided that if a man has a beard, mustache, or long sideburns, he must be unsaved, or backslidden at least. Did you know that in the Bible you could not mar your beard or have a rounded haircut? “Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.” Leviticus 19:27. “But,” you say, “Pastor Blue, that is Old Testament and for the Jews.” Well, I am so glad you noticed that. Perhaps others will notice that same truth when they try to impose other Old Testament teachings on the church.

No, there is no such area as a “gray” zone for the preacher. He only wants you to think there is, so he can lead you into it, through it and bring you out seeing things black and white, as he sees them.

My color blindness was inherited and I can do nothing about it, but watch out for those who want to help you through the “gray” zone. The very idea of saying music should not be used to reach the lost is the epitome of stupidity and is violated by every Baptist church, every Sunday. If you really believe that, you should be a man and cut all the songs from your hymnal written to reach sinners. These birds need to will their brain to the canary farm.

THE PARENTHESIS

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The parenthesis mystery

parenthesisBy Ken Blue

(The Mystery)

Of the many rules or principles of Bible interpretation, one must not overlook the principle called the parenthesis. “A parenthesis is used to mark off explanatory or qualifying remarks in writing or printing or enclose a sum, product… A comment departing from the theme of discourse; a digression.” American Heritage Dictionary-

The difference in the Bible is that the parenthesis is not filled by the writer, and it remained a mystery until revealed to and by Paul. Peter spoke of this when he said, “Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, (gap here) and the glory that should follow.” 1 Peter 1:11.

The parenthesis was always between the suffering of Christ and the glory to follow. None of the Old Testament saints or the followers of Christ understood the mystery that was hid from the foundation of the world.

The parables of Matthew 13 were primary in preaching the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven during the parenthesis that would exist from the crucifixion to the Revelation at the Second Advent. The secondary mystery was the preaching of the church, the body of Christ in this dispensation.

Let us observe this principle throughout Scripture. It is the key that unlocks Scripture.

Luke 4:18-22 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,  To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. (gap here)  And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.  And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?” See Isa. 61:1-2.

Another example is Psalm 22:21-22 “Save me from the lion’s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. (gap here) I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.” This text speaks of Christ’s death and resurrection.

We see the same principle in Psalm 118:22 “The stone which the builders refused (gap here) is become the head stone of the corner.” Note Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: (gap here) and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Because we have the writings of Paul, we can clearly see the mystery that fits in the parentheses.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Because we have the writings of Paul, we can clearly see the mystery that fits in the parentheses.[/perfectpullquote]

One more example should be sufficient to establish this principle of Bible interpretation. “And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?  And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?  And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:  And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.  But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.  Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;  And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:  Ought not Christ to have suffered these things,( the parenthesis goes here) and to enter into his glory?  And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.  And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.  And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.  And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.  And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” Luke 24:17-32.

TOPICS FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T PREACH THE BIBLE

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PREACHING TOPICS THAT DEFY RIGHT DIVISION

By Ken Blue

Many pastors are searching for sermon topics to preach. Since some completely ignore the dispensation they are in, or they are ignorant of it, we will supply a few topics for them. These subjects will not help your people understand right divisions, but they will give them spiritual discernment of other.

  1. Preach against women wearing anything resembling pants. It is easy to make the Bible teach anything you want; so pay no attention to where the text comes from. Just grab some verses and run with them.
  2. Preach against men with long hair. Just don’t let your congregation know that many of the songs they sing, and the writers you quote had long hair. If you don’t know that, it just shows how ignorant you are of the subject and text. If you need PROOF, read the chapter on long hair in my book, Standards and The Standard.
  3. Preach against men wearing tight jeans that expose their privates. That will be novel and win you lots of friends.
  4. Preach against television. You must be up to date on all the Hollywood actors and actresses, and it is your duty to warn your members about what they should not be watching.
  5. Preach against all music except what you like. Everyone will conclude that you know what music God approves.
  6. Preach against Powerpoint and multimedia in church. You don’t want people to think your church is a movie theater.
  7. Preach against eating in church. You don’t want people to think you have turned your church into a restaurant, do you?
  8. Preach against blacks. We all know that Ham was cursed, and we don’t want cursed people, of another race, (Hamites) in our churches.
  9. Preach against background music. God couldn’t be in it. Just don’t forget to sell your sermons and songs on CD after the service. That’s different.
  10. Preach against political leaders, that’s what Paul tells you to do. (Romans 13; I Timothy 2.)
  11. Preach against those not in the Baptist Bride; all others are in harlot churches. Just don’t let your members know they are singing songs written by those in harlot churches, and that most of your books are by non-briders.
  12. Preach that those you don’t agree with are of the devil, are antichrist, immoral, and approve homosexuality. Surely this will turn people against them, and endear your listeners to you.
  13. Preach that those who believe soul winning, discipleship, and service for Christ are shallow and have selfish motives. Pastors should be whipping the same hobbyhorse you are riding.

These ought to be enough to get one started. Once you get the hang of it, the rest will come naturally. If you need additional help on other such subjects, you can always find newsletters and websites to assist you.

HOW TO RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE BIBLE

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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.