Carl Ballestero’s Sermons
Carl Ballestero was my Hero, my Pastor, my Best Friend and my Dad all rolled up in one. He died on 9/11/1994. That was my 9/11. Of all men, I am most honored, to have been his son.
I am proud of the Heritage he has given to me and I am blessed with wonderful memories. I miss him daily. Every time I get up to preach, I always quote something that my He use to say. The crowd may not know it, but I do.
Don’t die till you’ve listened to a sermon of him preaching. Without apology, I am proud to say, “He was a Holiness Preacher.”
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Audio Sermons!!
Please feel free to listen or download.
My Father’s wishes were that his sermons were to be given away, and not sold.
Carl Ballestero – A Man And His Dreams
Carl Ballestero – A Moment Of Weakness, A Lifetime Of Regret
Carl Ballestero – A Study Of Wounds
Carl Ballestero – Acres Of Diamonds
Carl Ballestero – An Israelite Indeed
Carl Ballestero – Curfew At Sundown
Carl Ballestero – Divine Interruptions
Carl Ballestero – Every Gethsemane Has It’s Angel
Carl Ballestero – From Shame To Fame
Carl Ballestero – God Looked For A Man Pt 1
Carl Ballestero – God Looked For A Man Pt 2
Carl Ballestero – Operation Millstone
Carl Ballestero – Rendezvous At Midnight
Carl Ballestero – Sanctified and Holy
Carl Ballestero – Sacrifice, Tape 1
Carl Ballestero – Sacrifice, Tape 2
Carl Ballestero – Seeing Jesus Through The Eyes Of His Enemies
Carl Ballestero – Seeing With Your Eyes But Not Partaking
Carl Ballestero – Tangled Souls
Carl Ballestero – The Elements of Warfare
Carl Ballestero – The Evil Winds Of Change
Carl Ballestero – The Golden Chain Of Mystery
Carl Ballestero – The Handwriting On The Wall
Carl Ballestero – The House And Furniture Of The Soul
Carl Ballestero – The Finisher
Carl Ballestero – The Golden Chain Of Mystery
Carl Ballestero – The Ministry Of Tears
Carl Ballestero – The Mystery Of The Son
Carl Ballestero – The Reconstruction Of A Crime
Carl Ballestero – The Reproach Of Christ
Carl Ballestero – The Touch Of Faith
Carl Ballestero – Things We Never Get Over
Carl Ballestero – Trials And Triumphs Of The Tongue
Carl Ballestero – Wednesday Afternoon Bible Class
Carl Ballestero – We’ve Given Up Too Much Already
Carl Ballestero – What To Do When Trial Comes
Carl Ballestero – You Can’t Keep A Good Man Down
I would love to find more of Dad’s sermons. If you know of any and would leave me a link or a website address, I would be thrilled. Post a message at the bottom of the page. Thank You!
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Dad’s Handwritten Notes For Some Of The Above Audio Sermons
A Moment Of Weakness, A Lifetime Of Regret
Every Gethsemane Has It’s Angel
I will be happy to upload more sermons and sermon notes, as soon as possible.
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An Old-Time Holiness Article written in the 1960’s
by
Carl Ballestero
Woman, What Is This That Thou Hast Done?
Download This Word Document
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The 1st photo is Dad preaching on a Fresno, CA skid-row in the late 1940’s. I marvel that no one is listening to him. Sadly that is becoming more and more common in too many churches.
Dad preaching in Shelbyville, IN 1984.
Afternoon Bible Class in Shelbyville, IN. Dad and one of his dearest friends, Robert C. Cavaness.
19 years old. He’s only had the Holy Ghost one week.
Dad, wearing his signature Homburg hat.
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In 1988, knowing my father was in his 1st year of Alzheimer’s, I tried to capture every moment I could.
On this particular day, in a corner of my living room, Daddy sang a favorite of mine,
“It’s In My Heart”
IT’S IN MY HEART
Though some may sing to pass the weary night along
Though some may sing to entertain a worldly throng
I sing because I worship God in song
It’s in my heart, it’s in my heart.
CHORUS
It’s in my heart, this melody of love divine
It’s in my heart, since I am His and He is mine
It’s in my heart, how can I help but sing and shine
It’s in my heart, it’s in my heart.
You ask me why I know His blood can cleanse alone;
You ask my who I know He sits upon the throne
And why I know He chose me as His own
It’s in my heart, it’s in my heart.
You ask me how I find the time to read and pray
You ask me how I smile when things are far from gay
You ask me how I sing His praises come what may
It’s in my heart, it’s in my heart.
I may not know the skillful use of tongue or pen
To prove my Lord’s return to unbelieving men
But this I know, He’s coming back again,
It’s in my heart, it’s in my heart.
Apostolic Expository Series
Christy Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
http://marciaballestero.com/
Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero, New Destiny Worship Center, Clearwater, FL (My Son)
Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero, Temple Of Pentecost, Raleigh, NC (My Son)
James Groce Blog – "Toward The Mark"
Kenneth Bow Blog
Kingdom Speak Podcast
Philip Harrelson – "The Barnabas Blog"
Verbal Bean Ministries
Holy Ghost Radio
The Ballestero Blog 
You are more like him than you will ever know. Not only do you look like him, but you use words like he did & paint a picture every time. I always said Daddy preached like Norman Rockwell painted…..using a picture & making it so plain to understand…..& oh so beautiful. I miss him so much but you always keep him alive. Thanks!!
Carlene Branham
January 4, 2010 at 7:05 pm
That First Picture, is one of Brandon and I’s favorites..I cry everytime I look at it seems…Loved my Grandpa!!
Marisa
January 6, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Elder,
I agree, you are so very much like your (our father)! Not just in style of preaching but in love and kindness! I feelin the need to see ya, let me know when we can get together! Loved the picts of the Elder!
Bro. Denny Morris
January 6, 2010 at 10:28 pm
All I can say about the Elder Ballestero is Precious, Precious, Precious! I’ll never forget his message years ago in Central City, “I Love My Master”. My husband and I loved this man dearly.
Valeria Green
February 9, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Elder,
Thank you for this priceless treasure. Such a great example of a Man of God that I could only hope to pattern myself after. Wish I had more memories of these mighty men of God.
Matt Gaines
March 14, 2010 at 6:56 pm
I never had the blessing of meeting Elder Carl Ballestero, but I have heard so much about him from my pastor and father-in-law, Elder Michael L. Phillips. He speaks of him often and uses sayings that he attributes to him. While my pastor’s ministry is definitely his own, it has Elder Ballestero’s fingerprints all over it. He was precious to Brother Phillips! I wish I could have had the honor of meeting him myself. He seems to have been such a sweet-spirited and humble man. My wife (Angela) and sister-in-law (Michelle) looked at him as a grandfather.
I have definitely been blessed many times by the ministry of Elder Martyn Ballestero. He is one of my favorites (if it’s legal to have favorites!). I just found the blog…I will be returning often!
Joseph Gibson
March 15, 2010 at 10:14 am
Elder i have greatly enjoyed this site.
listened to the Elder preaching about the dreams. WONDERFUL
J. Brickey
March 24, 2010 at 7:48 am
God Bless you Elder had to leave a comment I just came across this site and have been blessed by this site. The photograph of the Elder Carl Ballestero street preaching in Fresno I hope you don’t mind I made a copy and framed it and placed it in my study to remind me. I grew up in Fresno and it was dedicated Apostolic Men of God like your late Father and Men we still have with us preaching like Elder Vaughn Morton and yourself that have not compromised this truth.Every time I pick up my Bible and begin to read the Scriptures I remember the Message Elder Carl Ballestero Preached in Fresno “Love Letters to the Church” God bless you and thanks for this site your work is in our Prayers,Sincerly Pastor D.A. Watts
Pastor David Watts
May 5, 2010 at 5:37 pm
My family learned to love Bro. Carl and Sis Content Ballestero in church in Ssnta Ana,CA. Bro Harvey and Sis. Jackie Davis loved them so.
While we lived in Ogden, Utah, A Bro Begay from Salt Lake gave me a tape of your dad preaching at a conference in Las Vegas. The message was “Behold The Lamb” I listened many times to that tape, but I don’t have it now. The memories I have of your Dad and Mom are precious to me
Sis. Carolyn Carpenter
March 5, 2011 at 1:01 pm
“It’s In My Heart” — I just happen to be on a fishing expedition here of trying to find out who composed that one — lyrics and music — and wondered if you still have that sheet music around someplace that I see your dad holding as he sings, and your mom (is that your mom?) reading in front of her as she plays. I don’t need to see it, just want to know who wrote it!! Thanks for your ministry, blessings to you!!
Phil Freeman
June 18, 2011 at 9:13 am
Written by Arthur Slater 1941
Martyn Ballestero
June 18, 2011 at 10:20 am
Bro. Ballestero, I first saw your father’s name mentioned in a biography about Bro. I. H. Terry. I then listened to a message you preached a while back at Bro. Booker’s. I then later had an opportunity to listen to his message ‘Handwriting on the Wall.’ It shocked me, for I was raised around strong holiness preaching, and thought that it did not get hotter than that. I was wrong. His message shook me, and I realised that I had not heard it as hot as it was in the ‘old days’. I really love the old paths, and I hope that everyone will one day discover that they are as good to day as they were then. God bless you and thank you.
Jay
September 8, 2011 at 5:31 am
I only had one opportunity to meet and know Carl Ballestero. It was in Lake Charles, LA. That day I not only met a hero of faith, but a true Christian gentleman. May God bless his memory for generations to come.
Dr. William E. Willoughby, Retired
September 19, 2011 at 9:43 am
Bishop Ballestero was an Annointed & Powerful Man of God , a Preacher of God’ s Righteousness & Truth. A Holy Man of God, a,lover of God & His Word. In 1979 not to long after I had received the Holy Ghost , I attended my first Revival Service @ Pine La where Elder Carl Ballestero was preaching for Bro. Cox. He preached conviction that night , I had long sideburns & I grabbed my sideburns with both my hands & said to Bro. Steve Zorich , we’re not suppose to have long sideburns. Elder Ballestero preached conviction Messages of God. We love the Ballestero Family.
William Battise
January 7, 2012 at 5:16 am
Praise the Lord Brother Ballestero:-) My name is Barbara Meredith and I attend ..Inlandlight House Church in Rialto,ca…I was surfing the internet for some literture and found and Apostolic Archives? You more then likely have been there but seen..The Who’s WHo in the Apostolic World and i did come across your Dads’s Sermons…?..you must be aware of this??
http://www.apostolicarchives.com/page/page/5834251.htm
while I was there I read your Dad’s story and wanted to listen to his Sermon..The handwriting on the wall…Thank you for placing this on your site….and yes i would like to download..Acres of Diamonds……God’s Blessings Brother Ballestero to you and your family and Ministry, Rev(Retired) Walter and Sis Meredith
Barbara Meredith
February 15, 2012 at 12:05 am
Heard “Handwriting On The Wall” when I was 24, I’m now 36. How prophetic was that message. Sadly, much he spoke has come to pass. I pray his kind never die out!
Shaun
March 23, 2013 at 3:46 am
Greetings Elder.. Just a FYI.. the link for the sermon “No More Sea”.. is playing “Handwriting On The Wall”.. Blessings..~rw
revrobwimb1
May 29, 2013 at 7:01 pm
So sorry, Thanks.
I think I have it fixed now.
Martyn Ballestero
May 29, 2013 at 7:02 pm
Just found a tape of Elder Carl Ballestero preaching GOD LOOKED FOR A MAN and I don’t see that on the list of sermons you have posted …. It was from a Mid Winter Conf in Las Vegas, Nv. in 1987.
Joyce Peters
May 30, 2013 at 1:29 am
Wow! Thank you for your post! That is one I don’t think I’ve heard!
Martyn Ballestero
May 30, 2013 at 11:56 am
Hello Elder Ballestero. I received a tape from Joyce Peters and would like to upload the mp3 along with my own collection to the website. I have the FTP & link if you would like. God bless.
Anthony Hamilton
June 17, 2013 at 6:40 am
I would love that! thank you and her so very much!
Martyn Ballestero
June 19, 2013 at 7:51 am
Hi! I have a large tape ministry project in Fresno. Is there anyway you could send me that tape “God Looked for a Man” I would convert the tape to mp3, and send it Martyn Ballestero so he can post it here online for the world. I will also return your tape plus a Audio CD version of the cassette also. wetwerd@gmail.com. I will pay all shipping.
Anthony Hamilton
June 10, 2013 at 2:37 am
This library and history is priceless. Im kinda slow elder…but since I have come across this page, and see that you have taken time to share such a rich and profound legacy with your readers, I am going to take the time to listen to each message and take note. I am confident that when im through, I will be a better person for it. Thank you so much…it will be a great honor to make this journey.
Bro Billings
June 8, 2013 at 11:14 pm
Thank you so much for making these messages available. I was born and raised in Bro. I.H. Terry’s Church and remember when your Father would come by and preach. He left a great impression on me as a young man, and inspired me to live for God. I have looked long and hard to find some of these messages on recording and today you blessed me. I will now be privileged to have the opportunity to listen to these precious Old Path Messages. Thank you also for your blog and for taking the time to post such great content.
Gregory Frost
October 25, 2013 at 5:41 pm
Brother Ballestero, I am a new convert and have absolutely enjoyed your father’s sermons. I was wondering if you might shed some light on the celebration of Christmas from your point of view. In my home church, they don’t celebrate “Christmas.” But, in other apostolic churches, they do. Also, what was your father’s take on the Christmas holiday, especially back in the 60’s, before the commercialism really took off? Any information, or advice for a new convert who has celebrated Christmas for 35 years, you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again!
Halie
December 4, 2013 at 10:08 am
I am glad you have enjoyed my father’s ministry. I am sure his advice to you is to stick only to your pastor’s teaching. He is the one that answers to God for you at the Judgment. Getting second opinions is much like wearing two watches and not being sure what time it really is.
Blessings.
mjb
Martyn Ballestero
December 5, 2013 at 4:39 pm
Just listened to “Seeing Jesus through the eyes of the enemy”. I was there when he preached that message. i never forgot it. Awesome preacher. I miss our elders so much. Thanks for making these available mt friend!
Wallace VanSlyke
Wallace VanSlyke
February 28, 2014 at 8:18 am
Praise the Lord, brother Marty. I was looking for the lyrics to Prisoner of Love and found this site. The song has been on my heart lately and I wanted to make sure that I had the right words. I was impressed of the Lord to get this song for an upcoming meeting that I am scheduled to preach. I have been privileged to hear your dad, Elder Carl Ballestero, preach many times. He was an inspiration to me when I was younger. I will be visiting this site often to hear him preach again. Thank you for this site. May God continue to bless you and your ministry and your loved ones. Bishop Sanford Wade
Bishop Sanford Wade
March 2, 2014 at 4:11 pm
More than 3 Generations, just awesome….and example of Holiness, perseverance and being in fire for God…..God Bless!!!
Bro Marco Quintero
February 7, 2015 at 5:26 pm
Elder Ballestero, I appreciate you putting this up here for all of us to share in your fathers legacy. Your father has always been one of my heroes, I admire him so much. I also appreciate you and your love for God, truth, and the apostolic message of salvation and holiness. As I listen to Elder Carl Ballestero preach or sing you can feel the passion and love for God and truth that he had. It also reminds me of a story about your father that I heard; maybe you can confirm it or not. (I can’t remember where I heard it from and I don’t remember the specifics but I will attempt to recall the jest of the story.) From what I recall it takes place in his advanced stages of Alzheimer’s in Elder Carl Ballestero life, and he was being visited from some preacher friends of his. Apparently the disease had taken it’s toll on the Elder and he was not able to recognize them nor was he able to discuss the many things that they used to enjoy talking about. However, when these men were trying to convince the Elder that there was a trinity and asking him if there was a trinity (playfully), he quickly regained his memory and was able to passionately declare that there was no trinity, and was able to recall scriptures that supported his belief. Have you heard this story? Do you know if this is true? That story really impacted me when I heard it years ago, because the Elder had such a deeply held conviction and belief in God, that even when his mind was at it’s sickest moment, there were some things that he was never going to let go of. I have spent many years trying to hide the Word of God in my heart, much like your father did, so if I ever encountered the same situation in my life my response would be equally as solid. Again, thanks for sharing! Blessings to you, Pastor Anthony Spagnuolo
Anthony P. Spagnuolo
December 20, 2015 at 12:28 am
The last time you were with us in Rialto, Ca. your preaching was a beautiful blend of Carl and Martin Ballestero, Thank you Jesus… He was my friend and I miss him so!
Alex Saldana II
May 29, 2016 at 11:39 am
I truly love the site that you have created. Thank you very much. I have heard my stepmother speak up your father for several years but have never got to hear one of his sermons until today. I also do not know if you know the family but the grind staff for several years but have never got to hear one of his sermons until today. I also do not know if you know the family but the Grinstafs from I believe Indiana noon your father quite well. Spoke very highly of him
Guy Anderson
June 5, 2016 at 10:51 am
I heard your dad on holy ghost radio.
He preached about a third grade English teacher, and how he was taught to dissect sentences. he was chosen to come to the front of the class and he chose Matt 28:19.
Do you have a copy of that message?
Do you know the story?
Tom Robison
September 4, 2017 at 8:00 am
That was not my father. He was Catholic and never got baptized in Jesus Name until he was in he was 23.
The diagraming Matt 28:19 and the English teacher was me. It wasn’t the 3rd grade. It was the 12th.
Search my blog for: “why my English teacher wanted to be baptized in Jesus Name’
Martyn Ballestero
September 4, 2017 at 12:42 pm
Thank you so much for making these available!
I loved your dad’s preaching and his gentle and quiet nature…he was a true christian.
The first time I ever heard him was in Weedpatch church and truly I have never ever forgot him or your sweet mama…
True heros of the faith!
Patty Hines
November 3, 2017 at 12:43 pm
Thank you so much for making the messages of Bro Carl Ballestero available to listen to. Such great messages.. I decided to start at the beginning and listen to all of them.
Joyce Peters
November 4, 2017 at 6:31 pm
Hello. My name is Becky Cantu. My late mother’s name was Annie Brown. She talked often of living in the same “house” with the Ballesteros. She said that shared the same kitchen. She was Annie Lunsford at that time. Can you please tell me, if you know, where your great father got the Holy Ghost? I am trying to gather history, especially at 9th & Lowe Gospel Tabernacle. My email address is bexter77@gmail.com. Thank you and God bless you!
Becky Cantu
September 4, 2018 at 12:42 pm
My father received the Holy Ghost in an Assembly Of God church in Fresno CA. The Rev. Charles Price was the pastor.
Martyn Ballestero
September 6, 2018 at 7:13 am
I’m on “Holy Ghost Radio” listening right now to your dad preach “Seven love affairs”. It is message number 11352 of you don’t already have a copy.
And hello again from the T.O.P.!
Danny Clark
March 20, 2020 at 3:46 am
I forgot mention… What prompted me to look online for the date of his message, is that early on the tape he made a “prediction” (his words) that absolutely is true in this country right now.
I don’t know if he foresaw the situation in Ferguson and others later or what, but he sure said it.
Danny Clark
March 20, 2020 at 3:51 am