Prophecy | The Ballestero Blog

Archive for the ‘Prophecy’ Category

Twelve Things You MUST Know!

It’s Not Where You’ve Been…

It’s Where You’re Going!

The Prodigal Son

It’s Not What You Were…

It’s What You Are Now!

1 Cor. 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

It’s Not That You’ve Sinned…

It’s That Your Sins Are Forgiven!

Rom. 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Rom. 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Rom. 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

It’s Not What Others Say…

It’s What God Says!

Rom. 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

It’s Not What You’ve Left…

It’s What You’re Receiving!

Mark 10:28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

Mark 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,

Mark 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

It’s Not Just That You Speak In Tongues…

It’s That You Show Love To Everyone!

1 Co 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

It’s Not How Fast You Run…

It’s That You Finish The Race!

Eccl. 9:11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift,

Matt. 10:22 …but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

It’s Not That You Are A Servant Of God…

It’s That You Are Found Faithful!

Matt. 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

It’s Not That You Know…

It’s That You Do!

Jas. 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Jas. 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

It’s Not Just That You’re Living Holy…

It’s That You’re Ready For His Coming!

The Ten Virgins

It’s Not That You Believe…

It’s That You Receive!

Acts 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

Acts 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.

Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

It’s Not That You Possess Spiritual Gifts…

It’s That You Have A Relationship With God!

Matt. 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Matt. 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Matt. 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

June 26, 2020 at 4:39 pm

Posted in Backsliders, Baptism In Jesus Name, Believe, Christian Living, Forgiveness, God's Word, Grace, Holiness, Mercy, Overcoming, Personal Growth, Prophecy, Repent, Salvation, The Blood

How Shall They Hear Without A Preacher?

What’s Wrong With Your Voice?

with 4 comments

What’s Wrong With Your Voice?

My father rode beside me in the car as we talked about the alarming decline of standards and morality among some of the churches we knew. Dad shook his head after a while and rhetorically said, “Where’s Bro. Verbal Bean when we need him? Where’s Bro. Joe Duke? I wonder why God took their ministries from us when we needed them the most?”

Since neither of us could answer that question, the car stayed quiet for a while as I drove down the highway. Since then, many more strong voices of men and women have been laid silent in their graves. Today, nearly forty years later, I revisited that moment in the car with my daddy.

We look around us now for another star to shine bright! We look for another champion of the faith. We look for someone with an amazing ministry. A preacher we would drive a hundred miles just to listen to one sermon. Someone who will lift their voice.

Really?

What’s Wrong With Your Voice?
What Keeps You From Speaking Up?
Why Don’t You Say Something?
Why Don’t You Respond To The Need?
Can’t You See What Sin Is Around You?
And, You Still Can’t Open Your Mouth?

Maybe you say to yourself that you don’t have a ministry like Bro. Bean, or a Bro. Duke. So you feel content to be quiet.

Have you never read about a man named Amos in the Bible?

Amos 7:14 Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:

Amos 7:15 And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.

Amos declares that He wasn’t preacher nor a preacher’s son. He was just a herdsman and had a little fruit stand. Yet God chose to speak through him to a whole nation.

God looks for availability.

Eze. 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

Isa. 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

God is still looking for a voice!

Are You Available?
How Would You Respond If God Chose To Use You?

Again, I ask…

What’s Wrong With Your Voice?

Someone Needs To Say Something!!!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

July 5, 2019 at 4:27 pm

Posted in Evangelists, Holiness, Ministry, Personal Evangelism, Prayer, Prophecy, Service, The Call Of God, Worldliness

Gifts Of The Spirit Gone Awry

with 4 comments

Gifts Of The Spirit Gone Awry

I believe God still uses the gifts of the Spirit in His church today. Most Apostolic Pentecostals are familiar with those precious moments. Sadly, a few eager and Biblically uneducated have exerted more of their flesh than His Spirit in such moments.

That being said, it does not take away from the fact that God does speak to His church in very real and powerful manner.

Good pastors teach the importance of not saying ‘Thus saith the Lord,” unless they are certain that the Lord truly did speak to them. Punishment is upon those who use His name falsely and in vain.

Out Of Order

Almost every night of the revival the modest sized Southern church, a middle-aged woman gave a message in tongues after the sermon. She especially seemed to bring forth a message if there was conviction in the message.

After several weeks of nightly services one of the members brought their neighbor, an elderly woman of foreign descent. The visitor sat quietly with her hosts and seemed unemotional during the service and the sermon.

Everyone was standing while the invitation was being given, when the spiritual lady found a moment to give her message in tongues. While the message was being given, the old lady started to chuckle and covered her mouth to stifle her laughter. Her hosts were embarrassed that their guest would laugh at a time like this.

“Why are you laughing,” they inquired?

“Because I understand what she is saying.” She said with a knowing look.

“What is she saying?” They asked.

“She is saying, ‘I’m out of order and I need to sit down.’ Was her reply.”

Misinterpretations

Unverified stories such as these are told about messages being interpreted erroneously and have been heard by most of us:

“Repent, or I will write Michelob over the door.”
“Times are hard sayeth the Lord. Times are so hard I can barely make it myself, saith God.”
“Thus saith the Lord unto Sister… ah, Sister… ah, I forgeteth thy name at the moment saith the Lord.”
“Yeah, thus saith the Lord, Nay!”

God Lied?

The tall young West Virginia father actually stood up in the testimony service and spoke with great fervor about God speaking to him.

“I was at work today and the Lord spoke to me and told me that my little boy was choking to death. I ran out of the shop. I didn’t even take time to punch out from work.

“I jumped in my pickup and drove to my trailer as fast as I could. I ran up on the porch and nearly ripped the door off. There on the living room floor was my little boy playing happily with his toys.

“I looked at him and said, ‘Boy I’d rather have you dead than to have God lie to me like that!”

Good people can be zealous and sincere, yet be totally in the flesh and not the Spirit. Sometimes, their exhibitions can be injurious to the work of God.

Twenty-Six Messages In Tongues

While visiting a medium-sized church for the first time, I was amazed at the number of messages in tongues and interpretations. There were twenty-six messages in all in one service. More than a dozen of the messages that were interpreted appeared to be some church folks correcting other church folks. Several interpretations were even so bold as to criticize the pastor by name. All of this, plus several prophecies were included.

The guest evangelist wasn’t spiritual enough for them, because all he did was preach the Word. They closed the revival after the first night.

(Yes, even though some people are over-zealous, or unlearned, or even purposely misleading others, there is still the real Gift of Tongues. That is not even debatable. You will know and feel the difference when you hear it.)

Written by Martyn Ballestero

September 24, 2016 at 4:11 pm

Posted in Holy Ghost, Prophecy

Tagged with gifts of the spirit

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

with 19 comments

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

2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Last Days

Perilous Times
Blasphemers, Unthankful,
Disobedient to Parents
Unholy
Without natural affection
Can’t keep their word.
False accusers.
Lives out of control
Fierce
Despisers of those that are living right.
Traitors
Unteachable
Arrogant
Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.
Have a form of godliness.
Denying the power therof.

THIS IS NO LONGER PROPHECY, YOU ARE HERE!

2Pet 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

Last Days

Scoffers
Living to please self.

THIS IS NO LONGER PROPHECY, YOU ARE HERE!

Mt 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Mt 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

Mt 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Below are some conditions in the world that are current as of March 14, 2011.

Current Armed Conflicts In World Today

“The following table shows where wars and armed conflicts are raging throughout the world in 2010. Find the year that war began and the major warring parties involved by region of conflict, including the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.” (Quoted from “Infoplease”)

Earth Quakes Per Year

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqarchives/year/eqstats.php

Earthquakes Last 7 Days

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/

Famines In World Today

http://www.mapreport.com/century/subtopics/d/0.html

Pestilence In World Today

http://barrybrumfield.com/prophecy/end_times/pestilence.htm

Mt 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

Mt 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

THIS IS NO LONGER PROPHECY, YOU ARE HERE!

This Generation shall not pass

Lk 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Lk 21:17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.

Lk 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

Lk 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Lk 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

Lk 21:26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Fear sights and great signs from heaven.
Hated of all men for His Name sake.
Jerusalem compassed with armies.
Signs in the sun, moon and stars
Distress of nations with perplexity
Tsunami – sea and waves roaring

THIS IS NO LONGER PROPHECY, YOU ARE HERE!

Mt 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Mt 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

Mt 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

THIS IS NO LONGER PROPHECY, YOU ARE HERE!

WE WOULD BE CRAZY TO PLAY AROUND WITH GOD NOW.

THESE ARE THE END TIMES.

THIS IS NO LONGER PROPHECY, YOU ARE HERE!

Now For They Good News!!!

Jesus In The Synagogue

Lk 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

Lk 4:17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

Lk 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Lk 4:19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Lk 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

Lk 4:21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

Jesus was saying to His generation,

THIS IS NO LONGER PROPHECY, YOU ARE HERE!

Peter Preached On The Day Of Pentecost:

Acts 2:12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

Acts 2:13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

Acts 2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

Peter Said, “This Is That” Which Was Prophesied:

He was saying:

THIS IS NO LONGER PROPHECY, YOU ARE HERE!

Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

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.

Today Is The Day Of Salvation

THIS IS NO LONGER PROPHECY, YOU ARE HERE!

The Out-Pouring of the Holy Ghost is no longer Prophecy. You Are Here!!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

March 15, 2011 at 11:37 am

Posted in Prophecy, The Coming Of The Lord, Uncategorized

Tagged with Prophecy, The coming of the Lord