Change Blindness
Change Blindness
Wikipedia notes that William James (1842-1910) is the first person known to mention the lack of ability to detect change. He noted this in his book written in 1890, Principles of Psychology.
Researcher John Grimes began to use actual photographs in 1996 in his change blindness studies.
“A study by Rensink, O’Regan, & Clarke demonstrated that change blindness can have an effect even if the eye was fixated on a scene. In this study, a picture was presented followed by a blank screen or “masking” stimulus, which was followed by the initial picture with a change. The masking stimulus almost acts like a saccadic movement of the eye which makes it significantly more difficult for individuals to detect the change. This was a critical contribution to change blindness research because it demonstrated that a change can remain unnoticed with the smallest disruptions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Change_blindness
Magicians and illusionists are keenly aware of this human weakness and they capitalize on that fact. Satan, the greatest con-artist of all time, does as well.
Old men are known to fuss about change. Young men are known to laugh at the old men. I understand that. I too have been young, and now I am old.
There have been way too many who have refused to see or admit change in our churches today.
While some cannot see the change in what is ‘accepted’ and ‘permissible’ in Apostolic circles… a great many of us can.
If you are a Senior citizen that has been in church all your life, then you should know about:
Change that brings carnality to the forefront
Change that substituted rhythm, for worship
Change that is comfortable with programs instead of a move of the Holy Ghost
Change in what is now considered modest or holy
Change that wears form-fitting clothes
Change to the current acceptance of Hollywood
Change in attitude about faithful church attendance
Change in respect for the ministry
Change to not preaching against sin
Change in sermon content, from doctrine to pop psychology
Change in sermon content from including discipleship to outreach only
Change in attitudes about submission to the Word or to the man of God
Change to acceptance of organized sports
Change that is uncomfortable with services longer than an hour
Change to believing a prophet is only to prophesy blesses, healing and prosperity
Change that mocks the holiness minded
Change that loves jewelry and makeup
Change that doesn’t feel a need to pray all the way through
Change that is happy with change
My critics might suggest that I think that I am the only one that can see change. That’s not true. It’s just that I have nothing to lose and everything to gain by saying that I see what I see. I truly believe there are some precious people who are not purposely trying to change the good to the bad. They are not maliciously trying to put light for dark. I am submitting that even good people just have a case of Change Blindness.
Change Blindness is alive and well in Pentecostal churches today. That truly scares me when I think about what the future could hold if Jesus tarries.
Remember the Homeland Security Slogan… If you see something, say something. I just did.
Apostolic Expository Series
Christy Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
http://marciaballestero.com/
Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero, New Destiny Worship Center, Clearwater, FL (My Son)
Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero, Temple Of Pentecost, Raleigh, NC (My Son)
James Groce Blog – "Toward The Mark"
Kenneth Bow Blog
Kingdom Speak Podcast
Philip Harrelson – "The Barnabas Blog"
Verbal Bean Ministries
Holy Ghost Radio
The Ballestero Blog 
My Pastor just taught on these areas and preached on using the Holy Ghost in all matters. It is in these times that all need to see God in us and move through us. We need to move more for such a time as this…………Sis Catarina Desert Hot Springs UPC
cat41god
February 19, 2013 at 12:06 am
You’re right……at our age we have nothing to lose by speaking truth but tragically we could lose everything by being infected with change blindness. Help us Jesus to remain true to the things which we have held since we first met Him and let us continue to be faithful to our first love.
Buffeted by winds of change
But choosing to remain the same,
Comes not from strength within myself
But Christ in me who giveth help.
To stand and in His image be
My hearts desire…Lord live in me.
An oddity in this old world
But letting Jesus be unfurled
A banner high to show the way
To hear Him say “Well done” someday.
Elizabeth Herion
February 19, 2013 at 10:08 am
Oh, Bro Ballestero…Thank you, thank you! My heart has ached and hurt for so long in seeing the “change” in the church and even now makes me weep!…..How we need ministers to stand and deliver the “whole gospel”…the one I came into the church hearing preached!
The language I hear coming out of the mouths of supposedly Apostolic people…young and old….astounds me! “Let the WORDS OF MY MOUTH and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in they sight oh Lord”!
I remind myself of Elijah…he thought he was the only one left standing for the Lord when God reminded him of the ones that had not bowed their knee to Baal…..
We definitely need to cover the ministry with prayer….and the saints also….”Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus”!
Mary McCalip
February 19, 2013 at 7:58 pm
I hear alot amongst our young people to the effect “I don’t know why we can’t do this or that…” I find it disturbing. I remember my father one time saying, “That may seem like a small thing but it just opens a door to more and more.” God help us to “Stand in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, wherein is the good way, and walk therein…” Jer. 6:16. Sadly our young people can’t seem to see the effects these kinds of changes–contemporary music, worldly hairstyles, tight clothing, etc.–are having on our services…
Crystal Smith (Morris)
February 20, 2013 at 11:44 pm
Read your blog today. Thank you for writing. I love you Dad!
C. Anthony Ballestero
C. Anthony Ballestero
February 21, 2013 at 8:20 am
Great post, Elder. It is frightening to note glaring changes over a few months and years that others (including the one’s changing) seem unable to see!
It is for this reason (we are ALL susceptible) that the Scriptures admonish us to “keep [our] hearts with all diligence” and to examine ourselves, and to “take heed into thyself, and into the doctrine.” We need to stay vigilant, especially in these last days of “perilous times” wherein the love of many shall wax cold.
I appreciate the thoughtful post…
Peter Connell
February 21, 2013 at 1:41 pm
Well said, and so sadly true. I asked one leader in the Philippines if it were true that over fifty percent of the pastors had television. He looked at me and answered, “Yes. The church is in transition.” I thought about his answer for quite some time.
The church is not in transition. The church is founded upon the Rock. The Head of the church, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Organizations may be in transition. Local congregations may be in transition. Pastors and leaders might be in transition. But the church is not in transition.
Thanks for seeing and speaking.
Johnny King
March 3, 2013 at 5:18 pm
thanks
adrian.vessup@att.net
March 22, 2013 at 4:26 pm
I’m so blessed by the words that the Lord inspires you to share, Bro. Martyn. I am so happy I found this blog. We share the same faith. I am from an Apostolic Church in the Philippines.
But as a Young People Asst. Coordinator and a brethren in the body of Christ, it grieves me much seeing our yp letting themselves be friends with the system of the world. It’s very difficult to deal with them, especially to those who grew in Church. But we still persist in prayer, hoping they’ll be convicted again and be back to where they must conform. 🙂
Sis. Ann
December 5, 2013 at 10:24 am