Archive for the ‘Baptism In Jesus Name’ Category
Boycott Trashy Gumbo
“If There’s Anything I Can’t Stand, It’s Trashy Gumbo!”
I love pretty much everything about the South. I’m neither a Southerner nor a Cajun Chef, but I do have taste buds that seldom lie. Before I married at the age of twenty-one, I’d already lived in twenty-two houses and attended twenty-six schools. So, I’ve gotten to see all of America growing up. It feels like I’ve lived everywhere, but most of my life has been spent in Indiana, so that feels most like home. It certainly is a non-gumbo state.
Since the beginning of my ministry, I have preached mainly in the South. Everyone there considers me a Yankee, even though I am a Westerner by birth. That being said, since I know I how to say, ya’ll and you guys, I somehow must be bi-lingual.
For the benefit of my non-southern friends, the folks down in Cajun Country are very particular about their Gumbo. They don’t freely call someone’s chicken and sausage soup, a Gumbo. Family recipes are treasured and protected. The Seafood Restaurants that serve great Gumbo will always have full parking lots.
I’ve eaten Gumbo with light rue, dark rue, and very dark rue. There are some Gumbos so thin that one could almost read a newspaper at the bottom of the bowl. I even eat my Gumbo with a scoop of hot potato salad and a boiled egg in it. My family really loves good Gumbo. Our cupboard always has some Tony’s, Cajun hot sauce and Creole seasoning in it too.
I have often been treated to what in my mind is the World’s finest Gumbo. But I didn’t start out eating good Gumbo. I preached a revival in rural Louisiana in the early sixties and the poor pastor and his wife made me my first taste of what they said was Gumbo. I ate it, not knowing if it was good or bad.
My teaching at home was to eat what was set before me, so I did. They told me after the dishes were done that it was ‘possum gumbo. My stomach had a board meeting that night to decide whether to keep the possum down or let it go free. It stayed, much to my disappointment.
Catching Southerners in candid moments when they are talking about someone else’s cooking is always memorable. I recently heard a dear southern friend confide to me, “If there’s anything I can’t stand, it’s trashy gumbo.” They really meant it too.
I’ve eaten ‘good Yankee Gumbo’ and good ‘Cajun Gumbo’ and I love it when I can get it. I’ve eaten stuff passed off as Gumbo and felt the need to pray for strength to get it all down. If gumbo tastes trashy, I may not even get through the first bowl.
Trashy Gumbo? Well, yes! You see, all the cooks have at their disposal the right ingredients, but the way bad cooks put it all together leaves a horrible distaste in the mouth of those who know the difference between good gumbo and trashy.
- No table guest in the South is prepared to suck his or her gumbo up through a straw because it got watered down so much in the kitchen.
- There’s some cooks make Gumbo so hot that no one can eat it without getting heartburn.
- Others use meat so sparingly you wonder why they even bothered.
- Then there’s some Gumbo that make’s me wonder if my old possum had any kin folks that made it over into my Gumbo again.
When It Comes To Doctrine And The Important Things Of God, Apostolic Preachers Have The Right Ingredients.
If There’s Anything I Can’t Stand, It’s Trashy Gumbo.
Brother Ballestero, Are You Talking Gumbo Or Church?
I’m Talking Mainly About Church.
Some folks may feel like they are actually being fed when they hear a watered down message, or one with no meat, no doctrine or substance. Then there are some that love it so hot that everyone gets burnt.
But, I still love it when the preacher gets up to preach and pulls out the old Apostolic Family Recipe and feeds the flock as though it was the Lord Himself who prepared the meal. It ‘s always nourishing and tastes just right!
My advice for today is:
Boycott Trashy Gumbo!
Unusual Remedies That Work
Unusual Remedies That Work
Masking Tape
Riding horses cross-country with friends was something I’ve enjoyed doing for nearly fifty years. I am not really a horseman, but my friends are. I am just a rider.
One year a dozen or more of us were camped at the Horseman’s Camp in Brown County State Park in Indiana. One of the riders, Jack Cunningham, cut the palm of his hand very deep while out on the trail.
We all searched our saddlebags but none of us had any antibiotic, gauze or Band-Aids. With his uninjured hand, Jack found a roll of masking tape in bottom of his saddlebag. “Here, this will work perfectly,” he said with great assurance.
I argued with him and said that it wasn’t made for healing or wrapping wounds, but for construction use.
Jack said, “I’m a carpenter. One day at work I cut myself. There were no supplies there either and all I had was this tape. I used it and the next morning, my cut was healed.”
“This cut in my palm will be completely closed and only a pink line will be showing in the morning. You’ll see.”
The next morning we all gathered around as he removed to tape to see for ourselves if this remedy worked or not. To our astonishment, the cut was closed and a pink line looked back at us. We shook our heads in amazement.
Unusual Home Remedies Are Nothing New.
We’ve Used Them Most Of Our Lives.
Hairspray To Remove Pencil Or Ink
I use hairspray to take pencil markings off of the wall, or ink out of my white shirt. After spraying the area, I rub it with a rough cloth similar to a washcloth.
Stop Hiccups With Sugar
Our family has used sugar to immediately stop the hiccups in infants, children and adults for many years.
(A teaspoon of sugar swallowed dry can stop hiccups in minutes, says Andre Dubois, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine in the emerging infectious diseases graduate program at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. – http://www.prevention.com)
Books Are Written About Man’s Unusual Remedies.
Some of them work. Some of them don’t.
A Book Has Already Been Written About God’s Unusual Remedies.
- He always has unusual solutions to our everyday problems.
- Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
- Job 9:10 Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number.
- His remedies catch us off guard
Here Are A Sampling Of God’s Unusual Remedies
Israel Had No Weapons To Defend Them In Battle.
- No problem! God sent hornets and drove the enemy off.
- Exodus 23:28 And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee.
Gideon? You Have Only 300 Armed Men Against 100,000 Armed Midianites?
- No problem! Get 300 trumpets, pitchers and lamps and you’ll be fine.
- Judges 7:16 And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man’s hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.
Your Borrowed Axe Head Flew Off The Handle Into The Bottom Of The Lake?
- No Problem. Throw in this stick and the axe head will float to the top.
- 2 Kings 6:5 But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.
- 2 Kings 6:6 And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.
You Got A Wall Six Feet Wide And Fifty Feet Tall That Is Keeping You From Being Blessed?
No Problem. Walk around it once a day for six days and on the seventh day walk around it seven times. Don’t say a word the whole time. Then after the seventh time around on the last day… When the trumpet sounds, lift up your voices and shout. The wall will come down.
You’ve Got 5,000 Hungry Men Plus Women And Children Here With No Food!
- No problem. These five loaves of bread and two little fish will be enough.
- Mark 6:41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
You Have The Palsy And Can’t Move Or Walk?
- No Problem. I’ll forgive your sins and you will be made normal.
- Matthew 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
Are You Barely Able To Get By On Your Paycheck?
- No problem, God says give Him 10% of your increase and He will make the 90% that is left go further than the 100% you originally had.
- Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Do You Need A Financial Blessing?
- Give and it shall be given to you.
- Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Sir, You’re Blind And You Can’t See?
- No Problem. Here, let me spit on the ground make it into clay and rub it in your eye.
- John 9:6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
- John 9:7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
Have You Run Out Of Wine For The Wedding Celebration?
- No problem. Fill up those jugs with water. And go pour them into the cups.
- John 2:7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
- John 2:8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
Haven’t Caught Anything?
- No problem. Cast your nets on the right side of the boat.
- John 21:5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.
- John 21:6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.
Are You Bleeding To Death And The Doctors Can’t Help You?
- No problem. Just touch the hem of my robe.
- Matthew 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
- Matthew 9:21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
- Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
Can’t Pay The Taxes?
- No problem. Go fishing and I will put a fish on your hook that has money in it’s mouth.
- Matthew 17:27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
Preacher Are You Hungry?
- No problem, I’ll fly your breakfast right in on raven’s wings.
- 1 Kings 17:5 So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.
- 1 Kings 17:6 And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.
If you cannot see the Hand of God working just like you imagined it should to fix your problem. Just trust Him anyway. His ways are above ours. They are past finding out. He will always come through for you.
God Not Only Has THE Remedy For Removing Sin, It Is Always Unusual.
After You Repent: God Will Remove All Of Your Sins, If:
- If you will stand in a pool of water and let the pastor baptize you, (by immersion), while he pronounces the words, “In The Name Of Jesus Christ.” Immediately your sins will be gone!
Jesus Said For His Disciples To Do It.
- Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
- Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Peter Said It And Did It At Pentecost!
- Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Baptism In Jesus Name Will Wash Away Your Sins!
Ananias Said To Paul:
- Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
This is the only cure and it is quite unusual. But, I promise you it will work. It has never failed.
God’s unusual remedy to take away all sin and remove one’s past is to simply let an Apostolic Pastor immerse you in water and say, “In The Name of Jesus,” when he baptizes you.
When you come out of that water, you sins will be gone. God will choose to remember them no more against you. They will be cast behind His back as far as the East is from the West.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
You Look Beautiful!
You Look Beautiful!
Those words are welcome to most ears. But, if you are like me, don’t hold your breath waiting for someone to say it. It is a very nice compliment but it is not always believable. We may not feel very beautiful at that moment, but the sentiment is always enjoyed.
We humans call a lot of things beautiful. But, we must be pretty shallow to throw the term around so easily. We look at:
- People
- An old 57 Chevy
- Sunsets
- Puppies
- Grandma’s old china
- A poem
- Every bride
- An eight point buck
- Red cowgirl boots
- Every selfie on Facebook
…And say the word, beautiful.
Men say those words to and about women. Sometimes women even say them to other women. Before the words are said, a quick examination of the recipient’s hair, face, smile, attitude, body and clothes is given before offering such a compliment.
The Even Bible Mentions A Few Beautiful Women
- Sarah was “a fair woman to look upon,”
- Lot’s daughters Jemima, Kezia and Karenhappuch were called the fairest in the land.
- Rachel, Jacob’s beloved was the first woman called beautiful in the Bible.
Beauty Products
According to jezebel.com over $38,600,000,000 is spent annually on cosmetics. (They also give a breakdown about the amounts of money that men and women spend each year and their low degree of happiness as a result.) It seems that most people are willing to spend a lot of money to have someone call them beautiful.
http://jezebel.com/5931654/americans-spend-billions-on-beauty-products-and-are-still-pretty-unhappy/
Why Not Choose To Have God Call You Beautiful?
Wouldn’t it be the ultimate compliment if God looked at us and said, “You look beautiful”?
What some folks think looks beautiful isn’t beautiful to God at all. He even uses the word abomination. For example, a woman wearing a man’s apparel doesn’t look beautiful to The Lord.
Carnal Pentecostal women have even been overheard telling their church sisters that they are out of style and that they dress like a grandma. They believe that to look beautiful, a lady should be current in her style of dress and wear clothes that showcase her anatomy more.
These people are called vain because they seek to be beautiful to the opposite sex and crave the attention and compliments of others. Since what we mortals call beautiful is not always what The Lord God calls beautiful. What then does God call beautiful?
I know His Word says that he made “everything beautiful in its time.” Our understanding of that broad statement is very limited at best because we see some things that do not appear beautiful to us. If we pay attention though, He does name some things that he calls beautiful.
God Calls The Church Beautiful.
Psalm 96:6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Song of Songs 6:10 Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?
Psalm 48:2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
Beauty Tip # 1: Are you part of His church? Then you’re beautiful to God.
God Calls Preaching Beautiful.
Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Beauty Tip # 2: Don’t criticize what God calls beautiful!
God Calls Salvation Beautiful.
Psalm 149:4 For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
Beauty Tip # 3: If you have obeyed Acts 2:38 by repenting, being baptized by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ and have received the Holy Ghost speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance… Then God has made you beautiful.
God Calls Holiness Beautiful.
Psalm 96:9 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
Psalm 29:2 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
2 Chronicles 20:21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.
Beauty Tip # 4: If you live a modest and godly life of separation from the world then God looks at you and calls you beautiful.
God Calls Long Hair On A Woman Beautiful.
1 Corinthians 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
1 Corinthians 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
Beauty Tip # 5: When women allow their hair to grow long and pray. God calls that beautiful.
God Calls Worship Beautiful.
Psalm 33:1 Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
Psalm 147:1 Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
Beauty Tip # 6: When worshippers lift up His name in praise, God calls that beautiful.
God Calls Watching His Children Be The Blessed, Beautiful.
Ecclesiastes 5:18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.
Beauty Tip # 7: When you are able to enjoy His blessings in daily life, God calls that beautiful.
You Want To Know What Is Really Beautiful To Me?
Jesus Is Beautiful to Me
Isaiah gave us an advance notice that something beautiful is about to happen when he prophesied about the coming Messiah.
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
The Word ‘Wonderful’ Is Another Synonym For Beautiful!
He Is Altogether Lovely
Song of Songs 5:16 … yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.
Serving God Is Beautiful
(Copyright, Nelon Music Co. 1986)
Serving God is beautiful
Serving the King of Kings,
I serve Him because I love Him, you see,
Serving God is beautiful to me.
Serving God is beautiful
Serving the King of Kings,
I serve Him because I love Him, you see,
Serving God is beautiful to me.
Why My English Teacher Wanted To Be Baptized In Jesus Name! (Anniversary Re-post)
December 2014 celebrates the fifth birthday of The Ballestero Blog. I personally wish to thank each one of my readers. In memory of this anniversary, popular posts will be showcased from each year. This one is from March 2010:
Why My English Teacher Wanted To Be Baptized In Jesus Name!
Ms. DeGroote, as she wished to be called, was from France and she taught my senior year English class at South Bend Central High. She was 63 and referred to herself as a spinster. We had more creative names for her. Most of the students dreaded her classes. We were taught diction and enunciation with a heavy French accent. It seemed to make learning to speak proper English an impossibility with her as the instructor. By much effort I received the only A in her class both semesters.
My class was filled with Catholic students. South Bend, Indiana still is a predominately Catholic town. Its claim to fame is the University of Notre Dame. I was the only non-Catholic in the class.
Ms. DeGroote was a stern woman who tolerated no-nonsense in any of her classes. I was highly confined in her restrictive and controlled environment.
During the course, we had many weeks of conjugation and diagramming sentences. Somehow the nerd in me found those subjects easy and interesting. No, that is not normal, but it happened nevertheless. (I knew I was a nerd and not a geek, because geeks make more money than nerds.)
One day Ms. DeGroote said, “Now students, tomorrow I want you to bring to class a sentence or sentences that you have diagrammed. You may go to the board and diagram your sentence, and I will correct your paper. Or, I will go to the board and diagram your sentence while you correct the paper.
For the life of me, I could not think of a sentence to diagram. Especially since the whole class would see. Then it dawned on me. What better sentence in the world to diagram! I went home, picked up my Bible, and copied Mt. 28:19 down. I proceeded to diagram the verse. This just had to be right.
The next day couldn’t come soon enough. I was ready for class. When 3rd period English finally arrived I knew I would be the second one called on. Everything in the class was by alphabet. Even our seating was arranged that way. I set behind Adams. We were all called by our last names.
When Adams was called on, he went to the chalkboard and almost got his correct. Ms. DeGroote sat at his empty desk and corrected his paper while he was at the board. When he finished, I heard “Ballestero!”
“I would like you to go to the board and diagram my sentence, and I will correct my own paper,” I said to Ms. DeGroote.
She said, “Read me your sentence.”
“It’s a Bible verse, if that’s OK,” I ventured.
She nodded and I read my Scripture.
Matthew 28:19 (KJV) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
“Go ye therefore (comma)” I said.
Ms. DeGroote prefaced her work with a (you) in front of the word “Go”.
When I read the verse aloud, I paused on the word “name,” while I waited for her to catch up.
“Of the Father,” I said.
“Now, here we have a prepositional phrase modifying the word name. At this point we do not know yet what the name of the person is, but we do know by this prepositional phrase, that whoever this person is, they are a Father,” she said.
She then drew the appropriate lines on her diagram.
“Of the Son,” I continued.
“Now we know, that this person is both a Father and a Son, but we still don’t have a name.”
“Ms. DeGroote,” a girl named Williams called out with her hand in the air. “Aren’t Father and Son names?”
“They’re just descriptive titles. They tell us something about the name, but they don’t tell us His name, they are only titles.” was her answer.
She again drew the second prepositional phrase on the board.
“Of the Holy Ghost.” I continued.
After the 3rd prepositional phrase was in place, my teacher looked carefully at the diagram on the board from end to end. She shook her head. “All we know here is that whoever this person is, they are a Father, a Son, and they are the Holy Ghost! But we still don’t know what the name is.”
“Martyn,” she said looking at me carefully, “What is the name?”
I had been waiting for this moment. I stood, and gently said, “Jesus is the name!”
Ms DeGroote looked at her writing on the board. Then she turned back to me with her arms wide in surrender. With a heavy French accent, my Catholic English teacher said, “I guess I need to be baptized in Jesus name!”
“Yes!” I said as I pulled my upraised clenched fist down from my chin area. The other 30 students in the class clapped. I did a modest jig in the class aisle myself.
Have you been baptized in Jesus name?
Acts 2:38 (KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 4:12 (KJV) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
You Say That You Want to Go To Heaven? I’m Really Not Convinced.
You Say That You Want to Go To Heaven? I’m Really Not Convinced.
You say to me that you are an Apostolic Pentecostal. To me, that means you have repented of your sins and have been baptized by immersion in Jesus Name, and have received the Gift of the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in tongues. If this is true, surely Heaven must be on your mind!
So then, if that is who you are, then we need to talk a bit. The reasons I want to talk to you are because of what I have been hearing and seeing lately.
You’ve Been Missing Church.
First of all, I hear that you’ve not been very faithful to your regular church services. How come? What’s the matter? Why is it easy for you to miss church? Why do you put your soul in jeopardy? You must not be very serious about being saved.
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
You don’t or won’t come to church faithfully, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Love Sports More than You Love God.
They tell me that you miss a lot of church, yet you faithfully go to ball games and sporting events. Now that really bothers me. Why are you so willing to sit in an arena full of sinners and let your heart beat as one with theirs, yet you don’t let your heart, as a saint, beat as one with them for Him in the church? You know better.
You can quote all the stats of the major teams. You know their names, their rankings, their coaches and when they play next. Yet, you struggle to remember and quote scriptures. Doesn’t that tell you where your heart really is? You must not be very serious about being saved.
2 Timothy 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
You are wrapped up in sports more than church, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Don’t Have A Teachable Spirit.
I see that you question every standard in the church and argue almost every point of doctrine. It’s like you want to change the whole church to suit you.
Some around you get the opinion that you think you know more than your teachers. That you are right and everyone else is wrong. You don’t seem to be teachable. You must not be very serious about being saved.
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
You are don’t want anyone to teach you because you know it all, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Don’t Pay Your Tithes.
You complain that you can’t afford to pay tithes. That makes me really disappointed in you. The bottom line is that you cannot afford not to pay tithes.
Your argument doesn’t hold much water though when everyone sees that you continue to spend your money on pleasures and life comforts. Don’t you know it’s dangerous to rob God? You know better than to walk around with God’s money in your pocket. You must not be very serious about being saved.
Malachi 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Malachi 3:9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
You don’t or won’t pay tithes faithfully, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Prayer Life Is Dead.
How come I haven’t been seeing you in the prayer room very much before church? Your soul needs God’s touch every day. You must not be very serious about being saved.
Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
You don’t or won’t even visit the prayer room, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Don’t Worship Anymore.
Your responses in the services to worship and preaching lately have not been good at all. That is a sign that you are spiritually sick.
Worship is everyone’s business. Especially yours. It is a requirement, you know. Don’t tell me that it is not your nature to be demonstrative. When you were born again, you were given a new nature, use it.
Besides, you show plenty of emotion playing a ball game, catching a big fish, and even celebrating a birthday party. Yet, you sit mummified at church. What’s the deal? You must not be very serious about being saved.
Psalm 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
You don’t or won’t worship, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You’ve Been Dressing Just Like The World.
Whatever the fad or fashion of the world is, you are so quick to follow. No one can see much difference between you or them.
Your willingness to sacrifice your modesty for fashion is sad. It seems that you desire to look more like movie stars than to be God’s light in this dark world. You have shown no visible testimony. We were counting on you.
On Facebook and other social media you post pictures of yourself and your family that should have embarrassed you as a Pentecostal. But it didn’t. It embarrasses the rest of us though. You seem to have lost your shame. You know better.
Holiness is not only on the inside. What is in the heart soon shows on the outside. And, what’s in your heart is definitely showing. Evidently, your love for style and fashion of this world has made you ignore Scripture about modest apparel. You must not be very serious about being saved.
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
When women cut their hair, put on make up, jewelry or wear pants, mini-skirts and shorts, and still say that want to go to heaven? I’m not convinced.
When men grow their hair long, wear shorts and tank tops, drink alcohol and get tattoos, and still say that want to go to heaven. I’m not convinced.
You Are Dating A Sinner.
Why would you be so foolish as to play the same game Samson did? He lost and you will too. The very fact that you are attracted to ungodly thinking people doesn’t say much in your favor. Why are you willing to risk everything? You must not be very serious about being saved.
2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
You love the people who love what God hates, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m not convinced.
You Are Looking At Someone Else, And You’re Already Married.
How can you even think God is ok with your conduct? You must not be very serious about being saved.
Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
You have exhibited the spirit of adultery, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m not convinced.
You Let You Job Keep You Out Of Church.
You and I both know how the devil works. Why do you ignore that? No job is worth putting your soul in jeopardy over. If you really wanted to be in church you would find a way, even if it means changing jobs.
Don’t let your ‘need’ for money drive you away from God or His house. You must not be very serious about being saved.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
You are spending your life chasing the dollar, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m not convinced.
You Have Become Hateful.
Your mean spirit has caused you to spread hurtful rumors about others. You seem to be filled with bitterness and refuse to let it all go or put it under the blood. Why do you seem to delight holding grudges?
You have caused discord and division in the house of God. God’s Kingdom only thrives on unity and you are destroying that. You are hindering revival. God is not happy. You must not be very serious about being saved.
Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Proverbs 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Proverbs 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Proverbs 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
You cause division and discord in the house of God, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Are Rebellious, And No Different To God Than A Witch Doctor.
So you don’t want anyone telling you what to do or how to live? You would readily believe what you want, and would change churches rather than submit and obey. You must not be very serious about being saved.
1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
You have lived in rebellion against the man of God for years, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Are In Love With Hollywood.
All you seem to talk about is your favorite movie or what you watched last night. Movie Night must be the in-thing now for you right now.
You know all the actors in each sitcom. And, you don’t seem to be too careful about telling it either. Your love for entertainment is so strong. I don’t see you easily turning around very easily.
Would you be comfortable sitting there watching your movie with Jesus sitting beside you? I don’t think so. You must not be very serious about being saved.
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
You love Hollywood more than God it seems, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Don’t Even Respond To Altar Calls.
When God gives you a chance to recover yourself and to be restored, you make no move.
The altar is not only where you got saved, it’s where you stay saved. You and I both know that a good old-fashioned praying through would solve all of your spiritual and emotional problems. Why then do you wait?
Your refusal or reluctance to consecrate and pray through is a sign that you are not thinking about heaven. You’ve been avoiding the altar. You must not be very serious about being saved.
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
You don’t or won’t pray through, and you still say you want to go to heaven? I’m really not convinced.
You Say, “God Already Knows My Heart, Why Do I Have To Convince A Preacher?
Don’t even go there. To even ask that, you must not be very serious about being saved.
If your pastor makes it to heaven, he must to give an account of you before the Lord. God will ask him about you. You really do need a pastor to be saved. You cannot make it on your own.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
You Must Change.
If you want to go to heaven, it is time right now to start doing something about it. You know what to do. Give God a life that He can bless. He wants to bless you, so give Him the chance.
It is not too late to turn around. Be a light in this dark world. Let your light shine unto them. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Live for God with all your heart.
Don’t even think about compromising anymore. Don’t keep cutting corners with God. Get in church like never before.
But, don’t try to get back where you used to be or you’ll wind up again where you are right now. Get more than you’ve ever had. Really pray through this time. Be filled with the Spirit.
If you will pray through and change, and say you want to go to heaven, I’ll really be convinced.
Inside Mercy’s House
It’s Here!
Download Your Free E-Book Now
(Just click on the picture)
A Short Story for Young People
By
Martyn Ballestero Sr.
Edited By
Nila Marxer
© 2014 Martyn Ballestero Sr.
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or part without the express written permission. Contact martyn238@aol.com
Dedication
I dedicate this story to my precious Grandchildren.
They all make me proud!
Kalyx Ballestero, Carlton Ballestero, Braden Ballestero,
Huntley Ballestero, Christyana Ballestero, Christian Ballestero, Caison Ballestero, Gentson Ballestero
Jeron Ballestero, Chloe Ballestero, Zion Ballestero
Garrison Hartzell, Cadence Hartzell, & Ainsley Hartzell
The First Paragraph:
“Shame stood there quietly in woods while the afternoon sun lazily highlighted his disheveled hair. His head hung down from sheer exhaustion. He didn’t feel like he could run another step. The birds had stopped singing momentarily to watch this unwelcome intruder as he looked for a place to sit down out of view of the path.”
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
This free e-book is available in three formats. Click on the picture or the link to access and download the book from Dropbox. No registration or account is needed. Here’s the Dropbox link:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/h70uly3f9x5u75s/AAAg1mMKav0CCgAa6stWVyV7a?dl=0
There are three file types available.
If you read books on a Kindle, select the Mobi file or PDF
If you read books on an iPad or iPhone, choose the Epub file (or PDF if you have the pdf app.)
If you read books on a Andoid choose the Mobi file and use with the Kindle app.
If you read books on your Computer, and have Adobe Reader try the PDF
If you are having trouble, maybe these “how-to” links will help:
http://osxdaily.com/2012/03/25/transfer-mobi-epub-ebook-files-to-ipad/
http://askleo.com/how_do_i_download_and_read_a_pdf_ebook/
http://www.ehow.com/how_8230718_open-ebook-email-iphone.html
(If you need help or the link does not work, let me know. Blessings to all. – MJB)
Andrew Loves Telemarketers
Andrew Loves Telemarketers
Most of us dread it when the calling number is unrecognized by the caller ID. Many have been known to let the call go to voicemail just to see what the caller wanted. Not Andrew!
Andrew is my youngest of five. He responds to the dreaded telemarketers in a manner that makes the rest of his family smile. Even so, it may be a stretch to say he actually loves them. Maybe I could have used a better choice of words.
The Telemarketers have learned to give him a wide berth. Take this last call for instance…
Telemarketer: “Hello Mr. Ballestero, I am Jerry with the Widget Company International. Do you have a few minutes to hear about our awesome products?”
Andrew: “Sure, If you have a few minutes to hear about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!”
Telemarketer: I’m sorry, we are not allowed to discuss the subject of religion.”
The Telemarketer hangs up!
He Didn’t Know Anything About Sin.
He Didn’t Know Anything About Sin.
The little lamb watched as the two men approached. He continued to graze as they slowly walked among the flock and took a long time looking at each lamb with a critical eye.
He hadn’t been around humans very much. He knew little of them. He had no understanding of their nature. They were different from him. They were bold, loud, and they made him uneasy. He was a just a lamb.
As a lamb, all he had ever known was the peace of the morning sun, and the gentle breeze of the afternoon as he napped. He enjoyed the lush green grass of the pasture and the cool still waters of the little brook. He even liked the evening dew on his back. But, he knew nothing of anything else.
He didn’t know anything about sin.- He knew nothing of shame or condemnation.
- He didn’t know the meaning of stealing or robbing.
- He knew nothing about hatred, or bitterness.
- He didn’t know about addictions or substance abuse.
- He knew nothing of impurity or immorality.
- He didn’t know about lying or deception.
- He knew nothing about not honoring his father or mother.
- He didn’t know about idols or graven images.
- He knew nothing of coveting or lust.
- He didn’t know about jealousy or strife.
- He knew nothing about sin.
He watched as their eyes focused on him. Soon, the older one reached down and held him while the younger began to examine him.
The lamb stood silently still as a hand rubbed down his backbone.
“Perfect,” the younger man said.
The hand ran down his front leg as the man continued his commentary.
“He’s not bow-legged, or knock-kneed. He’s not splayed or pigeon-toed.
“He’s perfect!” The younger man said again.
Then firm hands held him still as the men critically examined his head.
“Perfect,” the old man said.
They looked at his ears, and their placement on his head.
They looked into his eyes, to see if he was wall-eyed, bug-eyed, cross-eyed, blind, or injured.
They also examined his eyelids to see if they worked properly.
“Every thing looks perfect on his head too,” the old man said.
Then, the hands rubbed down his nose, checking for bumps, lumps or dips, before pulling his lips apart to look into his mouth. They looked at his teeth placement and checked for any abnormality.
“Check him for a over bite or under bite,” the old man said.
The lamb felt the hands turn his head sideways as the two examined his jaw.
“He’s Perfect,” the younger man said.
“Let’s check him for scars, or scratches.” The young man suggested.
Hands slowly examined his back, sides and legs through the wool.
“He perfect!” the younger man said again.
“Does he have scabies, or eczema?
Oh, and check his conformation again, and look once again for any other deformity.” The older man ordered.
When the examination was finished, the older man turned to his son and became serious.
“When you go to the priest today seeking forgiveness for your sins, it will not be you, that the priest examines. He will only examine the lamb. As much as I love you son, you can’t pass inspection. Neither can I.
“If the lamb is perfect, then we are forgiven! Only the blood of a perfect lamb will cover our sins. Just like in the Garden when a perfect lamb was slain for the sins of Adam and Eve.
“Now, this lamb is perfect, so take it to the priest and your sins will be forgiven. You have found the perfect lamb.”
The young man picked up the lamb, held it carefully in his arms as he walked towards the Tabernacle.
÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷÷
Old Testament – The Only Way To Remit Sin Was By The Blood Of The Lamb.
Exodus 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
New Testament – The Only Way To Remit Sin Was By The Blood Of The Lamb.
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
1Pet 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1Pet 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
Today – The Only Way To Remit Sin Is By The Blood Of The Lamb.
How Does This Story Apply To My Life Today?
Only the blood of the Lamb of God can cover our sins. That happens when we are baptized and the name of Jesus is called over us in obedience to Acts 2:38! (Just like everyone in the New Testament Church was baptized.)
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Are Your Sins Remitted?
1. If not, and you would like a Home Bible Study in your home, please let me know. I will be happy to assist you.
2. Also, It would be my honor to direct you to a great Apostolic church near you!
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 