The Coming Of The Lord | The Ballestero Blog

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Was This A Real Fire?

Was This A Real Fire?

The smoke alarm jolted me into consciousness this morning. Was this a fire? I couldn’t smell smoke. The screeching wouldn’t stop. Not sure what caused the alarm, I jumped out of bed and hurriedly grabbed the closest shirt and pants.

I made sure I had my car keys, watch, phone, and wallet. I stuffed my iPad and computer into my computer bag. Looking around the room for important things to take, I spotted my prescription meds. Then I remembered to get my passport.

The outside window showed no smoke, or people fleeing the building. Opening my door, I smelled no smoke coming from the hallway. So, I stuck my head out and saw the housemaid getting more supplies from her cart and taking them back into the room she was servicing.

No one else on the floor appeared in their doorway. Afraid to take an elevator, I headed straight for the stair well. Going downstairs, I opened the 3^rd Floor door. I smelled no smoke. The only visible person was another housemaid cleaning a room. I continued down to the 2^nd floor, opened the door, smelled no smoke, and saw no one stirring but another housemaid.

I opened the door to the 1st floor, smelled no smoke, and saw no one beside another housemaid. Cars were still parked in the lot, but no guest believed the alarm enough to do anything. Not even the employees seemed to be bothered.

Why was I the only one responding to the sound of the alarm?

Why did the staff seemed unconcerned? (Had they heard it too many times before?)

No announcement had been made.

It was not a noon or mid-day drill. This was morning time. Yet no one was in the breakfast area. No one was behind the front desk. It felt eerie.

No one responded but me. I sat in the lobby with the alarm ringing for another twenty minutes. Finally, it went off. I saw no one. I headed back to my room. Then I remembered something that really bothered me.

I remembered how that people have gotten accustomed to preaching about the coming of the Lord. They have gotten so used to hearing about the last days, that they have tuned out the urgency. Folks don’t seem to respond like they used to.

Noah’s Preaching Was Ignored

Matt 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,

Matt 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.

Matt 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Matt 24:41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Matt 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

The Foolish Virgins And Wise Virgins All Slept.

Matt 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Matt 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

Matt 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

Matt 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

Matt 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

Matt 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

Matt 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

Matt 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Has Your Spirit Been Asleep During The Preaching Lately?

It’s Time To Wake Up!

Rom 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

February 19, 2019 at 7:57 pm

Posted in The Coming Of The Lord

Your Performance Interview With God Is Coming!

So You Want To Be Your Own Pastor?

with 7 comments

So You Want To Be Your Own Pastor?

Some Have Tried To Be Their Own Lawyer, By Defending Themselves In Court.

There’s an old adage: “A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client.”
We have often laughed or shaken our heads in disbelief at such people.

Some Have Tried To Be Their Own Doctor, And Operate On Themselves

Dr. Leonid Rogozov cut out his own appendix.

http://www.southpolestation.com/trivia/igy1/appendix.html

Johannes Lethaeus had a kidney stone the size of a hen’s egg and could not pass it. He got his brother to hand him a knife and he sliced himself open to remove the stone.

We have often cringed or shaken our head sin disbelief at such people.

Some Have Tried To Be Their Own Dentist, By Pulling Their Own Teeth.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1135582/Man-pulls-13-teeth-pliers-NHS-dentist.html

Some pull their own teeth
A few have tried to fill their own cavities.
There are reports of others making their own braces.
We have often cringed or shaken our head sin disbelief at them as well.

Some Try To Be Their Own Pastor

“A man who is his own pastor has a fool for a saint.” – MJB
Why would we expect people to respect and honor such behavior?

Jude 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

Jude 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

Jude 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

Thayer Lexicon: poimainō ποιμαίνω

To feed, to tend a flock, keep sheep
To rule, govern
To supply the requisites for the soul’s need

Feeding Themselves Literally Means, “Pastoring Themselves” – (Without Fear)

Feeding themselves without fear.
No fear! That alone amazes and scares me.
Not willing to be pastored by anyone.
Refusing to submit.
Unwilling to obey.
Believe they know best for their own soul.
Remember, they’re pastoring themselves without fear!

Some Even Sit In Church And Refuse To Receive The Preached Word.

They hear but they are not doers.
They hear but they are not convicted or convinced.
They feel what the pastor said was unnecessary for them to obey or comply.
They attend church but never change their heart, their mind or their life.
They drag their feet when it comes to submission.

Remember, they’re pastoring themselves without fear!

Others Quit The Local Church And Start Having Church In Their Own Home.

They want to do it their way own way.
They fearlessly start their own church.
They feel competent to interpret the Bible for themselves.
They take their family with them to the very brink of destruction.
They rejoice in their newfound freedom and liberty while doing so.
Remember, they’re pastoring themselves without fear!

Both types of individuals are so foolish and Biblically ignorant that they never understand they cannot be saved without a God called Pastor in their life.

Some day their Pastor will have to stand before God and give an account of their obedience, and their submission before the Great White Throne Judgment.

You will not be able to represent yourself before the Throne of God.
Your pastor is going to be the one God asks that question to, not you.
His opinion and report of your conduct while under his pastorship will be most important to God.

You may leave your pastor and go elsewhere thinking you are free. But you are not. You quite possibly have left a trail of evidence behind you that will incriminate you on that day. What report the pastor gives to God on Heaven’s witness stand will only fall into two categories, either Joy or Grief.

You may leave your home church because you don’t like the holiness standards or you got crossed up with your pastor. But, remember this, you are still his in the Judgment according to Hebrews 13:17, no matter if you have found another church in the meantime.

Your Pastor will be forced to explain to God that you left because you would not obey or submit.

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.

God Will Ask The Pastor.

“Did they obey?”
“Did they submit?”

Understand That It Is Possible To Obey Without Submitting. But One Cannot Submit Without Obeying.

Go ahead and sit in church all rebellious and come when you want to.
Lay out of church when you want. Remember, you’re fearless
Withhold your tithes as a protest to your Pastor.
Stay home and read your Bible and have your own devotions at home instead of going to church.
Keep your family home with you. Remember, you’re fearless.
The scriptures already spoke that people would be foolish just like you.
Remember, you’re pastoring yourself without fear!

Jude 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear:

Your spirit of trying to pastor yourself and make your own eternal decisions just got you included in Heaven’s Hall Of Shame along with Balaam and Korah.
You are no different in God’s eyes.
Was submission such a big issue for you that you took your soul in your own hands and willingly gambled on your eternity?
Nothing could be sadder for you.

There Are Those Who Say They Left Because They Are Not Being Fed. Some Continue To Come To Church And Make The Same Claim.

If I were you I would be embarrassed to admit I was not being fed. Here’s why.
Isa 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
Isa 1:20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Only the willing and obedient are eating the good of the land.
Unwillingness and disobedience will keep you at arms length from the blessings of the Lord every time.

The Old Testament Refers Those Who Pastor Themselves As Backslidden.

Prov. 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

Prov. 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

The actual chance of someone who has become their own pastor and ever resubmitting themselves to God’s Word and God’s man again is not very good.

Can such a person repent? Sure.
Will they ever come to themselves and repent? Not likely if we are to go by all the others we have seen.

Remember, they’re pastoring themselves without fear!

When Someone Rebels Against God’s Word And His Plans For Our Lives, It Is Seldom That We See Such A One Recover.

Do we try and talk to them when we see them make bad decisions? Yes.
Do we pray for them? Sure.
Do we fellowship them after they leave? Not if they have talked against the pastor or the church.

1Co 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

Railer: Noun. One who rails; one who scoffs, insults, censures, or reproaches.

If I were a saint who tried to pastor myself, knowingly or not, I would repent before God and ask Him to restore the Fear of the Lord back into my heart.

I would repent to my Pastor and ask him if I could resubmit myself.

If I was having my own church at home and pastoring myself, I would repent to God and realize God would never advise me to go against what is already written in His Word.

I would close up my ‘self’ church. And repent to my spouse and family. I would go back to my local church where God had placed me. I would repent to the pastor and the church family. I would pledge my obedience and submission. I would plead with the pastor to give me the honor of coming home.

This blog today was not written to invite bad stories about pastors, but rather is a warning to those who choose to become their own priest.

The coming of the Lord is nigh at hand. May His coming not find any of us living in a fearless manner.

I’ll Ask The Question Again… “Do You Want To Be Your Own Pastor?”

Surely Not! Your Precious Family Deserves Better!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

January 26, 2016 at 6:38 pm

Posted in Christian Living, Deception, Fear of God, God's House, Leadership, Pastors, Submission, The Coming Of The Lord

Tagged with Becoming Your Own Pastor

No Matter What You Say Now, You Will Bow Too!

with 9 comments

At The Name Of Jesus Every Knee Will Bow

Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

When we bow before an earthly Monarch, like a King or a Queen, we do it because we are showing submission and honor to their authority and position. The one we bow before may not truly know if we are bowing out of politeness, or out of submission. They may never know if they are actually loved or respected by the one bowing before them. No words are actually required from the mouth of the one bending the knee.

But upon a prophesied date, not only will we all bow before Him, but also with our mouth every one of us will confess and acknowledge that He, Jesus, is the Almighty God.

Whether those of us who bow before Him go to heaven or hell afterwards or not, we all will most assuredly bow before him!
It would be horrible to bow in submission before him, confess and understand who He really is, and then still be lost forever.

Why Not Bow Your Knee Before Him Today?

Every One Of Us Will Bow Our Knees Before Him Sooner Or Later.

It Might As Well Be Today!

Isaiah Prophesied That We Would All Bow.

Isaiah 45:20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.

Isaiah 45:21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.

Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Isaiah 45:24 Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.

Recapping What Isaiah Said… “There Is No God But Me”

“Man made idols and gods cannot save anyone.”
“There is no God beside Me.”
“I’m a just God”
“I am a Savior”
“There is no other God but Me.”
“Every knee shall bow before Me.”
“Every tongue shall confess to Me.”
“All that have fought against Me shall be ashamed.”

Yet, Jesus Proclaimed That He Was God.

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

The Bible Says God Is The Only Savior

Isa 45:21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.

The Bible Says Jesus Is The Savior (They are both one and the same.)

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Matt 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Matt 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Matt 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

The Bible Says God Is The Creator

Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

The Bible Says Jesus Is The Creator

John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

The Question Was Asked Of Jesus:

Where Is Thy Father?

John 8:19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father?

His Answer

John 8:19 …Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.

John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Every Knee Shall Bow On That Day

Every believer shall bow.
Every unbeliever shall bow.
Every Trinitarian shall bow.
Every atheist shall bow.

People of every Nation shall bow.
People of every Culture shall bow.
People of every Religion shall bow.
People of every Tribe shall bow.

Every Holy Ghost filled believer shall bow.
Every one without the Holy Ghost shall bow.
Every one baptized in Jesus name shall bow.
Everyone who refused to be baptized in His name shall bow.

Every liar shall bow.
Every thief shall bow.
Every Adulterer shall bow.
Every fornicator shall bow.

Every drunk shall bow.
Every drug addict shall bow.
Every murderer shall bow.
Every pervert shall bow.

Every lesbian shall bow.
Every homosexual shall bow.
Every transsexual shall bow.
Every bi-sexual shall bow.

Every Dictator shall bow.
Every King shall bow.
Every Queen shall bow.
Every President shall bow.

Every General shall bow.
Every Officer shall bow.
Every Soldier shall bow.
Every Sailor shall bow.

Every palm reader shall bow.
Every medium shall bow.
Every witch doctor shall bow.
Every demon-possessed person shall bow.

Every cult leader shall bow.
Every church leader shall bow.
Every Sunday School teacher shall bow.
Every prophet shall bow.

Every Amish person shall bow.
Every Mennonite shall bow.
Every Lutheran shall bow.
Every Scientologist shall bow.

Every Muslim shall bow.
Every Buddhist shall bow.
Every Hindu shall bow.
Every Jew shall bow.

Every Catholic shall bow.
Every Baptist shall bow.
Every Methodist shall bow.
Every Church of Christ shall bow.

Every Jehovah’s Witness shall bow.
Every Mormon shall bow.
Every Seventh Day Adventist shall bow.
Every Pentecostal shall bow.

Every professor shall bow.
Every teacher of evolution shall bow.
Every agnostic shall bow.
Every heretic shall bow.

Every proud person shall bow.
Every disrespectful person shall bow.
Every God hater shall bow.
Every hater of the name of Jesus shall bow.

You will bow!
I will bow!

The Whole World Will Realize Too Late That He Truly Is:

The Almighty God.
The Everlasting Father.
The Great I Am.
Alpha And Omega.
The First And The Last.
The Beginning And The Ending.
The Savior Of The World.
The Jehovah of The Old Testament Wrapped In Flesh.

All Pride Will Disappear On That Day.

Great reverence and awe will prevail.
Remorse for sin and unbelief will overwhelm every sinner.
Shame because of their sins will make men and women fall to their knees.

But, For Most Of Them Will Be Too Little Too Late.

Actually, today is the day of Salvation.
Now is the accepted time to become humble and repent.

The Lost Will Realize Too Late That He Is:

More Than A Prophet, He Is The WORD Made Flesh.
More Than A King, He Is The King Of Kings.
More Than A Priest, He Is The Great High Priest.

They Will Realize Then, That He Is Not:

Just A Good Prophet
Just A Teacher
Just A Carpenter’s Son

There Are Multitudes Who Will Not Confess, Admit Or Declare Today That Jesus Is The Almighty God.

But They Will Bow Their Knees On That Appointed Day And Confess It Then.

They will understand for the first time that he is not the blessed second person of a holy trinity.
They will awaken to the truth that they have been lied to through the centuries by proclaimers of false doctrines.
They will know that the word they used for cursing was the name of the one they must now bow before.

Jesus Asked Peter Whom People Thought He Was.

Matt 16:13 … Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

Matt 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

Matt 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

Matt 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Matt 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

The Apostle John Described Jesus Like This:

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.

John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

The Apostle Paul Quoted Isaiah

Rom 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Everyone will be required to repent, confess his or her sins and failures.

The Four And Twenty Elders Will Bow Down And Cast Their Crowns Before Him.

Rev 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

We Will All Confess On That Day That He Is God.

Those who are willing to confess that Jesus is in fact God and His Name is the only name that will take away all sin, and are baptized in Jesus name just like Jesus told His disciples.

Those Who Are Baptized In Jesus Name Are The Only Ones Who Truly Believe That Jesus Is The Lord God!

This Is What Jesus Said To His Disciples Before He Departed:

Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

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.

Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Peter Repeated The Words of Jesus To Those Who Wanted To Be Saved.

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.

Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Here Is The Crux Of The Matter

They who have been baptized in Jesus name (It’s the only way the disciples ever baptized) are acknowledging and confessing that Jesus Christ is God.

When they are baptized in Jesus name, the gift of the Holy Ghost will be given to them and they will speak in tongues just like everyone in the upper room did on the day of Pentecost.

Every Knee Will Bow.

Take My Advice And Join Me In Bowing Down To Him Now.
You Will Never Be Sorry. Not Now, Not Then.

How Utterly Foolish To Know Such A Day Is Coming And Not Do Now What You Know You Need To Do!

It Will Be Too Late If You Wait Until That Day To Bow Before Him Without Repenting And Believing That Jesus Is The Mighty God!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

August 4, 2015 at 10:24 am

Posted in Baptism In Jesus Name, False Doctrine, Fear of God, God Head, God's Word, Holy Ghost, Repent, Salvation, Submission, The Coming Of The Lord, Worship

Tagged with Submission, The Name Of Jesus

You Are A Committee Of One

with 3 comments

You Are A Committee Of One.

Webster’s Definition: Committee Of One

Noun

An individual person designated to function alone as a committee.

Society teaches us that we are a committee of one and that each one of us must do the right thing.

The US Army

The Army recently scrapped its memorable advertising slogan, ”Be all you can be,” and replaced it with one intended to appeal to the individualism and independence of today’s youth: ”An Army of one.”

Smokey Bear

For many years public service announcements on the radio have showcased Smokey Bear saying, “Only You can prevent forest fires.” The meaning is clear. Everyone venturing into the forest is expected to handle fire responsibly.

Some things in life depend on just us. We are the bottom line. There is no one else to blame. We then must strive to be responsible.

“The Buck Stops Here”

Last year during a visit to President Harry Truman’s Library, I took note of his signature desktop motto. “The Buck Stops Here.” Seeing that one plaque was one of the more memorial highlights of the tour. The President made it plain, he wasn’t passing the buck, but will to stand up and face the challenge.

We Have Biblical Examples

Ester Was A Committee Of One When She Went Before The King.
Elijah On Mt. Carmel Was A Committee Of One.
David Was A Committee Of One Fighting Goliath’s.

Staying In Church And Being Saved Is Up To You!

Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

“Save Thyself,” Is Still The Message!!

Each one must want to be saved enough to make the effort.
The fact is most preachers want to see some folks saved more than they do.
If you are no longer saved today, you have no one to blame but yourself.

You Are A Committee Of One When It Comes To Staying Saved.

Protecting Yourself From False Doctrine is Up To You.

1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Paul’s advice warned Timothy to:

Watch yourself
Be careful
Pay attention to your personal life
Pay attention to your doctrine
Your life depends on it
Others are looking at you to follow your steps
It’s up to you Timothy.

You Are A Committee Of One When It Comes To Spiritual Carefulness.

Holding On To This Apostolic Message, Is Your Responsibility.

The Apostles spoke to the church warning them to protect themselves from false doctrine.

Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

2 Pe 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Be careful what holiness and doctrinal arguments you listen to.
Smooth talkers will lead you astray from truth if you let them beguile you.
Some try to reason the Acts 2:38 truth and holiness standards away.
You cannot let them lead you into delusion.
False doctrine is just an “amen” away.
If you don’t know the truth, your soul is on the line.
You are an army of one in protecting your soul.

You Are A Committee Of One When It Comes To Resisting Error.

Being Ready For The Coming Of the Lord Is Up To You.

Matt. 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

The ‘watch ye’ is understood. It’s your job to watch.
Watch, Jesus is coming.
Watch, you have to get yourself ready, and be ready.
Watch, it’s up to you.
‘Preppers’ prepare for potential national and end time disaster.
They believe survival is up to them individually.
Some are preparing more for government failure and stockpiling for the tribulation than they are preparing their hearts for the coming of the Lord.

You Are A Committee Of One When It Comes To Being Ready For The Lord’s Return.

Getting Past Grudges And Hurts Is Up To You.

James 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

How long will you let this battle go one?
You hold the key to the door of Peace.
If you don’t forgive others, God won’t forgive you.
It’s your call.

You Are A Committee Of One When It Comes To Forgiving Others.

Restoration Is Your Duty.

Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Don’t be foolish and act too holy to love and restore the fallen.
Restoration is your duty.

You Are A Committee Of One When It Comes To Restoration

Worship Is Your Job

Psalms 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Worship Is Everybody’s Business

How can anyone be so spiritual clueless as to feel comfortable letting others do the praising for them?
Don’t let worship leader or praise team do the worshipping for you. It’s your job to praise the Lord.
Worship is everybody’s business
Don’t let the same old six or seven lead out in worship. You do it.
Let everything that has breath… It’s up to you.

You Are A Committee Of One When It Comes To Worship.

You Are A Committee Of One In The Prayer Room.

James 5:16 … The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Your prayer is powerful.
Your prayer can flip the switch the kills the power of the enemy.
Your prayer is the bottom line of spiritual defense.
We fight the evil on our knees.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man

You Are A Committee Of One When It Comes To Prayer.

Being A Witness Is Your Job Too.

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

You Are A Committee Of One When It Comes To Soul Winning.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

December 22, 2014 at 8:54 am

Posted in Christian Living, Doctrine, False Doctrine, Family, Forgiveness, Old-Time Pentecost, Personal Evangelism, Praise, Prayer, Salvation, Service, The Coming Of The Lord, The Resurrection

You Say That You Want to Go To Heaven? I’m Really Not Convinced.

with 3 comments

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.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

November 9, 2014 at 3:10 pm

Posted in Baptism In Jesus Name, Christian Living, Holiness, Holy Ghost, Personal Growth, The Coming Of The Lord, Worldliness, Worship

Tagged with Heaven

What Would Pentecostals Post On Facebook If This Were 70 Years Ago?

with 14 comments

What Would Pentecostals Post On Facebook If This Were 70 Years Ago?

I’m sure I don’t really know. It’s a crazy supposition, for certain. But what if there had been Internet and Facebook? What kind of posts would we read from friends and family in our FB news feed?

First of all, I am not sure how many would have even been on any social media. Some, in the 1940’s, regularly warned of the worldly influence of radio in Christian homes. Television was called a one-eyed monster.

Secondly, the whole world was at war. The saints of old actually believed they were living in the last days and most of them acted accordingly.

Thirdly, many of them had survived the great depression. Most had little money or possessions. Christ and the Church became the center of their lives.

With this in mind allow me to extract comments and excerpts from my family’s letters and wire recordings (Wire recorders preceded Cassette and Tape Recorders.) made during that same time frame.

I am sure they would have made the same type of affectionate greetings to family and friends.

We would have also read:

Victory reports of revival and new church plantings
Updates on our children and grand children’s lives
Recipes and sewing tips
But most assuredly, there would have been much talk about the coming of the Lord, the end time, Heaven, and the importance of being ready

Here are some comments taken from Carl Ballestero’s (my father) letters to Bro. Harvey Davis during WWII.

1. “I write to you, Harvey, as Jonathan would to David, with nothing but love and honor in my heart for you. I know nothing of your failures, (I have enough of my own, for we all are unprofitable servants), but I looked for Jesus in you, and bless His dear Name, I found Him in you in a very pleasing way. It really isn’t hard to see our Jesus in one another, if we would but look for Him.

2. “As I was sitting at the table thinking of what you said about going all out for Jesus, (you spoke my heart) and it seemed then, how few really want to see things done for God. Most people will go places for God when things are going good and when the message is popular, but only a handful are possessed with the “Jesus passions” for lost souls and genuine red-hot Holy Ghost revival fire to sweep not only their own hearts, but the whole community as well. I pray that God will give us a “go-through” spirit.

3. “May the Lord melt us and take away all bitterness from our hearts, for His Name’s sake.

4. “We’re strangers here, not wanted, not loved by man, we have a Heavenly City, not made with hands, and One ever beckons to the weary, tempted and tried pilgrims to “Come out from among them and be ye separate” for this world is not their home.

5. “Yes, there is hardly a preacher in Pentecost who doesn’t know how far short of the Apostolic power we are. Oh, it is true that we have the Gospel, but then too, “The letter killeth.” It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing.” It takes more than plain good preaching to get people saved. It takes the signs following you spoke about.

6. “…But then may we now say, not “Where is the God of Elijah,” but “Where is the Elijah of God.”

7. “We, as young ministers could blame the preachers before us for this pitiful state of God’s Body, (and we would not be too far from wrong for they have not been altogether blameless), but we have a wall to build, whether we are the men to do the job or not, I am certain God is pleased that the thought is in our hearts. Let us therefore set our minds to the immense task that lies before us, and consecrate, humble, deny and keep under the Blood every fiber of our being that we might be of a truth, “The apple of God’s eye.” Surely He cannot help but bless that one who has determined to make his time God’s time, who realizes that his members are God’s temple, his very life and breath, a loan from a loving Friend who sticks closer than any brother.

8. “I can truthfully say, that my joy is to do the will of my Father in Heaven, yes, that is also my meat, it sustains me, gives me life, for Jesus is truly the “Bread of Life.”

9. “Let us evermore come to Him that we might have life and that more abundantly. Jesus said, “Ye will not come to Me that ye might have life.” We have life from Him, Brother, but not many have that abundant life, the holy and sanctified breath of God in them that makes giants out of weaklings, that makes heroes out of cowards, that makes intercessors out of sluggards, yea, that makes mighty, prevailing, unconquerable, rugged, self-denying Gospel and Gift entrusted Christian men and women who can move the mountains of sin in the abominable generation of our day.

10.“What then shall we do? Shall we be sorry for our faults, or defeats? No, not sorry, but rather repent. It is harder to get a Pentecostal person to repent than a rank sinner. Yes, repent and launch out into the deep, for surely hell will be full of sorry people.

11.“Most of my time is spent in the study of God’s Word. I now am spending more time in prayer that He first might make it burn in my heart so that I can preach it from the very depths of my soul with His fire and unction. I have a wonderful book entitled “The Preacher and Prayer” by Bounds, and if I can’t find any in the bookstores, I’ll send you mine. Marvelous truth! It will fire your passion for souls and shake you into a prayerful attitude.

12.“My typewriter has been in hock for a few weeks now, so that explains the pen and ink. I pawned it so that I could buy a turkey for New Year’s Day. I am sending you all the money we have, but my Father is rich, and “I shall not want”, for truly, with food and raiment, the love of God in my heart, the hunger for more of Him and for others to know Him is more than I deserve, and if I cannot say like Paul, “I have learned …” I can say “I am learning to be content in whatsoever state I am in.”

13.“Your letter touched my heart, just made me love you so, and cry, so I just had to write you these few lines. (It doesn’t seem many to me, for they flow from my heart.) If I have ever said or done anything to harm or hinder you, please forgive me, as I do want to make Heaven my home. If I have, it was not by choice, from my head, but not my heart.

14.“We send our love to each of you, pray daily for you.

15.“Other than what I’ve mentioned, in these dark and bewildering days, all that we have to look forward to is the coming of Jesus to deliver us from this body of death. The supposedly strong ones among us have forsaken our God and their cross and left the lambs to continue on with faltering step. It seems that those who really desire to pay the price and go through must do so amidst the railings of those who make a mock of sin, who have no confidence in Christianity, (and why should they have?) Yet, still the love and the Spirit of God pulls our feet homeward, saying “This is the way, walk ye in it.”

16.“When I listen to good preachers, I begin to wonder if I’ve missed my calling or not, but when I see the way people are failing God, and faith has vanished; when I see the holy standard of Jesus Christ dragged in the gutter, and a bunch of old reprobates who live in sin, and brag about all their wonderful results, and claim to be the “fathers” of this Jesus Name movement, I take courage and make an attempt at preaching anyway,

17.“Lose your money, lose your reputation, lose your car and all your possessions, but don’t lose your character, don’t lose the anointing of God, don’t lose your soul

18.“There’s no place like the everlasting arms of Jesus when one is burdened, over-weighted with much sorrow, and about ready to abandon ship.

19.“I would rather burn out for God than rust out.

20.“I’m praying for you almost every night without fail. Might have missed you once or twice, but you’re usually upon my heart for your love and fellowship means so much to me.

Bro. Ike Terry’s Comments To My Mother, Connie Ballestero:

“Sister Connie, I want to share with you a brand new One God Scripture that I found today…”

Various Saints From The Bakersfield Church To My Mother:

“They carried me home drunk on the Holy Ghost last night.
“We had an all night prayer meeting.
“My husband finally got the Holy Ghost during this revival, Hallelujah!

If any of the old saints had slipped off to a movie, or read a questionable book they would they have posted it or talked about it openly?
How much Sports talk would have been posted?
What photos would they post?
How much flesh would be on display?
How much would be written about Church, God and Christian living?

There would still have been fun and fellowship on the news feed of the 1940’s FB I’m sure, but I would like to think the Coming of the Lord and the End Time would have never strayed from the main focus.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

February 17, 2014 at 3:19 pm

Posted in Christian Living, Old-Time Pentecost, The Coming Of The Lord

Tagged with The coming of the Lord

If You Really Believed Jesus Was Coming Soon…

with 6 comments

If You Really Believed Jesus Was Coming Soon…

What Would You Do?

I grew up in a generation accustomed to hearing sermons about the coming of the Lord. Since I was born during World War II, my parents truly believed they were in the last days and did their best to live and pray accordingly.

My Mother said that when I was born she never dreamed the Lord would tarry long enough for me to even start Kindergarten, but that was 70 years ago.

No one knows the day or the hour that He will come again. Yet, everything within me chooses to focus on the hope that today will be the day.

When I proposed to my beloved, we settled on the date of August 28, 1965. However, within weeks of our engagement, we heard a series of sermons on the coming of the Lord. We moved our wedding up to August 14, to beat the rapture… and we did.

Desert Storm brought backsliders back by the droves. Some of them didn’t wait for the preaching, but walked straight from the door to the altar. After the scare of the war was gone, so were they.

The reality is, folks who don’t believe that the return of Jesus is imminent, have a tendency to live like He is not coming soon.

If I really believed that Jesus was coming, what would I do? How would I respond to that news?

________________________________________________________

Imagine: If the Lord loved you dearly enough to give you a private ‘heads up’ that He was coming back for His church in one week, what would you do? How would you plan each day in preparing for the rapture?

These are quite possibly some things that I would do. Not necessarily in this particular order.

________________________________________________________

Day One – I Would Really Repent!

The first thing I would do is repent to God for everything I have done, said, thought or felt. I would repent for my wrong spirit, my bad attitude and every thing I can think of that would be displeasing to the Lord.

· I wouldn’t just pray, I would pray through.

· I mean really pray through.

· Not just a two-dollar tune-up but rather a complete major over haul.

When I finished, I would look in my mirror and see if I could find anything about the way I looked or the way I dressed that was displeasing to Him. I would make sure that my body was not adorned with things the Bible warned me about that would keep me from going up.

· I would walk through my house and remove anything and everything that had a carnal base or worldly flavor and influence upon it.

· I would make sure that every music album in my house would be something He would approve of.

· I would not want any thing in my house that I would not want Jesus to see or hear.

· I would clean my closet and remove anything I would not want to be wearing when Jesus came.

· I would look at my magazines and books.

· If I found anything that I didn’t want to be in my hand when the rapture took place, I would throw away.

I Would Repent. I Mean, Really Repent… Jesus Is Coming!

Day Two – I Would Apologize To My Brother And Sister In Christ!

· I would quit fighting with my brother and sincerely apologize.

· Even if I thought he was the one that should be apologizing first.

· I would choose not to be offended any more.

· I would ask him to forgive me for everything I had done and said.

And, if I had taken anything from him, I would restore it and pay extra for damages and them give him the Biblically required usury.

· I would tell him that I loved him.

· I would strive for unity in the Body of Christ.

I Would Want To Love My Neighbor As Myself… Jesus Is Coming!

Day Three – I Would Consecrate Like Never Before

· I would surrender my will to His Will.

· I would humble myself before the Lord.

· I would pray, not my will but Thine be done.

· I would no longer have a problem with Pastoral authority.

· I would ask my pastor if he saw anything in me I needed to change or improve before the Lord came.

· I would no longer have a problem with Doctrine.

· I would no longer have a problem with Holiness Standards.

· I would make sure that my attitude towards the things of God was right.

I Want My Heart To Be Right… Jesus Is Coming!

Day Four – I Would Focus On My Church Attendance

· I would make sure I made it to the mid-week services.

· I would get there early for prayer.

· I would sit as close to the front as I could.

· I would worship like I never had before.

· I would sing with all my heart.

· I would sing loud and clap my hands and say Amen.

· During the invitation, I would come to the altar and pray with seekers.

· I would even ask if I could sing in the choir. (I would like to be singing in the choir when the Lord comes.)

I Would Put My Heart Into Having Church… Jesus Is Coming!

Day Five – I Would Gather My Family Around Me

I would apologize and express my love to my spouse. I would speak gentle and loving to the members of my home.

· I would apologize for all the arguments and harsh words that caused hurt feelings.

· I would apologize to my children.

· I would apologize to my parents.

· I would apologize to my siblings.

· I would apologize to my in-laws.

· I would adjust my grumpy attitude.

I Would Wrap My Family Up In Love… Jesus Is Coming!

Day Six – I Would Have A Financial Review

· I would go through my bills and make sure they were paid.

· I would look at my Pay Check Stubs and my W-2’s and then look in my check book to make sure I was current with my tithes and offerings.

If Not, I Would Catch Up and Add The Biblically Required Twenty Percent To My Tithe… Jesus Is Coming!

Day Seven – I Would Wake Up In A Panic Thinking About The Lost!

At daybreak I would be at my friend’s house inviting myself to teach him a home Bible Study.

I would scramble around all day looking for every relative I could talk to and every acquaintance doing my best to talk to them about the coming of the Lord.

I Would Try To Take Everyone I Could To Heaven With Me… Jesus Is Coming!

____________________________________________________

So… What would you do if you believed Jesus was coming? Would you change anything about the way you live, talk, think, act, dress or believe?

Would you correct the things in your life that need correcting?

Would you do everything in your power to be ready for That Day?

Then Just Do It. He Really Is Coming!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

February 8, 2014 at 10:04 am

Posted in The Coming Of The Lord

Tagged with Rapture, The coming of the Lord

How Long Is The Night?

with 7 comments

How Long Is The Night?

Nights seem shorter during the summer months, and a lot longer during the winter.

John 11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day?

Without getting too scientific, even at the geographical poles, where the earth’s rotation isn’t a factor, there is a six months night and a six months day.

And according to Yahoo, even “at the equinoxes, when the sun is exactly perpendicular to the equator, everywhere on earth, there is a day somewhere that has exactly 12 hours and a night of 12 hours.”

So… How Long Has The Been For Night For You?

In The Garden At Night

It was in the Garden of Gethsemane at night, that Jesus was forced to face his greatest battle. It was also a time when his own disciples slept. There was no one to help him during His night season.

The Night Jesus Was In The Tomb.

It was a very long night for the believers of Jesus, when they knew his body lay encased in a tomb. Their hopes were dashed. Their future dreams all dissolved before their eyes.

Peter’s Night After The Denial

How long was the night for Peter? He lived all night with the haunting reality of his denial of the Lord.

The Ten Virgins

For the ten virgins, the night was long enough to make them all fall asleep from weariness and exhaustion.

Daniel’s Night In The Lions Den

How long was the night for Daniel as he listened to the lions snore next to him? No one had ever survived an ordeal like this before! Would he?

Paul’s Night Floating In The Mediterranean Sea

Paul said he spent all night floating in the open sea after his shipwreck. Sometimes, there is no rest all night long. Night seems to be a time in which men fight for survival.

The Night Of The First Passover

How could they sleep knowing that death lurked outside in the darkness? The blood of the lamb was their only defense! They had to keep their shoes on. In spite of the judgment that fell on the unbelievers, Deliverance came for them the same night.

Night Has Often Been A Time For Coming To Grips With Our Greatest Fears.

For some, it’s a time of loneliness.
Maybe, it could also be a time for tears.
For others, it’s in the night that fear reigns supreme.
Nightmares happen in the night.
Sounds are heard at night that no one seems to notice during the day.
Storms of devastation seem to come at night.

Nights Are Horrible For Anyone That Is Away From God.

It seems that the death angel comes more often at night.
Sick people gain hope, if they can just make it through the night.

We all have nights, and for most of our lives think nothing of them. There are times however, when situations and circumstances look bleak, and despair seems to show it’s ugly face.

Fear grips our hearts.
Our mind tells us how hopeless our situation is.

Your Night Of Trial And Testing!

I’m Sure It’s Painful! How Often We All Desire To Spare Those We Love From Their Night Terrors!

Only God has the answer!
Only God knows how much longer your night will last.
Only God knows how much you will have to bear.
Only God knows how He plans to be glorified by your trial of faith.
Only God knows where you are ‘at.’
Only God knows why you have been chosen to bear your load.
Only God knows why you had to hear the doctor’s bad report.
Only God knows why you suffered such loss.

But, There Is One Thing He Wants You To Know!

Psa 30: 5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

I Am Praying For You, That Your ‘Night’ Not Last Much Longer!

For The Church Of Jesus Christ

This is a dark time. It is an hour of spiritual wickedness and the prince of darkness is having his last fling. This truly is the midnight hour.

But, Be Of Good Cheer. The Morning Cometh!
Jesus Is Coming Soon. The Night Is Almost Over!
Are You Ready For A New Day?

Are You Ready For The Morning?

Written by Martyn Ballestero

December 3, 2012 at 9:16 pm

Posted in Faith, Personal Growth, The Coming Of The Lord, Trust

Tagged with Encouragement, Testings, The Night, Trials

I Wouldn’t Miss It For The World!

with 9 comments

I Wouldn’t Miss It For The World!

We’ve all been invited to a lot of family celebrations, parties and church events. In our vast catalogue of responses when being put on the spot, we’ve all given the host or hostess great assurance with our off-handed reply. We say, “I wouldn’t miss it for the world!”

We have said that about birthday parties and anniversaries.
We have said it about school presentations and graduations.
We have said it about retirement parties and family reunions.
We have used that line when invited to a special church service.
We have used that line most of our adult life.

It’s just a common response to a myriad of invitations. You might call the statement overused or hyperbole, and normally you would be right, but not this time. This time it’s for real!

This time I’m talking a Heaven. Isn’t Heaven what I’ve have lived my whole life for? Isn’t Heaven the goal and the conclusion of my Christian walk?

Why then would I miss it for the World? What does the World have to offer that surpasses what Heaven has? Why would I throw away Heaven, for the World? Does anyone really believe that trading Heaven for the World is a good deal?

I cannot remember not loving Jesus. I have no memory of not wanting to see Him and be in Heaven. I want to see Him now more than ever.

The saints of God believe that when we get to Heaven, we shall know one another. I do too.

1 Cor 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Since the recent passing of my sainted Mother, my thoughts have once again turned Heavenward. She joins my godly Father, and my beloved sister, Beverly Anne in Heaven. They are now part of that ‘great cloud of witnesses’ that awaits our arrival. I rejoice over the fact that my parents and my sister lived glorious and Spirit-filled lives. I can’t wait to see them too!