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The Night The Devil Got Scared!

The Devil stood behind the old man’s desk chair. He looked over his shoulder as the man wrote. The notes may not have been clearly understood to the average reader, but the Devil had no problem understanding their meaning.

A smirk of disdain came over Lucifer’s face. He knew what those notes were about. They spelled nothing but trouble for him. He knew what would happen if the words on these notes were ever spoken aloud and certain people heard them. Something had to be done immediately to keep that from happening!

The old man kept writing. The more he wrote, the more serious the Devil’s face became. This was an emergency! He had to intervene and defuse the situation. He had to do something, and do something now!

The old man suddenly bent over and laid his head on his desk. His shoulders shook slightly as he silently cried. His passion and fervor caused his heart much pain as he thought about the present danger to some of those he loved.

But then another thought crossed the man’s mind and he quickly wrote it down. The Devil read what he had written, and panicked.

Turning aside, he called to his Imps standing idly by. He bellowed out orders in a tone that they knew signaled a Red Alert.

“You,” he said, “make sure David has to work late tonight.

“And you,” he said point to another Imp, “make sure that Mary’s kids get sick immediately.”

“Go, create a plumbing problem at Bob’s house NOW!” He said to another.

“Oh, and while we’re at it,” he said looking at the fourth Imp, “give Sandra plenty of homework tonight. And if you’ve got time, give old Charlie a headache.”

The Imps howled their fiendish delight at the prospect of carrying out their orders. They all immediately vanished to complete their duties.

The frown on the Devil’s face relaxed somewhat. The smirk of confidence came back to him. He crossed his arms and turned his attention elsewhere for the moment.

The phone on the desk rang.

“First Pentecostal Church,” the old man said, “Pastor Jones speaking.”

“Pastor, this is David. I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news. The boss just came by and said we will all have to work overtime tonight. So, I won’t be able to be in church tonight. I am very sorry.”

“I am too, Brother David. I felt like the Lord had a special word for you tonight.” Pastor Jones said. “But, thanks for calling.”

The pastor leaned back in his chair and shook his head. He looked at his notes again and made a small addition.

Within minutes, the phone jangled again.

The caller was Mary. “Pastor, I’m calling for prayer. My two little ones have come down with something. They are running fevers. I am going to have to keep them in tonight. I know I need to be in church. I was certainly planning on being there tonight. Lately it seems it’s always something that keeps us out. If it’s not one thing, it seems to be another. Please keep us in your prayers.”

“I will, Sister Mary. I was hoping you could be there tonight. Missing church always takes an expensive toll on our soul. Thank you for calling.

Pastor Jones leaned forward and placed his face in his hands. He prayed a prayer for the sick babies, but he prayed against the working of the enemy in Sister Mary’s family too.

Before the hour was up, Brother Bob called. Somehow the septic tank back-flushed into the house and over 200 gallons of sewage flooded the main floor. Plumbers, and insurance people were on their way over. He would have to move into a motel tonight.

The Devil had a relaxed smile on his face. His boys were doing good work. They sure knew how to keep people out of church.

Sandra was the last to call. “Pastor,” she said, “I have a major test tomorrow. It will determine 60% of my final grade. I really need to study and cram for this test. I need to be excused tonight.”

The blinking light on the machine told him that a message had come in while he was on the phone. It was from Charlie. He had come home from the mall with a headache and didn’t think he would feel good enough to come to church.

The Pastor saw the handiwork of the Devil. The very ones that needed the sermon he was preparing wouldn’t be there to hear it tonight. Why couldn’t some people recognize Satan’s handiwork when things kept coming up to keep them home from church?

The pastor knew that sometimes there were legitimate excuses for folks to miss church. Too often however, some that stayed home were still well enough to go to work, school or Wal-Mart. Yet they found it easy to miss church.

Why couldn’t people get a revelation of the importance of faithfulness to every service? Was he the only one that could see that? Why couldn’t they see patterns developing in their lives that kept them out of church? Didn’t they see that it was the Devil’s business to keep them out of church?

The Imps came back into the room and the Devil high-fived them all. There was minimal damage the preacher’s message could do tonight!

The pastor picked up his Bible and his sermon notes and headed to the prayer room. He prayed for a mighty move of the Holy Ghost in the service. The Devil was fighting against the church, but God was greater. Satan would not prevail. God was still on the throne! The way Satan was fighting the church was to him a sign to him that Revival was on the way!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

February 26, 2012 at 11:24 am

Posted in Christian Living, Pastors

Tagged with Excuses, faithfulness, Missing Church

If God Had A Cell Phone, Would He Call You?

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If God Had A Cell Phone, Would He Call You?

1975 was the first time I’d ever heard of Jerry Jordan. His Album, Phone Call From God, became quite a hit.

I felt like listening to it again recently. It’s still funny, but it’s message isn’t lost in the process.

Phone Call from God by Jerry Jordan

(Man in easy chair watching TV. The phone rings.)

Hon, the phone’s a ringin’…will ya get it for me please? I’m a tryin’ to watch ol’ Johnny Carson. What? Get it myself?

Hello? Long distance? Yeah, this is me…who’s this? What? Whadaya mean am I a Christian? I don’t know. Who’s a callin’?

D-d-d-did you say h-h-heaven? W-w-w heh heh…w-well hello Lord! W-w-well Sir, I’ve been a Christian a long time. Y-y-yes Sir, I sure have. A-a-after all…Sir? You hadn’t heard from me in quite a while so you thought you’d better just go ahead and call, huh?

W-w-well, Lord, I tell ya, well just last night…this same time last night, I’s a plannin’ on talkin’ ta you. I-I was a layin’ there watchin’ that ol’ television, that ol’ Johnny Carson ya know was on the TV. I said to my wife, I said ‘Hon, ya know as soon as ol’ Johnny gets off the television we oughta get on our knees and talk to the Lord.’ That’s what we said. And I wish to goodness we’d a gone ahead and done it, but we didn’t. But I tell ya Lord what I’m gonna do…I’m gonna start doing that. I sure am. I’m gonna say my prayers tonight…whether I need to or not. Yes Sir.

Sir? Yes Sir, I go to church. Yes Sir, every Sunday…I’m a faithful church member. I sure am.

Sir? Did I go last Sunday? Yes Sir, I went last Sunday. I went for mornin’ preachin’…wonderful church.

Sir? W-what did the preacher preach on? Well…uh, you know how the preacher is, don’t ya? He preaches on the platform. Oh! Y-yeah, I understand. W-well h-he taught mostly about the Bible.

Sir? Oh! W-well he referred to…h-h-he talked about M-m-matthew you know…no, no I don’t believe it was Matthew…I-I-I believe it was Mark. No…no, that was a couple of months ago…uh uh, now let’s see. Now I remember it was uh…

Sir? Sunday night? No. No, Lord I didn’t make it Sunday night, Lord. I-I…Sir? Uh…Bonanza. Yes, Sir…w-well Sir, ya know, I would have gone. I was a plannin’ on goin’. But I got ta sittin’ around on Sunday afternoon a thinkin’, and I said to myself, you the next day’s Monday and…

Sir? Yes Sir, it’s been that way a long time I reckon. But I got thinkin’ that I need my rest. And Lord it’s so cotton-pickin’ hard anymore to go to church on Sunday all day and, and night, and then have to get up the next mornin’ and w-well…Sir? Sunday before last? Well, Lord ya know, you just picked on a couple of bad ones here. But you know, I work so hard all week and Sunday before last was such a pretty day and everything…and I didn’t go to church, Lord. I tell ya, I went out and…Sir? Oh you know where I went, huh?

Yes Sir, I caught two bass and one croppy. Sir? What time did I get home that night…from fishin’ ya mean? Well…it was about 10:30 that night. Yes Sir, it was probably a lot later than if I’d gone to church that night…but fishin’ is different!…It ain’t church. Well, I couldn’t a gone to church noways cause my wife was a home sick and somebody woulda had to stay with her.

Sir? Lord, yes Sir Lord! I’m so glad you asked that question! Yes Sir, Lord, I’m a good steward. Yes Sir, I sure am! You’re talkin’ about steward…you mean tithin’ and givin’ to the church and all? Yes Sir, yes Sir I give to the church. I sure do. I give to the church every Sunday. Sir? Yes, Sir…every Sunday that I go. I gave 58 dollars to the church last year. I sure did. Cause after all…

Sir? What do you mean you don’t think I understand what stewardship means? Ten percent?…Of everything that I own belongs to you? Well yes Sir Lord, I-I know about that, but I tell ya, right now you just kinda called at a bad time. You just picked a bad time…we’re in a recession down here ya know…and the thing done turned into a depression for me…and and I just can’t give any more, Lord, than that right now and and…

Sir? Ten percent. Well…I gave that fif-fif-fif, well that money ya see last year. And after all that’s a little more than a dollar a week you know…Sir? How much do I make? You’re talkin’ about money still? W-well, it was a little over ten thousand dollars. That don’t tally out too good, does it Lord?

W-well, now I-I know that and ya know, and I told ya before and and as soon as I get that boat motor paid for, ya know I just got the thing and and you know my wife? I thought ya might. Well Lord, she can just walk across the floor and fall on somethin’ ya know. She did that the other day…broke her hip bone.

Y-y-yes…ten percent. Y-yeah Lord, but if I don’t pay off, pay off this boat and motor, they’ll come and get it… and then I won’t have one. Sir? You think if I don’t start paying my tithe, I ain’t gonna need no boat and motor down here? Yes Sir…that was cleared up…completely clear. It sure was. Sir?

Around my kids? Influence, ya mean? Well yes. I’m a good Christian in front of the kids. Lord, never do we do anything in this here house or say anything that be wrong in front of our children. No Sir…not a word. I don’t believe in it.
And that’s…Sir? What did I say when I got my thumb caught in the linen closet? You heard about that? Well…I was just standin’ there, Lord, you know, and all of a sudden this door here come out from nowhere, and and my thumb was in the way, and and it hurt so bad, and and it was awful and I said…well Lord, heh heh, never mind what I said.

But…Sir? Praise? Yes Sir, I give praise. Yes Sir, I sure do. I’s a readin’ the Bible the other day…I picked it up and it said in Theesaleenians to give the Lord the praise. I sure did. But I tell ya Lord, it was just a little hard to find a place to give the praise when I got my thumb caught in the closet door.

Sir? Yes Sir, I sure do. I love that preacher! He’s a wonderful man! That’s the preachenist dude I’ve ever seen. I-I love him. I sure do. Sir? If he’s such a wonderful preacher then why don’t I start doing more of what he says? Well, Lord, I-I thought I did pretty much what he says already.

Sir? If I’m doing all he says, he must not say a whole lot, huh? Well, Lord, maybe you should’ve called him instead of me. Heh, heh. Oh well, that was just a thought anyway, Lord.

Sir? Yes, I know that Lord. I know that and you’re right. You sure are. This is one of the very few countries that we’ve got that we can work in You without violating those man-made laws.

Yes Sir and I-I…Sir? Yes Sir, I realize that you must love us dearly and giving your Son to die on the cross, Lord, you know. And I do appreciate it…I sure do. This phone call has meant a lot to me.

Sir? Oh, you gotta go now? Well now I tell ya Lord, I appreciate ya callin’, and and thanks for reminding me and all, and I’m gonna start doing better. I-I think I need to…
Sir? You think I need to, too huh? Well I am. I’m gonna rededicate my life right now, Lord. I sure am. And I’m gonna start tithing my tithe, my ten percent, and paying my debts Lord, and I…yes Sir and I’m gonna go to church on Sunday…and Sunday morning worship preaching…and every time Lord they have church, I’m gonna be there Lord and take an active part in it.

Sir? Yes Sir and pray for others…just like they’ve been praying for me. Yes, Sir Lord. Now now you know how dependable that I am, and Lord you can depend on me for doing that. Heh, heh. OK Lord, and thank you, I thank you so much for callin’, hear? Good bye, now.

What’s that dear? Who was it on the telephone? Never mind. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you who it was. Was it the wrong number? Well no, it wasn’t the wrong number. Believe me, the man has my number. In fact I think he probably has a lot of people’s numbers. But I tell you one thing, the next time the phone rings, you can answer it. You needed it a whole lot worse than I did.

______________________________________________________

—Lyrics submitted by “Gary.”

Lyrics powered by LyricFindwritten by BUD ANDREWS, ED WILKES, JERRY JORDANLyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
http://www.lyrics.com/phone-call-from-god-lyrics-jerry-jordan.html

_______________________________________________________

Some folk should be glad that God doesn’t have a cell phone.

If God had a cell phone, would He call you?

Written by Martyn Ballestero

December 3, 2011 at 12:06 am

Posted in Ministry, Pastors

Tagged with Ministry, Pastors

Preaching Is

“Go Preach ‘Em Happy”

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“Go Preach Em Happy”

by Pastor Roy Barnhill

Pastor Roy Barnhill

I introduce to you Rev. Virgil Cox. Some may not know him, so allow this short biography.

Virgil Cox was raised in St. Louis by his parents Virgil (Deacon) and Christine Cox. As a family, they attended White Way Tabernacle, pastored by Walter Guinn.

Virgil Jr. was 16 years old in 1945. The “merger” of two oneness organizations was in progress and Virgil was a teenage witness to this historical moment that was being held at White Way. In those days, ministers did not stay in three or four star hotels but rather, were invited to stay in the saint’s homes. Several highly esteemed elders stayed in the Cox home.

During the “merger” and young Virgil was privileged to meet many of them who had come to this historical conference, which convened in St. Louis.

Virgil Cox pastored in Vichy, Missouri and later in Jefferson City, Missouri. From Jefferson City he was asked to come to Bogalusa, LA where he pastored until his retirement. His son, Kevin Cox, is now District Superintendent of LA.

Through the years, I kept contact with Bro. Cox and would call him on a regular basis just to hear him tell again how things use to be in the “good ole days” and how times have changed.

We never talked about church growth principles, as such, but the advice he gave me before each call was ended, has been some of the best advice on growing people and growing a church. His closing words would always be, “Roy, Go Preach ‘Em Happy”.

After hearing this advice for several months, my curiosity got the best of me and I asked, “Bro. Cox, what do you mean, “Go Preach ‘Em Happy”?

What I heard next should be achieved in People Principles 101. Bro. Cox shared with me how people are beat up and beat down by life’s hardships and hurts, so when they come to your church on Sunday, they need to hear a message of hope.

Their week may have included a loss of a job, a foreclosure notice, a rebellious teenager that is dealing them much heartache or a companion that has walked out.

Bro. Cox continued, Preach encouragement. Preach hope. Preach they can make it. Preach that Jesus loves them. Preach that prayer changes things. Go Preach ‘Em Happy.

Life’s greatest discovery is, if you will love people, they will love you in return. People gravitate to someone who will tell them there is hope in this life and in the life to come. Step One in growing a church is…

Go Preach ‘Em Happy!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

November 9, 2011 at 12:49 pm

Posted in Comfort, Ministry, Pastors

Tagged with Encouragement, Happiness, Hope, Joy

The Suicide Drink

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The Suicide Drink

I’m a senior citizen now, but I well remember some adventuresome moments of my youth. It was great fun, to make ‘suicide drinks’ from the soda fountain dispensers.

(It was also decades before anyone had ever heard the name, Jimmy Jones. It wasn’t that kind of suicide drink.)

To the uninformed, a ‘suicide drink’ consisted of a mixture of whatever was available at the fountain. Orange, Coke, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Diet Coke or whatever.

We never quite knew what it was going to taste like and didn’t care, but we liked to show our bravery. Besides, the look of ‘ugh’ on people’s faces always made us laugh.

I don’t do ‘suicide drinks’ anymore. I actually don’t remember when I quit. But I was still very young. I just know that now as an old man, I like to stick with just one flavor. I’ll die happy if I never have a sip of another ‘suicide’.

There is no distinctive flavor to a ‘suicide drink.’ It is nothing but a mixture, a conglomeration.

Did you ever look at someone wearing multiple watches and wonder how they could tell the correct time? If they only had one watch, they could, no doubt, come a lot closer to knowing the real-time. Why would someone ever wear a wad of watches? Why?

I have recently observed several pastors and ministers answer doctrinal questions on Facebook from members of other Pentecostal churches.

Some of these men are encouraging precious saints to discard their holiness standards. They make light of our Apostolic lifestyle.

I am not sure how many are actually influenced by them, but these well-known voices spread their poison for all to read.

Since our local Pastor is the only one that is going to give an account for us in the Judgment, why not listen to him? Why are some so determined to get advice on Biblical subjects from every preacher they can? That is nothing short of spiritually hazardous! It is also very unethical on both parts. Any preacher worth his salt would refer them back to their Pastor. And any saint worth their salt would never ask another preacher a doctrinal question.

If we receive multiple doctrinal opinions from multiple ministers, there is no telling what we will believe in the end. It’s just another ‘suicide drink’ in my opinion.

If you have a Biblical question, don’t ask around on the Internet. Go ask the man who God gave you for a Pastor. After all, he’s the one that loves you, prays for you, counsels you, sits up with you in the hospital and truly cares for you. Sheep don’t expect guidance from multiple shepherds. Neither should we.

Oh, and as for finding the right time? Your cell phone is pretty accurate, but then you already knew that too.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

September 9, 2011 at 12:35 am

Posted in Christian Living, False Doctrine, Holiness, Leadership, Loyality, Old-Time Pentecost, Pastors, Visiting Other Churches

Tagged with Loyality, Pastors

Don’t Put Yourself At Risk

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Don’t Put Yourself At Risk

I stood in one of the many lines at Denver’s Casa Bonita, a number of years ago, waiting to order. In the adjoining line on my right was a man dressed in National Hot Rod Association racing attire, complete with his number and sponsor patches. He was the center of attention for 20 feet around. People were congratulating him on his race that day and shaking his hand. Other’s asked for his autograph. Some asked questions about the race.

One man asked, “The previous champion always used two parachutes when he raced. Why do you only use one parachute?”

He said that the other racer had already received six cornea re-attachments. He explained that the dragsters go very fast, and that while the sudden stopping of the car is good, it is bad on the eyes.

He explained that the eyes are the softest and weakest part of the body, and while the body and the car stop, the pressure pushes the cornea forward often causing a detachment. That’s why I don’t use two. They make me stop too quickly.

I only using one, I have only had two retina re-attachments so far. He held up his trophy and said, “But it’s worth the risk.”

The piece of metal he held in his hands and the applause of men in his mind was worth risking his eyesight forever. Even though medical sciences are getting quite advanced and success stories from the quantum vision system are cheering hope on, nothing beats prevention. Word from the wise.

Sadly enough, some folks around our churches are risking more than their corneas. They are putting their souls at risk.

Saints Are Putting Themselves At Risk:

1. By Name Calling

(Mat 5:21) Ye have heard that it was said by them of old-time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

(Mat 5:22) But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

“In danger of hell fire!” –if you call your brother a liar, fool, be careful!
Name calling is dangerous.

2. By Rebelling Against Your Leadership.

Ask Korah – he disagreed with Moses and rallied support against him.
200 princes stood on wrong side of the argument. They too were swallowed up with Korah.
Don’t ever fight against your pastor.
Don’t hang around critical (Railers) people. You’ll inherit their spirit.

3. Israel

A Critical Spirit
Murmur – Criticized
God Sent Fiery Serpents because they murmured

4. By Disrespecting The Man Of God

Bethel – 42 children mauled by bears.
The children’s parents put them at risk for talking negative about their Prophet. Children are always put at risk, by their unspiritual parents.

5. By Becoming Holier Than The Pastor

Once this happens, he can never teach you.
Now, you think you know more than him.
Your standards are higher, so he can’t ‘help’ you.
No matter if you have convictions about something and your pastor doesn’t, that does not give you the right to disrespect him as long as he is still in the Truth.

6. Moving To Another Church For A Bad Reason

Not every transplant is successful.
Never TELL your pastor you are moving. ASK him what he thinks and have him pray with you about it.
If he does not feel good about your moving, then there must be a reason.
Make sure you have your pastor’s blessing and approval

7. Lot’s Choice Put His Family at risk.

Your decisions in life always include those you love.

8. If You Marry The Unsaved Or Backslidden

You are going against all of God’s Advice.
I sincerely ask you not to make that mistake.

9. Don’t Marry The Heathen

Lest you learn their ways and it becomes an abomination
Marry heathen,
Unequally yoked
Your flesh may think it’s OK, but your spiritual man will always be affected for the worse.

10. By Robbing God

Do you have God’s money in your bank account right now?
Why?
You cannot afford NOT to pay tithes.
If you delight in the blessings of the Lord, you will NEVER have them without putting Him first.
Give Him the first fruits of you income, The Tithe.

11. By Being Unfaithful To Church

Your faithful attendance to God’s House has already been decided.
Heb. 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.
The night you miss is often the night God had a Word, just for you. That’s why the devil kept you home.

12. By Prayerlessness

Every day without prayer puts you and your family at greater risk.
Why would you ignore the very lifeblood of your experience with God?

13. By Ignoring The Word Of God

None of us ever get too smart or too holy to ignore God’s Commandments.
When God says something, He means it.
When God says something, there’s a reason.

14. By Not Responding When God Speaks To You.

Ignoring God will always get you in trouble. Ask Jonah.

15. By Choosing To Become Offended.

How long will you let a war go on?
Life is too short to die bitter.
Bitterness will destroy you and curse your family.
Forgive, and love again.

Never Knowingly Put Your Self At Risk

Written by Martyn Ballestero

August 20, 2011 at 1:17 am

Posted in Christian Living, Forgiveness, Leadership, Pastors, Respect, Submission, Tithes

Tagged with Putting Yourself At Risk

Do You Love Your Doctor More Than You Love Your Pastor?

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Do You Love Your Doctor More Than You Love Your Pastor?

It seems like people love their doctor more than they love their pastor. There is a great disparity of respect in the hearts of society between the two. This is openly demonstrated in the way their advice is treated.

That was a sentiment shared with me in a recent conversation with my friend, Pastor Jerry Rowley Jr. I have taken great liberties attempting to expound on his comment.

†††

The role of a doctor is greatly honored by our society. A doctor’s diagnosis and his orders are so respected that state laws support him. In extreme cases some states have been known to incarcerate individuals for their non-compliance to the doctor’s orders.

A pastor is greatly honored as well. The members of the congregation can choose to heed his advice. His words are sometimes received with suspicion or outright rejection. The following fictional scenarios may help describe the difference:

PATIENT 1

The new patient sat anxiously in the examination room while the doctor looked over the file holding all the test results. He made notations every now and then. Without a word, he picked up a thick book and thumbed back to the index. He located the reference he was looking for and made a few notations on the chart.

The doctor then asked a few pertinent questions, and checked the patient’s vital signs. He then turned and began to write several prescriptions.

The doctor folded the top cover back over the chart and in his best bedside manner broke the news to the patient and his spouse.

“As you know, your blood work came back and I didn’t like what I saw. So, that’s why I ordered the MRI. The bad news is, you have a mass that concerns me, it’s still contained, but if it is cancer and left untreated, it will be fatal.”

The patient then willingly goes through several months of chemo treatments. They endure more moments of pain and nausea than they wish to remember. They change their eating habits and strictly adhere to the diet the doctor gave them.

They also go back every week or so to the doctor’s office for checkups. The journey to recovery may be years. They will pay the cost and tolerate every inconvenience just to survive. They brag on their doctor and sing his praises when they go into remission.

The cost of the treatment: It varies, but sometimes runs into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The weekly office visits aren’t cheap either.

Patient 2

The Holistic Doctor looked at her patient. She told him that the cancer had spread. Her prescription was not written on paper, but she advised her patient to drink nothing but a mixture of carrot and asparagus juice. Eat no solid food, and drink only water and the carrot juice cocktail.

She then sells the patient an expensive juicing machine. The patient goes home and ingests nothing into his body but water and the prescribed juice for one year. Friends shake their heads at the patient’s willingness to follow through with the strict regimen.

Visits are made to the office to monitor his progress. After a year, the results are in. The patient is cancer free. He testifies openly and brags on the results. The diet worked.

The costs of the doctor’s visits weren’t cheap either. Even though the health insurance wouldn’t pay, he happily refinanced his house to pay for his recovery.

In both scenarios, the patient did whatever was asked of them, and willing paid for their costly treatment. They had no problem doing weekly or monthly follow-up visits. They love their doctors. They are healed.

Church Scene 1

The pastor sits in the office with a crying young man. He tells the pastor what has happened. He is ashamed.

The pastor had great hopes for him. He had shown so much potential. Now there’s much damage and others will be affected.

When the crying ends, the pastor prays with the man and then says, “I’m afraid I’m going to have to take you off the platform and set you down for a while. I want to help you recover yourself”

“How long will I be set down?”

“We’ll see. It depends on how you do. I want to see you in the prayer room before every service. I don’t want you having anything to do with the people we just talked about. I want to see some evidence of your repentance. You can recover. I will be here for you. Call me anytime if you need me or feel yourself getting weak again. I love you.

When the office visit is over, the pastor/saint relationship is over too. Rather than submit to the pastor’s prescription for recovery, and be set down for a while, the man changes churches.

The cost was nothing to the church member. The pastor gave of himself to no avail. The church lost money, a member and quite possibly, a soul.

Church Scene 2

The pastor stood behind the pulpit, his sermon had been impressed upon him in prayer. The Lord stirred his heart to preach against the things of the world that were in the church.

Signs of worldliness had shown itself here and there in the congregation. He preached the essentiality of Acts 2:38. He said when you get this Holy Ghost experience, your life changes. Your friends change. You dress holy. You don’t do the things you used to do. You no longer go to the places you used to go.

The lack of response from the audience loudly stated their reaction to the sermon. A few members looked sideways at their friends and family to catch their reaction. They mostly just looked at the preacher without visible reaction.

After service a few phone calls were made. A private meeting was set up. Then a formal meeting was arranged. The pastor was voted out.

The cost? Whatever it was, the people refused to pay it.

†††

I am not talking about bad doctors or bad pastors. I am addressing how even good doctors and good pastors sometimes get treated differently.

There are many people alive today because they followed the good doctor’s advice. There are many people spiritually alive today because they followed the advice of their good man of God.

Thank God for every saint that loves his or her pastor enough to obey him.

You follow the advice of those you love.

Jesus said: John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Do You Love Your Doctor More Than You Love Your Pastor?

Written by Martyn Ballestero

May 27, 2011 at 12:29 am

Posted in Love, Loyality, Ministry, Pastors, Respect

Tagged with Honor, Love, Respect

My Grandfather Was An Idiot! My Dad Was Crazy Too!

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My Grandfather Was An Idiot! My Dad Was Crazy Too!

“My grandpa was old school. His ways may have worked back in the 60’s, but this is a new day! They won’t work now. Gramps was sincere and I love him, but bless his heart he didn’t do it right. Since he is gone, and now that I’m the pastor, I’ve had to make changes that will reach my generation. Grandpa’s ways just won’t work today. This is a new day!”

That’s what he said. He laughed and openly made fun of his grandfather as he talked to me about the old-time Pentecostal church services ‘back in the day.’

I knew his grandfather. I’d even preached for him. My father knew his grandfather and preached for him too. Yes, he might have done things different according to the grandson’s ‘enlightened’ thinking, but he still had over 700 in Sunday School having church the old-time way.

(You and I aren’t the finally judges of things, I know. But why can’t some people see what is so obvious and apparent to the rest. It’s seems simple when you do the doctrinal math.)

Grandpa’s “Old Time Pentecostal” Type Leadership Was,

Preaching “Holiness” and naming sin.
Preaching “Modesty in dress”.
Preaching “Separation from the world”
Preaching “Standards”.
Preaching “The essentially of Acts 2:38 experience.
Preaching “You must repent!”
Preaching “You must be baptized in Jesus Name!”
Preaching “You must be filled with the Holy Ghost speaking with other tongues!”

Because Of What He Preached, Grandpa Had Over 700 In Church Membership.

The Grandson’s “Emergent Church” Type Leadership is,

No “Standards” preaching.
No “Holiness” preaching or naming of sin.
No “Modesty” preaching.
No “Requirements for Salvation except Believe” Holy Ghost = optional.

With All His ‘Progressiveness’ He Only Has 40 In Membership.

The bulk of the saints scattered when the grandson tore down what the grandfather had built. Yet in the grandson’s blindness, he still thinks his grandpa was an idiot for preaching the old-time Pentecostal ways. And he still thinks his grandfather did it all wrong. Even though most of the saints have left, he still rejects everything that is, and everything that looks Apostolic.

Nevertheless, Grandpa Was Right!

†††

A Son’s “Enlightened” Pastoral Style

His father pastored a revival church. A growing church, but he got old and retired. The people wanted his son to be their new pastor.

Today, all evidence the father’s holiness preaching has been removed. What once was a Pentecostal showcase in the area and made true Pentecostals smile, now only makes them shake their head in dismay.

The difference is unbelievable and unacceptable to all of the senior saints. Even ministers that grew up in the church, no longer want to go back even for a visit. They now would never consider taking members from their own congregation over for a visit. The church is so shockingly different; it is even shunned by many liberals.

The choir members look just like the sinners they are singing to. All standards have disappeared.

To top things off, the son dangles a weekly retirement check over his aged father’s head in an effort to keep his dad silent. He cannot afford to ever let his father preach again. It’s a shame to see the old man of God treated with such disrespect.

He believes his dad’s doctrinal preaching of the new birth was unnecessary. He also believes preaching about any kind of dress standard is unnecessary too.

The church is not growing, but the son would rather have the smaller church and be free of standards. So, he is happy because his wife is happy. They are free at last.

Nevertheless, Dad Was Right!

†††

I don’t expect one compromiser or hater of holiness to change because of my post today. But I would like to remind my readers of an old scripture.

It’s A Promise And It’s A Prophecy!

1Cor. 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

There’s coming a day…

Written by Martyn Ballestero

April 26, 2011 at 1:04 am

Posted in Baptism In Jesus Name, Christian Living, Compromise, Doctrine, God's House, Holiness, Holy Ghost, Ministry, Old-Time Pentecost, Pastors, Prophecy

Tagged with Compromise

You Don’t Fall Down In One Town And Get Up In Another

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You Don’t Fall Down In One Town And Get Up In Another

In the Kingdom of God, we sometimes hear stories of someone quitting church, or “backsliding”. Our hearts are deeply saddened by their disappearance from the church family.

Quite often then, news comes that the missing person has ‘prayed through’ over at Brother So & So’s church.

The person in question seldom comes back home. They just continue at their new place of worship. They expect everyone to rejoice that they are back in the fold.

It almost seems like they wanted to change churches and knew their reason was inappropriate. So what did they do? They figured if they backslid, then they could pray through anywhere they wanted to. (I wonder if they shopped a few churches to find one that was less restrictive?) By so doing, they would then be free of their old church and move on.

Too many make a horrible mistake in assuming that they can freely move around in the Kingdom of God like they were in a game of checkers, going from church to church without consequence.

To pacify their conscience, they just make sure that the sign at the new church has the magic name or initials painted on it, and then it’s OK. They are still in the body.

The church jump is made in such a way that the man of God’s opinion and influence gets bypassed. They choose to bypass it too. It’s a very dangerous and cowardly move.

My Mother-in-Law, Sister June Davis is a wise woman. She has a very practical saying that is time-tested. “You Don’t Fall Down In One Town And Get Up In Another.”

Church members that devise means to escape in such a way from the pastor under which God has placed them, will surely bring great damage to themselves and their families.

I am talking here about people leaving good pastors and good churches. They just don’t want to live it like they used to, so they leave.

If they just had a personal problem and quit, why didn’t they come back home and pray through?

Backslider! If you’ve really prayed through, you will come back home. The Prodigal Son did. You should too!

I’m not so sure folks have really prayed through if they don’t come back home. More often than not, the reason they don’t want to come back home is that they know they would have to repent and that’s always a problem for the proud, for the rebellious and for the cowardly.

Oh, and the other pastor that welcomes you to his church instead of sending you back home isn’t ethical either!

“You Don’t Fall Down In One Town And Get Up In Another.”

Written by Martyn Ballestero

April 12, 2011 at 2:42 am

Posted in Backsliders, God's House, Pastors, Repent, Submission

It’s Time To Say Thank You.

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It’s Time To Say Thank You.

The old gentleman was a little unsteady on his feet. He had every right to be. He was no longer young. He was in his early 90’s and with the help of his faithful cane; he came over and asked permission to sit by me. I was in Atlanta, seated near gate 16. I welcomed the company during my long layover. I glanced again at him and this time saw that his cap said World War II Veteran.

“Thank you for serving our country.” I said smiling at him. The old guy favored his arthritis as he eased into the seat.

“You’re so very welcome,” he said as he found a place to rest his cane. “It was the greatest honor of my life. Some of my buddies didn’t make it back.” He said as he shook his white hair.

I saw his tired looking eyes get a little wet, and then he held me spellbound for the next 40 minutes with stories of his life during the war. His mind was sharp. His voice strong and animated. I was mesmerized.

As he talked, the wrinkles in his weathered face seem to enhance his looks. He had a distinguished air about him as he named events and recalled names. Although I forgot to ask his name I will never forget his stories, his love for America.

Over the years, some members of my own immediate family have proudly served in the armed forces of the United States of America.

My brother-in-law, Eric Marxer – Marines.
My father, Carl Ballestero – Army.
My father-in-law, William Starr – Army Air Force.
My step father-in-law, Howard Davis – Navy.

Each of them has my deepest respect and appreciation for putting their life on the line… for me. I owe my freedom to them and others who served with them. I cannot take that lightly; I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

I’ve had thanked hundreds of uniformed men and women. Every veteran that wears a cap or jacket announcing his past service gets my thanks as well.

After the airplane landed at my final destination this week, the flight attendant announced the fact that a young uniformed soldier was on board. The entire crew, as well as the passengers, applauded their thanks to him, as well we should have.

I have seen many others thank our servicemen and women over the years. I too am thankful for those that serve.

What about those soldiers in the greatest war of all? You know, those that help fight the battle for the souls of men and women? What about those other warriors, like the Missionaries, and even our own Pastor? How come they seldom receive our thanks?

When’s the last time you ever saw someone walk up to a Missionary and say, “Thank you for serving the Lord”, or “Thank you for giving your life to the work of God”?

When is the last time you walked up to your Pastor and said something like, “Thank you for your service to God” or “Thank you for giving your life and your time to the ministry”?

Aren’t we to give honor to whom honor is due?

There are unsung heroes among us who have faithfully labored for years in the service of the King. Maybe they’ve never seemed to be well-known outside of their immediate area. Or maybe they’ve never preached a conference.

They might not even have famous relatives. They’ve sure never gotten a hand clap or maybe even much of a thank you. They have just silently preformed their duties. They have been faithful and heaven could not have required anymore.

Most have spent their life doing without. One thing shouldn’t have to do without is our thanks and appreciation.

Of all people, those who are fighting for the souls of men and women in this wicked generation, they need our thanks and our prayers.

Now, go say something nice to one of them.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

April 8, 2011 at 2:04 am

Posted in Missions, Pastors, Thankfulness

Tagged with Missionaries, Pastors, Thankfulness