Ken Blue Ministries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Ken Blue

 

This life is filled with pain; we’re plagued from the start

We seldom feel any pain, as that of a broken heart.

 

Many maladies are diagnosed; doctors do their part

But broken hearts go unseen on their medical chart

 

There’s the pain of loneliness, when a loved one departs

It leaves emptiness within, adding to sorrows darts

 

There’s the pain of a wasted life, once sin has done its part

Awareness that it can’t be fixed, adds misery to a broken heart

 

But, there’s comfort for our pain; a Physician’s mastered the art

Blood and water came from the side of One with a broken heart

 

Cast your cares, all on Him; He will take your part

He’s a history of helping those, who come with broken hearts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Ken Blue

Not all lost people are rude or impolite. Some are quiet, kind, and unoffending. During my 40 years of pastoring, I have knocked on literally hundreds of doors in the Lynnwood area. I have encountered just about every reaction imaginable on those visits.

I have had people who opened the door, and before I could say one word, they  yelled, “NO, we don’t want any.” On other occasions, when I introduced the church, and myself they told me where to go, and it wasn’t heaven. Then I have had some who listened briefly, and then slam the door. In every case, I was shut out, and left standing alone on the porch.

However, there was one experience I will never forget. It happened just a few blocks from the church. I knocked on the door, and a very polite lady came to the door. I introduced myself, gave her a piece of literature about our church. She smiled, and thanked me for it. I ask for permission to ask her a question, which she gave.

I ask her if she knew for sure she would go to heaven when she died. She responded, “I believe we make our on heaven or hell right here on earth.” I then ask, “Which are you in?” See assured me that this was not heaven. She then thanked me for the invitation; she smiled, and gently shut the door. As all the others mentioned above, I was still shut out and standing on the porch alone.

I’ve met a few like her. They are polite sinners, but they have no time for Jesus Christ, or the gospel. They just gently close the door, and shut Him out. Regardless of the attitude, the end result is all the same. Christ is rejected because they haven’t time for Him.

What about you? Are you just a well-mannered, polite sinner? Politeness and spirituality are two different things. You may not curse Jesus; you just don’t have time for Him. Well, let me say as politely as I know how, those of you who have no time for Jesus, will find at the judgment, He will have no time for you, and He will not be polite.

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                 

 

In a mother’s womb were two babies. One asked the other: “Do you believe in life after delivery?”

The other replies, “Why, of course. There has to be something … after delivery. Maybe we are here to prepare ourselves for what we will be later.”

“Nonsense,” says the other. “There is no life after delivery. What would that life be?”

“I don’t know, but there will be more light than here. Maybe we will walk with our legs and eat from our mouths.”

The other says, “This is absurd! Walking is impossible. And eat with our mouths? Ridiculous. The umbilical cord supplies nutrition. Life after delivery is to be excluded. The umbilical cord is too short.”

“I think there is something and maybe it’s different than it is here.”

The other replies, “No one has ever come back from there. Delivery is the end of life, and in the after-delivery it is nothing but darkness and anxiety and it takes us nowhere.”

“Well, I don’t know,” says the other, “but certainly we will see mother and she will take care of us.”

“Mother??” You believe in mother? Where is she now?”

“She is all around us. It is in her that we live. Without her there would not be this world.”

“I don’t see her, so it’s only logical that she doesn’t exist.”

To which the other replied, “Sometimes when you’re in silence you can hear her, you can perceive her.”

I believe there is a reality after delivery and we are here to prepare ourselves for that reality. …

(Copied: Michael Savage.com)

©2013 MichaelSavage.com

 

By Ken Blue

 

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

The world’s definition of fear, to some people is, “a sign of weakness.” I believe the greatest fear Americans have is the fear of rejection. Thus, they assume the more material possessions, or approval from others, the more acceptances they will have. This kind of fear leads to anger, disappointment, and depression.

First, there is great safety, and reward in having the right kind of fear. The absence of all fear shows a lack of wisdom and understanding. There are many things we should fear. Sadly, most are ignorant of what these are. Out text states, that the fear of the LORD is the “beginning” of wisdom and “understanding.” Some have not reached beginning point yet.

Secondly, “… fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8. Fear will keep one from things that will destroy health and strength. The word “navel” refers to physical strength. Marrow of the bones speaks of renewed strength. The body is refreshed with new blood that comes from the marrow. The fear of the LORD will guard your physical health, and renew your strength daily.

Thirdly, glaring evidence that one does not fear the LORD is their attitude toward wickedness. “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” Proverbs 8:13. One thing God hates is pride. Other than unbelief, pride may be man’s number one sin. God hates, “pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the forward mouth…” A believer should hate what God hates. We must deal with this sin in our own heart before we point a finger at others. Do we hate the sin of pride in our own life? How do we deal with it? The fear of the LORD is to hate this sin. The reason we should hate it in our life, is that it exalts self above God.

Fear and obedience to the LORD brings great peace, satisfaction, and tranquility. That which we so desperately wanted, and thought would make us happy, soon loses its ability to do so. The lust for more money only leads to the desire for more. We believe, if we go against God’s will, and do our own will, or have more material possession, we will find happiness. It is better to have a little, with contentment, than to have more, with strife and misery. “Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.” Proverbs 15:16.

There is no end to the benefits of having the right kind of fear; common sense tells you that. Men and women, who boast of not having any fear, are lying, or delusional. Why not think for a moment, and come to terms with what you really fear? Are you wise, or herwise?

 

 

 

 

By Ken Blue

Several years ago, while I was pastoring, a man came into my office to complain about one of our Sunday school teachers. He mentioned the teacher’s name, and said, “Some people are complaining about this teacher, and say if you don’t do something about it, they are going to leave the church.” My first emotion was the feeling of my blood beginning to boil. I had seen this kind of setup by the devil before.

However, don’t be too alarmed when someone says, “some people are saying…” It is usually, only him and his wife. I stood up and said, “If you think I am going to this lady with the complaints of others, you are crazy. Let them bring her to me with their accusations, and then I will listen. Otherwise, they can all leave.” They did not come, nor did they leave, and the problem resolved itself. In fact, it was later found out that he and his wife were two of the most destructive people in the church.

Now, let’s assume that I went to the teacher, and faced her with the rumor. Regardless of the truth, she would have been offended, and left the church. Suppose the accusation was not true. She would have been offended with the question, and would have left. What people, who bring you gossip want, is to get your finger prints on their murder weapon. So, don’t step in their trap. Let the accusers bring the accused to you.

Never take sides with the accuser, against the accused. He will go directly to the accused, and let them know what you said. Now, you have a greater problem. No matter how tempted you are to give your openion, don’t do it! Pastor, your mouth could be your biggest problem. I have learned that by personal experience.

Always insist that the accusers bring the accused and their complaint at the same time. Otherwise, forget it. But, beware of the person who brings the accusation to you. Usually, it is his wife who is jealous, or upset at the other person. In fact, say to the accuser, “Obviously, you are concerned for this person, let’s pray for the teacher.” Then ask him to lead in prayer. Case closed.

 

What do you want done: You can’t expect people to know or have a clear understanding of what you want them to do, if you are not clear in your own mind, and cannot clearly communicate it. This is the most important point; you must know what you want, and convince others to be on your team.

© Ken Blanchard

Let people know what you want: You must be able to communicate your vision clearly. This takes time and repetition. Don’t assume they know just

because you have announced it. Keep it simple so they understand. Post it, publish it, and proclaim it.

 

Ask them to let you know if they are interested: Create ways they can respond to you, and show their interest. Have cards, or some means, so they can let you know of their interest. Make it easy for people to respond. Let them know how importance of the task or project is. If it is not vital to you, why should they believe it is important?

 

Assure them of your help and support: People fear what they don’t understand. They fear they may not be able to do the job, and will fail. This is why you need a job description for most ministries. In addition, you must assure them that you will supply everything they need for the job. This includes training and tools.

 

Show them how to do it: Show them how to do the task. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that telling is training. It involves telling, showing, doing, and correcting. Preaching is not training. Training is “hands on” work. Jesus preached to the thousands, but He trained the Twelve. He told them. He showed them. He let them do it, and He corrected them. This was His “core” group. Go thou and do likewise.

 

Let them do it. Praise, correct, support, etc. as needed: In the beginning, they will need lots of directing. The Situational Leadership Chart by Blanchard is the most helpful. It is at the top of this article. I recommend you read his books on training others. You job is to train leaders. Therefore, you must learn all you can about the subject.

 

Match new trainees with those who know the job, and let them train them: One of the best training methods is a man or women who is already trained, and have the ability to train others. That makes your job easier, and increases you training team. Jesus set them out by two’s.

 

Pastor, you must be able to train, and lead others if your ministry is to continue. Preaching is not training. Many pastors hide behind the pulpit because they like it there, and they feel safe. Training others is a test of your leadership abilities. You can learn how to do it. Here is the key. “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2. You can learn as you do it; so, do it!

 

 

 

 

 

                       

By Ken Blue

(Enjoy the trip, if you’re a pothead)

 

This Is Not Written For The Pothead

He’s Incapable; His Brain Cells Are Dead

Pot’s His Escape Of A Life That’s Real

It’s All About How he would like to Feel

 

Its Sex, Drugs, Rock, And Rave

Let’s Get Smashed And Misbehave…

On Speed, and Weed, And Little E’s;

Let’s Get High And Talk To Trees…

Life’s A Trip, And Then You Die’

So Forget This World

And Let’s All Get HIGH‼!

 

Oh, There’s One Thing He Forgot To Say

After You Die, It’s Judgment Day

Yes, Enjoy Your Trip, Your Souls For Sale

The Price In Eternity, Is A Place Called HELL‼

So Enjoy Your Trip, And Talk To Trees

Then You’ll Be Stupid, Just Like these

 

(Someone else wrote the original second stanza.

I change it because of the vulgar words that were in it. )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Ken Blue

 

“His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.” Proverbs 5:22.

 

Someone has accurately said, “We spend the first thirty years making a mess of our life, and the next thirty trying to fix it.” There is more truth to that than fiction. Most of the sins of a lifetime are learned in our youth.

 

When I was pastoring, I ask one of the strongest men in our church to come to the platform to help me illustrate this point. I took a regular spool of sewing thread and wrapped it around his two hand once.  He broke it with ease. Next, I wrapped it about six times. This time it was a little more difficult, but he broke it. The last demonstration, I wrapped it around about twenty times. It was only sewing thread. What do you think? I can tell you, he could not break it.

 

The question is how many times must we commit an act of sin, or run with the wrong crowd before we are shackled to it, or them. By the time we find out, we find that we are already there.

 

Just a few drinks, just a few pills or powder, just a few acts of theft, just a few acts of sex, just a few words of filth and profanity, just a little folly with fools, and you discover you are one of them. Even if you want to be free, you find the cords of sin have a hold on you, and refuse to let you go. I personally knew a person who went to rehab for drugs and alcohol 21 times, and still died shackled by them.

 

Remember, every act of sin makes the next one easier, and it makes release more difficult. You never play with sin and win. Some who read this think it is a joke. If you think it is, I challenge you to give up the alcohol, the drugs, the profanity, or the crowd you should not be with, and then tell me how easy it is to break free. You have greater odds in Vegas, at the card table, than breaking free of a life of sin.

 

If you need to indulge in the above behavior to feel important, or accepted, you are setting yourself up for a life of misery. Stay clean. Avoid the crowd that will drag you down and introduce you to sins that will not let you go. Otherwise, you will find yourself shackled by your past.

 

 

 

ANTICHRIST KILLS GOD’S TWO WITNESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.  And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.  And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.”  (Revelation 11:8-12).

 

Dakes Bible note says; Jerusalem is called Sodom and Egypt because of becoming the headquarters of sodomites (homosexuals-Isaiah 1:9-10; Ezekiel 16:46,53) and whoredoms (sex and religious perversions-Ezekiel 23:3,8,19,27) during the last 3 1/2 years the Gentiles control the city (Revelation 11:1-2).  This indicates that sexual and religious perversions will be predominant sins ending this age (Matthew 24:37-39; Luke 17:26-30).

 

It is interesting that Jerusalem is called “The Holy City” in verse 2, Egypt, and Sodom in verse 8. Verse 2 speaks of God’s estimation of Jerusalem once He begins grafting the nation back into its favored status. (This is the meaning of Romans 11:12-24) Verse 8 declares their spiritual condition during this church dispensation, and at that time in Revelation.

 

It is possible that Gentiles participate in the rejoicing at the death of these two witnesses because it is the (v.9). Some will have seen the use of television to publicize this event. There is little doubt that those who “dwell” on the earth speak, primarily, of unbelieving Hebrews in the land of Israel. Their reaction reveals the national hatred for Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and moral decency. God will give them blood to drink, for they are worthy!

 

As always, God is in control. When these two witnesses serve their purpose, the beast (Antichrist) is permitted to kill them. What the beast intended to be a show of power and defiance, God turned into a public display of His greater power over life and death.  Verse 11 and 12 says, “…after three days and a half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet… And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.”

 

The restoration to life, the call from heaven to come up, the ascension, and the great earthquake were all public confirmations of God’s power, and His approval of these two prophets. These two witnesses are raptured to heaven at the end of the Tribulation period just prior to the Second Advent of Christ.

It is important to remember that this is not the resurrection or rapture of the church age saints. That event happened prior to Revelation 1:1. The context of this event is Revelation 11:15 where Christ returns to establish His Kingdom. “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”

 

There are at least seven raptures which can be identified in Scripture. We give the seven here:

 

1.         Enoch was taken and could not be found.

2.         Elijah was caught away in a whirlwind.

3.         Jesus ascended to heaven.

4.         Paul was caught up to paradise.

5.         Believers await the rapture of the church.

6.         The two witnesses of Revelation are caught up to

heaven.

7.         The 144,000 Jews.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Ken Blue

In the book of Daniel we have several accounts of coming world history in relation to Israel. The account in Daniel is from his time to the end of the age. Daniel is shown an image that represented Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and the revised Roman Empire consisting of ten kings. (Dan. 2:37-43).

These same kingdoms are shown again, except they are represented as animals. (8:5-9). The third kingdom in Daniel 2, the breast and arms of silver, is the he goat in Daniel 8. One should note that the he goat, Alexander the Great, conquers the Medes and Persians, and from the head of the he goat comes four horns. These four horns represent the four kingdoms formed in his empire by his four Generals. These four, we know today are Greece, Turkey, Syria, and Egypt. In verse 9, a “little horn” comes out of one of the four horns. The task is to find out from which of the four the “little horn” comes.

In Daniel 11:40, we read, “at the time of the end (the end of this age) shall the king of the south (Egypt) push at him: and the king of the north (Syria) shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships.” See (Dan. 11:40; 8:19; 9:27; 11:35,45; 12:1,7-13).

•  Dake’s Reference Bible: The vision concerns the very end of the Gentile world powers symbolized by the image of Dan. 2 and the beasts of Dan. 7 and Dan. 8; Rev. 13; 17:8-17. At the time of the end of this age in which we live, “shall the king of the south (Egypt) push at him (that is, the king of the north); and the king of the north (Syria) shall come against him (that is, the king of the south) like a whirlwind” with his armies and navies and conquer many countries (Dan. 11:40).
•  Dake: the little horn or Antichrist comes from Syria, one of the 4 divisions of the Grecian empire… He thus revives the old Grecian empire, which is symbolized by a leopard (dan. 7:6; rev. 13:1-2). The other 6 kingdoms of the old Roman Empire submit to him, making him their leader in a war with the north and east (dan. 11:44; rev. 17:12-17). If the wars of dan. 11:5-34 are only between Syria and Egypt, and if the last-day war of dan. 11:40-43 is between Syria and Egypt, ending with the overthrow of Egypt (the king of the south) by Syria (the king of the north), then it settles the question as to where antichrist comes from. He arises from Syria and will fulfill dan. 7:8,19-27; 8:9-14,22-25; 9:27; 11:40-45; 12:1-7; rev. 6:1-8; 13:1-18; 16:13-16; 17:8-17; 19:19-21.

We have quoted extensively from Dake, since we believe he has the best argument for Antichrist coming from Syria. Also, most commentators agree that this is the area he will come from. We are living in exciting days. Christians should be able to see the “unthawing” of the old Roman Empire, and the stage that is being set for new leaders, and a military genius who will be able, with the help of Satan, to conquer and lead his armies against the surrounding nations.

Israel will not only be in the path of the Antichrist and his armies, they will be under his heel. Some believe Israel will make a covenant with the Antichrist. However, he will decide to conquer all the Jews, and establish his headquarters in Jerusalem. “And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.” Daniel 11:45. “The Antichrist, or king of the north (Syria), will make his capital the Jewish temple in Jerusalem between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean Sea in the glorious holy mountain, Mount Moriah; yet he shall come to an end at Armageddon (Dan. 7:11,26-27; 8:25; 9:27; 2Th. 2:8; Rev. 19:19-21).” Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible. This is where he meets his “waterloo.” Christ will come with His armies, and Antichrist and all his followers will be destroyed. Many nations will acknowledge Jesus Christ as KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

I believe Christians should be expecting the rapture at any time, and also watching world events as they concern Israel. My hope is that the United States will remain a dependable friend to Israel. “Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2  And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3  And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 12:1-3.

Christians must understand that most of the Bible is not about the Church. Most of the Bible is about God’s Kingdom that was forfeited by Adam, and has been ruled by Satan ever since. God created the nation of Israel to be the one through which Jesus would come as King to reclaim the lost kingdom. This explains why Israel has been Satan’s number one nation to destroy down through the centuries, and that is his number one goal today. But, as we have shown from above, he will not succeed. He and all his followers, led by the king of Syria, will be destroyed at the coming of the KING OF KINGS! The Bible is about that King and His Kingdom. The only doctrinal portion to the church is Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon.