Bring Them Up To Pitch

Bring Them Up To Pitch

The home going of Brother C. M. Becton is a great loss to us all. I will be among those that will truly miss him.

The first Camp Meeting I ever heard Bro. Becton preach, was Michigan’s in the 1970’s. I wish I could remember the exact title but I cannot. It was something about ‘Bringing Them Up To Pitch.’ I can remember his message though. It was one of those unforgettable messages. Here are some of his sermon points:

1. The Reader’s Digest told a true story about a shepherd that was lonely. He had no company but his portable radio and his violin. He wrote a letter to CBS and asked if they would play an ‘A’ at midnight on a certain night for him, so he could tune his violin. They did. It was important to him that his violin could be in tune. It’s always important to be in tune.

2. A piano has 88 keys. When it gets out of tune, it is not thrown away. A piano tuner is called. He has tuning forks, tools and instruments necessary to bring the piano back up to pitch. Then once again the instrument is looked upon with pride and it’s music becomes a joy.

3. Bro. Becton called the camp’s organist, and keyboardist to the platform. He expressed how noticeable it was to be off even one half of a note. The musicians were asked to play ‘Amazing Grace.’ in ‘A’ flat. It sounded beautiful. He then asked the organ player to play the song in ‘A’ flat and the keyboardist to play it in ‘A’. There was only a half note difference, but it was very unpleasant to the ears. It’s important to be in tune.

4. When Apollos first came preaching, his doctrine was off-key. Priscilla and Aquila did not throw him away or call him a false prophet; they just took him home and brought him up to pitch.

5. It is easy to discard people who are not just like us. (He was not talking about compromising the doctrine or doing away with holiness.) However, differences are everywhere. If you are quick to throw people away because they are not just like you, then remember the story of the piano being brought back up to pitch.

6. There are some things most commonly believed among us that are written in black and white in the Bible, and should never be changed or tampered with. On the other hand there are some things that are not essential for Salvation, and yet men have separated fellowship rather than bring them up to pitch.

7. Don’t be quick to throw people away if they seem a bit off-key. Just bring them up to pitch. It opens the door for unity.

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Update:

(Thanks to Sister Jana Allard, she has supplied me with the sermon title.)

“Someone referred to this message on FB and said the title was “A Certain Sound.”

Written by Martyn Ballestero

November 18, 2010 at 11:41 am

Posted in Death, Unity

11 Responses

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excellent!!!

kennethbow

November 18, 2010 at 12:11 pm

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I heard him preach it in bakersfield. he called it “A440”.

I have never forgot it.

kennethbow

November 18, 2010 at 3:37 pm

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I remember Brother Becton preaching this message! Great message. Did you write this from memory or from notes you took at the time? Kudos either way.

I, too, will miss C.M. becton. I served with him 23 years on the General Board and never knew him to be other than a Christian and a gentleman. (Is there any other kind of genuine Christian man?)

Johnny King

November 18, 2010 at 3:47 pm

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- Thank you. (From memory.) He was a Christian and a gentleman!
  
  mballestero
  
  November 18, 2010 at 4:23 pm
  
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Thanks Elder… This blessed me today!

Jerry Rowell

November 18, 2010 at 5:43 pm

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good stuff elder

Bobby Ikerd

November 18, 2010 at 6:56 pm

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As always a great message. I was only introduced to Bro. Becton once, but never knew him other than that.

My prayer is that men like you, brother Bow, Brother Streeval utilize your tuning instruments on me. I MUST be saved. Love you Brudder B.

Mac

November 18, 2010 at 8:30 pm

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- Thank you, love you man.
  
  mballestero
  
  November 18, 2010 at 10:17 pm
  
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Back in December of 1994 I drove 2 hours to Grayville IL to hear Bro. Becton preach. I had just began in the ministry and really enjoyed his preaching. It was at this service that I met my future wife, we began dating that next week. The 2 or 3 times we had him in my home church afterwords I would remind him that he was responsible for me meeting my wife. I don’t believe I ever met a man more dignified and yet humble. He was pure class and a dynamic preacher. Our young preachers would do well do pattern themselves after men like this.

Jeff Emery

November 18, 2010 at 11:15 pm

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An excellent thought Brother. We must strive for unity with the understanding of what is set in stone Biblical, and what never was.

Brian Norman

November 19, 2010 at 12:32 am

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This was powerful message that once again established the absolute truth of staying in tune with the foundations of this one God revelation. Thank God for instrument tuners that will Preach this Truth without compromise. To many today if they are not careful will get their heads turned with a careless, what does it matter attitude. ! I still have this message on a cassette tape and listen to it at least once a year to help keep me in tune>!!! Pastor Leo Fisher, New Life Apostolic Church, Gallup, New Mexico

Leo Fisher

June 23, 2019 at 7:44 pm

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