The Ballestero Blog

"That's what I'm talking about!"

Two Things You’d Never Expect To See Under The Same Roof!

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Two Things You’d Never Expect To See Under The Same Roof!

Ice Cream Parlor & Bicycle Repair

Burglar Alarms & Hot Dog Stand

Mortuary & CB Shop

Auto Sales & Tanning Booth

Barber Shop & Chicken Farm

Bowling Alley & French Bakery

Transmission Repair & Pedicures

Hot Donuts & Cold Storage

Taxidermy & Petting Zoo

Roofing & Marriage Counseling

Day Care & Optometry

Palm Reading & Pet Detective

Service Station & Office Supplies

Recording Studio & Crop Dusting

Auto Parts & Dating Service

Financial Advisory & Bait Shop

Furniture Upholstering & Valet Parking Service

Slaughter House & Florist

Concrete Finishing & Dog Grooming

Drywall Service & Tax Preparation

Tractor Tires & TV Repair

Driver’s Ed & Firecrackers

Dentistry & Stump Grinding

Bar-BQ & Shoe Repair

Chimney Repair & Ski Instruction

Welling Digging & Wig Shop

Building Demolition & Hearing Aids

Lawn Care & Diaper Service

Gun Repair & Wedding Announcements

Wedding Photography & Radiator Repair

Accounting & Dog Walking Service

Tattoo Parlor & Divorce Mediation

Auto Detailing & Tuxedo Rentals

Laundry Service & Pest Control

Blacksmithing & Banjo Repair

Estate Planning & Fish Market

Notary Service & Welding Shop

Malt Shop & Fitness Center

Carpet Laying & Web Hosting

Auto Painting & Paralegal Service

Travel Agency & Bail Bonds

Motel & Wig Shop

Real Estate & Alterations

Beauty Shop & Carburetor Repair

Deli & Dog Kennel

Graphic Design & Fresh Farm Eggs

Fresh Vegetables & Septic Service

Pizza & Acupuncture

Wedding Chapel & Wrecker Service

Apostolics & Immodest Apparel

Written by Martyn Ballestero

November 16, 2013 at 12:57 am

Posted in Christian Living, Immodesty

Tagged with

What Happens When Conviction And His Friend Walk Down Your Street?

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What Happens When Conviction And His Friend Walk Down Your Street?

lookingWhat is your reaction when they actually stop, turn, and look directly at where you live. What is your reaction when Conviction takes the initiative and loudly knocks on your door?

What Happens When You Come Face To Face With Conviction?

·      Oh, you’ll know him when you see him.

·      He is instantly recognizable.

·      Do you run and hide?

·      Do you shake his hand and welcome him into your world?

·      Do you slam the door of your heart in his face and lock it?

·      Or do you act like no one is there and ignore him?

His sole purpose of knocking on your heart’s door was to introduce you to his partner, Truth, who stands quietly outside, waiting near the street!

Your first response may forever affect your future and your eternity. Respond wisely.

Reactions certainly vary in us all, nevertheless something transpires in each heart at that moment that forever identifies our true self. We are identified by our reaction or lack thereof.

·      (There were three reactions to the crucifixion. Some wept, some mocked, and some watched.)

Something unique happened in us when we first recognized that Conviction was trying to gain access into the rooms of our heart and forever change how we thought, felt, lived, believed and desired.

When Conviction introduced us to Truth, we recognized Him immediately and our spiritual eyes were no longer blinded.

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

 

But to those who pushed Conviction and Truth out of their heart’s house and ordered them never to return, the future is bleak.

They find it easy to mock, reject Conviction and Truth.

·      Their mind is made up.

·      They do not wish to change how they live or dress for any reason.

·      Doing so would mean losing most of their friends and admitting they’ve been wrong all these years.

·      The ability to be stirred and changed is foreign to them.

·      Guilt and embarrassment makes some bar their heart’s door.

·      Shame makes some run and hide.

Rebellion most often gets vocal and calls Conviction and Truth names. He also has a problem with any of his neighbors, friends and family who welcome Conviction and Truth into their homes and will go so far as to ban them from their life as well.

The sad reality is, Conviction is not required to knock on your door once, let alone twice.

It Is A Great Honor. Treat It As Such!

·      Rev 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.

·      Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

·      Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

Written by Martyn Ballestero

November 15, 2013 at 12:08 am

Posted in Compromise, Conviction, Truth

Tagged with , ,

King David’s One Line Autobiography

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King David’s One Line Autobiography

King David wasn’t young anymore. The gray showed in his hair. Wrinkles on his hands told the truth of his age. His moods had changed; his thinking now wasn’t focused on fulfilling his future dreams.

Now, he spent a lot of his private moments remembering all of his yesterdays. Somehow memories of his life’s failures occasionally crept into the forefront. Some of his sins were even knowledge.

His subjects knew of them, the historians had recorded them, and he even told on himself.

bwquillToday, in a moment of transparency uncommon for a king, David turned his thoughts to the times he had failed God, failed his subjects and shamed himself. Bathsheba’s name came to mind, as did her dead husband, Uriah. His encounter with Nabal had raised everyone’s eyebrows. Guilt was not a stranger to his thoughts.

He keenly remembered the preaching of Nathan the Prophet and the three days of God’s judgment and he was grateful for God’s mercy. He knew he didn’t deserve it, but God had been quick to forgive him when he repented.

David picked up a quill and dipped it into the ink and wrote his autobiography in one sentence on the parchment.

Psa. 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

Then he thought a moment and added a short postscript…

Psalms 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

(How Will Your Autobiography Read?)

Written by Martyn Ballestero

November 13, 2013 at 12:19 am

Not Even Once

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Not Even Once

Example One

The giant billboard alongside the Interstate blared the drug prevention message: “Not Even Once!”

I stared at the message with great fascination. To me the message was clear. While drug users may both concur or debate the point, there is truth in the message.

A few years ago, I preached in a church on the subject of God’s Mercy, His Forgiveness and Recovery.

The prayer warriors soon surrounded a middle-aged man who was crying out to God desperately.

Several nights in a row I watched as this man prayed. I often prayed with him myself.

I finally asked the pastor about the man one day, and what he said put me in a state of shock.

He said that the man in the altar used to pastor a fairly large church about 30 miles away. The former pastor claims that one Friday night he drove to another city and saw a man loitering on the street corner.

He pulled up and told the man he wanted to try crack or meth and would he help him make a connection. The man said he would, but only he bought some for both of them. The deal was made.

The former pastor claims that the very first time he tried the drug, he got addicted.

He lost his church, his ministerial license, the respect of his family and friends, his reputation, and he almost lost his marriage.

By the time I preached to him, he had already been through drug rehab programs two times and he still couldn’t be trusted with a ten-dollar bill.

For What Happened Once, Became A Fight For Survival.

 

 

Example Two

While preaching a Sunday night church anniversary service, I spoke on the importance of honoring and respecting their pastor. When I gave an invitation to pray around the altar, tearful family and saints surrounded an older gentleman at the altar. He sobbed uncontrollably.

The prior Sunday night, the man had stood up in the church service and railed on the pastor and the church.

While he spoke, his throat started hurting him, so he sat down. The next day he went to the doctor and was diagnosed with throat cancer in the last stages.

He Railed On God’s Man Just Once.

 

Example Three

After service one night, a middle-aged man walked up to me and said, “I am going to divorce my wife and leave the church. I know it’s not the right thing to do, but I don’t know what else to do.

“Do me a favor pastor, tell everyone you talk to, to never commit adultery the first time because it gets easier after that.”

With that comment he walked out of the church and out of my life.

 

 James Said It Best!

James 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

  • Just don’t mess up the first time!
  • Don’t play with sin.
  • You can’t take fire into your bosom and not be burned.

God has always hated sin. Why play with the things God hates?

Too many are taking great risks with their souls. They feel more comfortable around sin than they ought.

Maybe they think themselves superior and stronger than the pull of sin. The Bible already tells us our flesh is weak, believe it!

 

Do Not Err My Brethren!

Do Not Sin My Brother, Not Even Once!

Do Not Backslide My Brother, Not Even Once!

 

NOT EVEN ONCE

Once – was all Eve had to disobey… and she was cursed forever.

Once – was all Saul had to disobey and disrespect God… and he was cut off.

Once – was all Moses had to smite the rock… and he was kept from the Promised Land.

Once – was all Achan had to disobey… and he and his family were stoned.

Once – was all Ananias and Sapphira had to rob God of their tithes… and God killed them both.

Once – was all Miriam had to talk against her brother Moses… and she became leprous.

Once – was all Gehazi had to disobey… and he was smitten with leprosy.

Once – was all Korah had to rebel and stand up to Moses… and the ground opened up and swallowed him and his friends.

Once – was all Cain had to get jealous and lose his temper… and God marked him forever.

Once – was all the Unknown Prophet had to disobey God… and God let a wild beast kill him.

Once – was all Israel had to refuse to enter into the Promised Land… and God made them wander in the wilderness for forty years.

Once – was all the Rich Young Ruler had to walk away… and never be heard of again.

Once – was all the Five Foolish Virgins had to be unprepared… and they got locked out for good.

Once – was all Balaam had to compromise and chase after money… and he died along side of the enemy.

Once – was all Nebuchadnezzar had to refuse to give God the Glory… and he was made to crawl on his hands and knees like a cow for seven years.

Once – was all Herod had to exalt himself higher than God… and God let worms eat him alive.

Once – was all Belshazzar had to desecrate the Holy things of the Temple… and God’s handwriting appeared on the wall.

Once – was all Esau had to despise the value of his birthright… and God never stopped hating him.

Once – was all Israel had to build a golden calf… and multitudes died.

Once – was all David had to commit adultery… and a whole nation was punished with death.

 

Be Very Grateful That God Has Allowed You To Enjoy His Grace And Mercy!

If You Have Sinned, Be Grateful For His Forgiveness!

But, Do Not Trample On His Mercy, Not Even Once!

Think Twice Before You Even Sin Once!

It’s Not Worth The Risk!

Don’t Do It!

Not Even Once!

 

 

Written by Martyn Ballestero

November 3, 2013 at 8:56 am

Posted in Sin

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Twenty Signs You’re A Luke Warm Christian

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Twenty Signs Of A Luke Warm Christian

(The Harsh Reality: Half Christian, Half Sinner, Totally Lost!)

Rev. 3:14 And unto the angel of the church [a] of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;’

lukewarmRev. 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.’

Rev. 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.’

Rev. 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:’

Rev. 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.’

Rev. 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.’

Rev. 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.’

 

How Do You Know If You’re Luke Warm?

 

When The Story Of Calvary Doesn’t Make You Cry!

When Sin Doesn’t Bother You!

When You Find It Comfortable To Miss Church Services

When Your Prayer Life Is Non-Existent Or Empty 

When You Leave Your Only Bible At Church

 

When Tithing Is A Sacrifice For You

When Worship Is An Effort

When Saying Amen To The Preaching Is Uncomfortable

When You Only Seek God When You Are In Desperate Need

When You No Longer Witness

 

When You Look For Loopholes In Your Churches Standards

When You Love Pleasure More Than You Love God

When Your Giving Is From Your Leftovers And Not Your First Fruits

When You Want To Miss Hell, But Not Enough To Change How You Live

When You Are Worried More About Man’s Approval Than God’s Approval

 

When You Feel No Inward Response To Preaching

When Criticizing Your Pastor, The Church And Holiness Comes Easy

When Satan Doesn’t Bother Fighting You

When You No Longer Weep Over Lost Souls

When Thoughts Of The Coming Of The Lord Doesn’t Excite You!

 

Are You Lukewarm?

Written by Martyn Ballestero

November 1, 2013 at 1:16 pm

Posted in Christian Living

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God Answered Her Prayer

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God Answered Her Prayer

Fannie Thorne lived with a deep dark secret. She didn’t know who her biological father was. Her mother was also born out of wedlock. Now, two generations in a row had endured all the whispers and shunning of polite society.

Other members of Fannie’s family were religious. Very religious indeed! Two of her brothers were preachers in the Assemblies of God Church.

Fannie’s Grandmother had not been allowed to marry the father of her child because he was not of the same religion. He was a professional boxer. Actually, he was the World Champion Heavy Weight Boxer, Bob Fitzsimmons.

A kind and loving Mr. Thorne married Fannie’s mother and adopted baby Fannie, giving her a last name.

Fannie grew up going to church. Her family settled in the Fresno, California area. They attended a large Assemblies Of God Church pastored by the renowned Rev. Charles Price.

As Fannie grew into young womanhood, she attracted the fancy of a dashing Catholic boy named Charles. They fell in love. Fannie had to push aside her Spirit-filled Assemblies of God background to allow herself to be married to Charles.

Against her family’s arguments and disapproval, she married him anyway. Charles and Fannie lived in a nice big house on S. Main St. in Los Angeles, only twenty blocks from the Courthouse.

Two sons were born to them. The Birth Certificates certify that the oldest son was named Charley, and the youngest son is listed as Joseph.

Soon after little Joseph was born, Fannie discovered she had Tuberculosis. For several years she struggled to survive. The Doctors weren’t much help.

She was treated in a Sanatorium in Fresno for her sickness. It was there that she desperately prayed for God to heal her so that she might raise her children. Her boys were now six and four years old.

When she lay on her deathbed, at the age of twenty-six, her brothers and aunts heard her pray her last prayer to God.

“God, would you save my baby boy and make him a preacher?”

Young Fannie died and was buried in an unmarked grave in Mountain View Cemetery in Fresno, California.

The boys were raised as Catholics in spite of their mother’s prayers. Little Charley and Joseph became devout Catholics and attended a Catholic school. Their father turned to alcohol for solace after losing his young wife. He never remarried.

The constant drunkenness of their father caused the state to take the boys away from their Father and place them in Foster Care. Joseph was placed in fourteen different Foster homes. He ran away from eleven of them.

More than fifteen years later, young Joseph went down to the altar the first time he visited his mother’s old church in Fresno. God filled him wonderfully with the Holy Ghost and he spoke in tongues.

About four years later while in the U. S. Army, Joseph found Christ Church in Oregon City, Oregon and was baptized in Jesus Name by Pastor Andrew Baker. God called him into the ministry, and he willingly accepted.

Joseph preached all over America. He preached twenty-five years as a Pastor and twenty-five years as an Evangelist. He travelled and preached everywhere, until his body and health gave out.

His Birth Certificate only showed the name Joseph and his last name. You knew him as Carl Joseph Ballestero. I called him Daddy.

My Grandmother Fannie Ballestero lay in her grave for nearly twenty years until it happened. And then… God answered her prayer! Just like she prayed, God saved her baby boy and made him a preacher!

 

 

Fannie & Charles

Fannie & Charles

Written by Martyn Ballestero

October 29, 2013 at 11:32 pm

Posted in Prayer

Tagged with ,

What’s He Crying About?

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What’s He Crying About?

I sat in a state of wonderment, leaning forward in my seat for nearly the entire sermon. I could not focus on anything or anyone around me. The preacher had my undivided attention. I hadn’t heard preaching on the Name of Jesus like this in many years.

To me, he was like a guide walking down the hallways of my mind, opening the window blinds and shedding illumination as he went. I stopped momentarily at each window and looked at views of God that I had never seen from that particular perspective before.

I wept unashamedly as my understanding was enlightened even more. My face smiled the best it could while I wept. Tears of Joy and Thankfulness continually streamed down my cheeks. I was enraptured.

For me, it felt like a God-Moment. The crowd responded wonderfully. My tired body wouldn’t let me stand the whole sermon, but the want-to was there.

I had never heard a sermon on the Godhead quite this amazing. It was too glorious for words. It carried me to a place that felt similar to what the Apostle must have felt like when he said he was carried away into the third Heaven.

On Thursday night of the 2013 UPCI General Conference, Brother Raymond Woodward stood preaching about the Name Of Jesus. The congregation came alive!

I couldn’t stop crying. I was so grateful for the Revelation of the Mighty God in Christ. Every emotion in me surrendered. Tears, amens, clapping, thanksgiving, rejoicing, hunger, passion, elation, and overwhelming joy came over me. My shoulders shook, while I sobbed. I ‘lost it’ and I did not care who saw me.

This sermon was not a pop-psychology fix. It wasn’t some namby-pamby feel good discourse. This was the “finest of the wheat” and my soul was being fed like it had not eaten in a long, long time.

Doctrine. That was what filled me with joy to overflowing. I could not stop crying. I had never heard this Oneness Message preached and explained any more beautifully of more powerfully.

A middle-age man (who was raised in an Apostolic church) nearby looked at me and asked his neighbor, “What’s he crying about?”

What Am I Crying About?

  • I’m sorry to say, but if you have to ask why I’m crying, you wouldn’t understand if I tried to explain it to you.
  • If you had a revelation of the Oneness of the Godhead for yourself, you wouldn’t have wondered about me, you would have joined me.
  • If you really loved this Jesus Name message, you wouldn’t have even asked, you would have known.

Thanks anyway for asking, but before you go… could you hand me that Kleenex box?

__________________________________________________________

To purchase CDs and DVDs from #UPCIGC13 go to www.upcimedia.com

Written by Martyn Ballestero

October 13, 2013 at 5:55 pm

To The Embarrassed Man, Who Stuttered… Thank You!

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To The Embarrassed Man, Who Stuttered… Thank You!

 No one knows your name.

You came out of nowhere. You stopped when you saw the car teetering on the edge of the cliff with the front tires dangling out into space.

A young man sat behind the wheel with his foot on the brake desperately trying to keep the vehicle from moving forward. Only a wrecker could pull the car back onto the road. His friends had gone to get one.

Uncertainty showed in your body language. You knew you couldn’t do anything for the car, but yet you came closer. You walked with your head down and only glanced up to make sure you were walking in the right direction.

When you arrived at the driver’s window, you dug into your pocket and pulled out what looked like an old and well-worn Gospel Tract.

You were nervous and stuttered badly as you handed the tract to the Catholic boy behind the wheel.

It seemed like it took you forever to say, ‘I want you to read this.”

The young man thanked you and watched as you shuffled out of his life. But he never forgot you.

He wondered why the tract you had given was old and not new. Was it your personal favorite or was it the last one you had?

What You Didn’t Know!

You didn’t know that the young man had been raised Catholic.

You didn’t know that he had been a gang leader in Los Angeles and a fugitive from justice as well.

You didn’t know that he wanted to turn his life around.

You didn’t know that he would read your old tract slowly taking in every word.

You didn’t know that when the tract talked about the coming of the Lord and asked the question, “Are you ready?” that the young man realized he wasn’t ready.

You didn’t know that you were the first person to ever make him think about his soul being lost and that he needed the Lord.

You didn’t know that he prayed, “God if there is more for me from You, then I want it. If it is real, I want it.”

What You Never Knew!

The power of a single tract.

The young man soon visited an Assemblies Of God Church in Fresno, California.

Rev. Charles Price preached him to the altar that night and he received the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues.

What You Couldn’t Have Known!

The past caught up with him and he went to San Quentin Prison.

He regularly attended a Bible Study group.

His cellmate was a backslider from a Trinitarian church and he once had the Holy Ghost.

The cellmate would watch the others in the Bible Study group but never join in.

One day the cellmate received a tract from his wife about Acts 2:38. She had just been baptized in Jesus Name and wanted him to be as well.

The backslidden cellmate didn’t want the tract, so he gave it him.

What You May Never Know!

The young man you gave the tract to, read this 2nd tract and received a revelation of the Oneness of God and the importance of Jesus Name baptism, and was thrilled with the new knowledge.

He preached his first sermon in the prison yard. “Though Thy Sins Be As Scarlet, They Shall Be White As Snow!”

After being released, he went into the Army and searched for two years for someone to baptize him.

He found that place in Christ Church, Oregon City, Oregon. The Pastor, Andrew Baker baptized him in Jesus Name.

His family disowned him for leaving the Catholic Church.

He married the most lovely and godly young woman you could ever hope to find. They had five children who also were baptized in Jesus Name and filled with the Holy Ghost.

He pastored nine churches, six of which he started.

He evangelized everywhere for twenty-five years and pastored twenty-five years as well.

His sermons were life changing and unforgettable.

All who have his tapes and CD’s still treasure them.

You would have cried and rejoiced listening to him preach under the anointing.

You would have cried listening to him and his wife sing.

His son became a preacher.

Of his four daughters, one died in her teens, the others are involved in ministry.

Two of his son’s in law are preachers.

He has eleven grandchildren who all have received the Holy Ghost and have all been involved in ministry of some kind.

Five became pastors.

Of his nineteen great grand children, those who are old enough have been baptized in Jesus Name and filled with the Holy Ghost.

The oldest ones are presently preparing themselves for the world of the Lord.

What I Want You To Know!

He never forgot your willingness to witness, in spite of your stuttering and embarrassment.

You were the first one to ever witness to him, even though you simply handed him an old tract.

He’s not here today to say thank you.

He died on September 11, 1994. His wife, Content died on January 13, 2012.

So I would like to thank you for him!

You see, I’m his son.

His name was Carl Joseph Ballestero.

Written by Martyn Ballestero

September 26, 2013 at 11:01 am

Posted in Witness

Tagged with

You Say, “God Doesn’t Look On The Outside; He ONLY Looks At The Heart.” Really?

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You Say, “God Doesn’t Look On The Outside; He ONLY Looks At The Heart.”

REALLY?

Surely You Don’t Really Believe That?

 

You Truly Believe That God Is ONLY Concerned With The Heart, And That He Refuses To Look Upon The Outside?

  • Is that because you haven’t read the Bible much?
  • Is that because your pastor explains away Bible modesty?
  • Is that because you refuse to be holy, even though you seek the Holy Ghost?
  • Or is it just an attempt to justify your worldly charismatic and emergent lifestyle?

Here Is The Candy-Stick Verse Of Those Who Resist Holiness Preaching.

(Background – Samuel Was Sent By The LORD To Anoint A New King:)

1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

1.     Samuel LIKED what he saw on the outside.

2.     God DID NOT LIKE what he saw on the inside.

3.     (It’s amazing that many attempt to twist this verse 180 degrees to justify themselves.)

Why Is This Passage So Beloved By People Choosing To Live And Look Like The World?

Is it just a handy comeback in an attempt to justify their Biblical disobedience? I think, for too many, this may be the case.

 

Does God Examine The Heart? Absolutely!

Jeremiah 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Psalm 7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.

Proverbs 17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

  • Yes God Examines The Heart. It’s What the Heart Produces That God Will Reward or Punish.
  • He TRIES the heart. He Sees it’s obedience and submission, it’s disobedience and rebellion.
  • What Is In The Heart Will Soon Show On The Outside

 

Remember

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

 

I. The Importance Of First Mention Principle In The Bible.

Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

·      In this context it does not mean totally nude, but nakedness in the sense or degree of a lack of sufficient clothing

·      One thus may be wearing a certain amount of clothing, but still be considered naked in the sight of God.

Genesis 3:10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

Adam & Eve Made An Attempt To Cover The Shame Of Their Nakedness With Leaves. It Was Inadequate!

Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

God Got Involved With Covering Their Nakedness

Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

·      “Coats” is from the Hebrew word, Kethoneth. It is an unused root meaning to cover: a shirt: coat, garment robe.) Meaning a garment with sleeves, coming down to the at least the knees.

·      Davis Dictionary of the Bible, page 148, “reached nearly to the knees, though a longer form with sleeves of full length was in use.”

·      This clearly suggests God created for man a garment, which covered much more than just his “life giving parts.”

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?

 

II. Ornamentation, Modesty, Costly Array, Hair Styles.

1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

1 Timothy 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

“Women wore garments that resembled floor length dresses which would not accent the figure. These garments were modest when working or bending over. The Greek word for apparel in 1st Timothy 2:9 is “katastole”, which basically means a long flowing garment, resembling a robe For further study on this word, see Vines Expository Dictionary of The New Testament and Young’s Analytical Concordance.”

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?

1 Peter 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

1 Peter 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

1 Peter 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

1 Peter 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?

III. Men Wearing Women’s Garments, Women Wearing Men’s Garments.

Deuteronomy 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?

IV. Mixing Fabrics.

Deuteronomy 22:11 Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together.

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside

 

V. Make Fringes On Your Garments.

Deuteronomy 22:12 Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself.

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?

VI. Men Praying With Their Head Covered, Men Wearing Long Hair, Women Praying With Their Head Uncovered, Women Praying With Their Hair Cut.

1 Corinthians 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

1 Corinthians 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

1 Corinthians 11:6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

1 Corinthians 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

1 Corinthians 11:8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.

1 Corinthians 11:9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

1 Corinthians 11:10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

1 Corinthians 11:11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 11:12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

1 Corinthians 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

1 Corinthians 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

1 Corinthians 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?

VII. Priests And Levites Were Required To Wear Long Linen Under Garments

Exodus 28:42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:

Exodus 28:43 And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.

The ISBE Defines “breeches” “A garment, extending from the waist to or just below the knee or to the ankle, and covering each leg separately” – page 518.

In order to cover their nakedness they were to cover from the waist to the knees. Why? Because to expose the thigh was to expose your nakedness – cf. Isa.47:2,3.

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?

VIII. Priests And Levites Must Only Wear Linen When Serving In The Court Of The Lord.

Ezekiel 44:17 And it shall come to pass, that when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come upon them, whiles they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within.

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside

 

IX. Priests And Levites Must Not Wear Garments That Make Them Sweat.

Ezekiel 44:18 They shall have linen bonnets upon their heads, and shall have linen breeches upon their loins; they shall not gird themselves with any thing that causeth sweat.

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside

 

X. Priests And Levites Must Change Their Clothes Before They Minister.

Ezekiel 44:19 And when they go forth into the utter court, even into the utter court to the people, they shall put off their garments wherein they ministered, and lay them in the holy chambers, and they shall put on other garments; and they shall not sanctify the people with their garments.

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside

XI. Priests And Levites Must Not Shave Their Heads. Priests And Levites Must Not Let Their Locks Grow Long.

Ezekiel 44:20 Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?

XII. Attire Of A Harlot. (One Looking For Sex).

Proverbs 7:10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?

XIII. An Exposed Thigh Is Nakedness In God’s Eye.

Isaiah 47:1 Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.

Isaiah 47:2 Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers.

Isaiah 47:3 Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?

XIV. When Jacob And His Family Went To Back To Bethel (House Of God) They:

  1. Put Away Their Idols
  2. Washed
  3. Changed Their Clothes
  4. Buried Their Earrings

Genesis 35:1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.

Genesis 35:2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

Genesis 35:3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

Genesis 35:4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?

 

XV. Wearing Of Jewels Earrings Tied To Baal Worship.

Hosea 2:13 And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?

 

XVI. Body Markings (Tattoo) And Piercings.

Leviticus 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?

XVII, Circumcision.

Genesis 17:10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.

Genesis 17:11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.

Genesis 17:12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

Genesis 17:13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

Genesis 17:14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?

 

XVIII. Lasciviousness.

Ephesians 4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

  • Lasciviousness Definition:(Also translated by licentiousness, wantonness, lewdness and lustful desires.)

1. Lasciviousness means, “wanton (acts or) manners as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females” – Thayer.

2. “Denotes excess, absence of restraint, indecency, wantonness” – Vine.

B. Another word for lasciviousness is “lewdness” which Webster defines as “tendency to excite lust.”

When The Bible Speaks Of Lasciviousness, It Is Talking About Trying To Entice Lust In The Hearts Of Other People. This Is One Of The Works Of The Flesh.

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

 

This Generation Is Without Shame And Cannot Blush. They Don’t Even Hide The Fact That They Are Trying To Excite Lust In Those Who See Them.

  • Why Are These Passages In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?

What Parts Of The Body Incite Lust?

  • You Already Know.
  • Those Are The Very Body Parts God Sought To Cover!

What Modesty In Dress Does:

  • It covers up what GOD calls nakedness.
  • It displays shamefacedness, sobriety, godliness and good works
  • It reflects purity, reverence and a quiet spirit

Present Your Body A Living Sacrifice, Holy And Acceptable Unto God!

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

  • Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?

 

“God Doesn’t Look On The Outside; He Only Looks At The Heart.”  REALLY?

Surely You Don’t Really Believe That?

 

The Deadliest Woman In Town.

with 9 comments

The Deadliest Woman In Town.

“That’s the eleventh patient, so far, that has been brought into the ER within the last 16 hours!” The Doctor said to the others in the room at the Morning Staff Meeting.

“Put up warning signs. Everyone entering their rooms must wear gloves, gowns and masks. Quarantine them all. This is highly contagious. Notify the Center for Disease Control that we have an outbreak.”

Several Nurses hurried out of the room to follow his orders.

“This strain of infectious disease is resistant to treatment of any kind. Most patients die Nurse gloveswith this infection, although I have heard that a few have been known to recover. My guess is that less than ten percent ever survive. It is a slow and agonizing death.”

Those in the room glanced from one to another. Most of them had already made contact of some sort with these patients. Fears begin to grip their thoughts as they worried about their own safety and survival.

“Doctor?” A Nurse called out from the back of the room. “What part of the body does this disease attack?”

The Doctor looked at the papers and handwritten notes in his lap, then he raised his head and said, “Autopsy reports clearly show major heart damage in every patient. The walls of the heart become irreversibly hardened. Also, some family members have reported the victims thinking became irrational.

“The first victim that came in last night was related to seven of the others. The other three were her close friends. She is the carrier. Right now, she’s the deadliest woman in town.

“She infected her husband, her three daughters, a grand daughter and two of her sisters. Now, they are all fighting for their life.”

The Doctor picked up his black Book and turned its pages until he found the citation he was looking for. He cleared his throat and read to his listeners the cause of this viral infection.

 

Hebrews 12:15

Looking diligently… lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

Written by Martyn Ballestero

September 11, 2013 at 7:52 am

Posted in Bitterness

Tagged with