May I once again welcome you to another Magazine from Ballee Baptist Church.

As I sit in my study contemplating this article I am struck with the many privileges that come my way day by day as I serve my Lord and Master. One of these is the writing of this article, which reaches readers who have never been to our Church, or maybe any Church! Especially with you in mind, I would like to pose the question:

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CHRISTIAN?

I think of the little verse found in Acts 11 v 26b "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch". But today in 1991 the term "Christians" is a fallen term, it has been cheapened by common usage. It appears to cover a multitude of religious ideas, error as well as truth, paganism as well as the revelation of God’s divine truth. "Christians" has been stretched to the extent that it covers rationalistic modernism on one hand and a frothy sentimentalism on the other, cold ritualism and heated emotionalism. Some apply the term to all who have high moral standards and believe in the existence of God. While others claim the title simply because they are members of a Church.

But what is a Christian? Surely it must be more than sitting in a Church pew, enjoying the hymns and a sermon on Sunday and then business as usual during the week. Let me suggest a few Biblical pointers that might help:

TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN YOU MUST FIRST BE SAVED

 

It is absolutely impossible for one to be a Christian who does not have a personal redemptive relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus said to Nicodemus "Ye must be born again" John 3 v 7. A person must repent -

[i] change their mind about the nature, purity, justice of God

[ii] change their mind about their sin - which must be judged and punished

[iii] turn their back on their sin - being sorry for their rebellion against God

Always linked with genuine repentance is a sincere faith, a dependence, a trust placed in Jesus Christ and on His death at Calvary to cleanse from sin. When a man, woman, boy or girl responds to the Gospel with repentance and faith, the Spirit of God brings about the miracle of new birth within the soul. They become a child of God [Galations 3 v 26], they are now a new creation [II Corinthians 5 v 17].

The new birth alone does not produce Christlikeness. The new birth makes possible a growth and development into Christlikeness. The new birth make possible a growth to be genuinely "Christians" without first having the experience of New Birth.

TO BE GENUINELY CHRISTIAN YOU MUST BE SURRENDERED

 

The Lord Jesus was completely surrendered to the will of God. "Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work" John 4 v 34.

That surrender led to Gethsemane and Calvary "Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done" Luke 22 v 42. So too for the genuine Christian, their life will be marked by surrender. Surrender of their own will, plans, ambitions to the will of God. Surrender to the standards, teachings and statutes of the Word of God. Surrender in the home, in work, in all we do to the witness for God.

James 4 v 7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God"

I Peter 5 v 6 "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time"

TO BE GENUINELY CHRISTIAN YOU MUST BE SERVING

 

So many of those calling themselves Christians appear to be inactive Church Members, but an inactive Christian is a contradiction of terms, for when we cease to serve, we cease to be truly Christian in Biblical terms. The genuine Christian has the task of being the salt of the earth, and the light of the world. They have the task of being earthly ambassadors for Christ. They have the responsibility to go "and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things ..." Matthew 28 v 19&20. We must not only be good, but do good unto all men with humility and without show.

Saved? Surrendered? Serving? Are you a Christian?

You say "Pastor" the standard is too high - the ideal too great" - that is why none of the standards are possible without the power and assistance of the Spirit of God. Part of the wonder and miracle of the New Birth is the coming of the Holy Spirit to dwell within the heart of the believer [Galations 4 v 4-6]. His task is to give us the strength to produce spiritual fruit in our lives [Galations 5 v 22-23].

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Enjoy the rest of our little publication - and I pray most of all that when the roll is called up yonder - you’ll be there,

oOo

If your car started one out of three times - would you consider it faithful?

If your paperboy skipped Tuesday and Friday - would you consider him faithful?

If you didn’t turn up for work three times a month - would your boss consider you faithful?

If your refrigerator quit a day now and then - would you say ‘Oh well, it works most of the time’?

If your heating refused to come on two mornings a week - would you consider it faithful?

If you miss two mortgages payments in the year - will the Building Society say 10 out of 12 is not bad?

If you miss Church, and attend only when it suits you - can I call you faithful?

oOo

Thank you, thank you Jesus,

Thank you, thank you Jesus,

Thank you, thank you Jesus every day.

Thank you, thank you Jesus,

Thank you, thank you Jesus,

Thank you, thank you Jesus every day.

~~~

CONTENTMENT - What we need most is in fact to need less!

~~~

GARDENING

There is one thing that will grow like wildfire in any kind of soil, in any climate, anywhere on earth - and that is idle rumour!

oOo

SALE FINAL REDUCTIONS SPECIAL OFFER

I thought these words would stop all you ladies reading this magazine! There are few feelings better than returning from town with a "real bargain", and a few worse than finding your "real bargain" further reduced next week!

Have you ever stopped to think of the "bargains" on offer each month at our Missionary Fellowship [2nd Wednesday] and Prayer Meetings [last Wednesday]? Let me list a few for you:

1 Learn of the Lord’s Work all around the world - without leaving Ballymena!

2 Hear of other cultures and countries - without buying air tickets and passport!

3 Enjoy a night of fellowship with other ladies - no charge!

4 Enjoy a cup of tea and a scone [missionary night] - no charge!

5 Bright singing - no charge!

6 Having an impact on the missionfield through our interest and prayer - no charge!

7 Making new friends - no charge!

Ladies, we don’t want you to feel that your are missing out on such a "bargain", and so we extend an open invitation to ALL ladies to come and participate in our Ladies’ Missionary Fellowship. I’m sure if you were on the missionfield, you would like to think that the ladies at home could find an hour in the month to remember you and time to pray for you. Please don’t "miss out" on all these never to be beaten bargains - we would love to see you there.

As we begin a new programme for 91/92 DV, please pray for the work among the ladies as we grow in number and in our impact for the Lord.

Lesley Kennedy

oOo

Let me not live a life that’s free

From "the things" that draw me close to Thee -

For how can I ever hope to heal

The wounds of others I do not feel -

If my eyes are dry and I never weep,

How do I know when the hurt is deep -

If my heart is cold and it never bleeds,

How can I tell what my brother needs -

For when ears are deaf to the beggar’s plea

And we close our eyes and refuse to see,

And we steel our hearts and harden our mind,

And we count it a weakness whenever we’re kind,

We are no longer following the Father’s Way

Or seeking His guidance from day to day -

For, without "crosses to carry" and "burdens to bear",

We dance through a life that is frothy and fair,

And "chasing the rainbow" we have no desire

For "roads that are rough" and "realms that are higher" -

So spare me no heartache or sorrow, Dear Lord,

For the heart that is hurt reaps the richest reward,

And God enters the heart that is broken with sorrow

As He opens the door to a brighter tomorrow,

For only through tears can we recognise

The suffering that lies in another’s eyes.

Jean Craig

oOo

There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of one small candle.

"Ye are the light of the world" Matthew 5 v 14

~~~

There is not a person on the face of the earth who does not understand the language of a kind act

~~~

MARRIAGE CORNER!

A successful marriage requires one great ingredient.

It requires falling in love many times, always with the same person!

A successful marriage always takes two people and a Golden Wedding is when a couple have gone Fifty-fifty!

oOo

Dear Friends

Once again it’s time to share with you a few things from the mission fields of the world and ask you to continue to pray for God’s servants as they labour for Him in some dark and difficult places. Ron George, who has been to the Church a few times is now working with the World in Need Missions, but still working amongst the Muslim people. He has asked for much prayer of this work especially as he is preaching about seven hours each day. Volunteers have gone to Turkey recently to work amongst the Kurds, and we know that Cholera has broken out, so pray for their health and protection as they work in this dangerous part of the World. Ron mentioned in his letter about one old lady, 73 years of age, who has had both hips replaced, and she has given out 19 New Testaments to the Muslim people so far this month. Surely these are the things that touch our hearts.

I have just been reading a short note from our Brother Walter Burrell and it’s great to see that God has been blessing Walter down in Cork. He has been able to put 160 Bibles unto a Soviet ship lately and 100 Bibles unto a Romanian fishing factory ship. Pray that God will use these Bibles to reach many souls for Himself. Walter would like to thank you all for praying for Mary. She had major heart surgery, when they fitted two new valves. Walter said that even in the midst of her weakness she still welcomed seamen into the home and they had the joy of leading some to a saving knowledge of Christ.

Just recently I read an article by Roy Miton, a missionary with New Tribes in Indonesia and he asked the question that I’m sure all missionaries could ask, IS IT WORTH IT, to give up grandchildren, sisters, brothers, fathers, mothers, houses and lands to serve the Lord, on the mission field? He then went on to tell a wonderful story of how after he and his wife had returned to the mission field after furlough, they attended their first meeting in the little villlage Church and it was three of the men from the villlage who were teaching at the meeting. As he sat there and listened to the men teaching from different passages of the Word of God, he said that he couldn’t constrain himself when he thought that four years ago when these men were saved two of them couldn’t even read, so he cried out "Praise God IT’S WORTH IT ALL". Roy said as he stood at the door of the little Church when the service was over and watched the villagers with their little lamps in their hands disappear into the darkness of the jungle, he thought of the great privilege that was his to spread the light of the Gospel message in this dark world of sin. YES IT’S WORTH IT to work for God. This little story could be repeated by other missionaries in other parts of the world, so keep on praying that God will continue to save precious souls and encourage His servant as they labour for Him.

Don’t forget to uphold our own missionaries before the Lord, Geoffrey and Gillian and family, Sam and Anna, James and Audrey, and all those who have started in Bible College recently, Heather and Alan Hoey, and Agnes Carson. May God richly bless them and help them.

Desmond Shaw

oOo

[selected]

God has a purpose in our heartaches

The Saviour always knows what’s best;

We learn so many precious lessons

In each sorrow, trial and test.

~~~

For the Christian, disappointment may be God’s appointment.

~~~

"For better or for worse" we pledge

Through sickness and through strife;

And with God’s never-failing love

A friendship grows for life.

~~~

Success in marriage is more than finding the right person,

It is becoming the right person.

~~~

God sent His Son to die for us,

No other life would do;

So why not trust in Christ today

Accept His gift to you.

~~~

Salvation is free, but you must receive it.

~~~

There are sad and lonely hearts today in Ireland -

Hearts that need the cleansing blood of Calvary,

Help us bring them to the feet of Jesus -

He alone can give them peace and liberty.

M Robinson

oOo

JUNE

This month we went to the Jet Centre to try our skills at Ten Pin Bowling. There were quite a few professionals getting the strikes and also getting the bowl in the ditch. Occasionally they were getting one or two pins down. It was a very enjoyable evening.

AUGUST

It was football in the rain at White Park Bay at Dunsevrick YPF annual Barbecue, then to their Pastor’s house for the grub. After getting our breath back from playing football and getting the burgers well down, we had a time of fellowship singing choruses. Trevor Robinson finished with a Word from God about practical Christian living which was very challenging. Again another enjoyable evening.

The Church annual barbecue at Greenmount again was a great success and encouragement to the young people, as about 100 people attended. We left the Church at 7.00pm with a Treasure Hunt which was quite hard. To Johnny Luke, on behalf of the young people, a big thank you for the Treasure Hunt. We arrived at Greenmount, the food and fellowship were good. Alan Hoey finished with a very challenging word about fishing for men. Again another enjoyable evening and end to the summer.

Leslie Kirk

Jesus bids us shine with a pure, clear light,

Like a little candle burning in the night,

In this world of darkness so we must shine,

You in your small corner and I in mine.

Jesus bids us shine, then for all around.

Many kinds of darkness in this world are found.

Sin, and want, and sorrow, so we must shine,

You in your small corner, and I in mine.

oOo

It’s easy to say, "In God we trust"

When life is radiant and fair,

But the test of faith is only found

When there are burdens to bear -

For our claim to faith in the "sunshine"

Is really no faith at all

For when the roads are smooth and days are bright

Our need for God is so small,

And no one discovers the fullness

Or the greatness of God’s love

Unless he was walked in the "Darkness"

With only a light from Above -

For the faith to endure whatever comes

Is born of sorrow and trials,

And strengthened only by discipline

And nurtured by self-denials -

So be not disheartened by troubles,

For trials are the "building blocks"

On which to erect a fortress of faith

Secure on God’s "ageless rocks".

Jean Craig

oOo

Jesus is our Lord and King, and His praises we will sing,

For He left His home above to redeem us by His love -

Jesus is the Friend we need, for His mercy we will plead;

We will never doubt nor fear for He is forever near -

Jesus is the Life, the Way, and His Truth abides for aye;

Hear Him speak so tenderly; "Take my yoke and follow me" -

Jesus leads us to our home, where no sorrows ever come;

All His favours we receive, if we only will believe.

oOo

This year’s Holiday Bible Club was the sixth to be held at Ballee Baptist Church. As usual it took place during the first week of the school summer holidays [1st - 5th July] from 10.30am - 12.30pm each morning. We had 120 children on the opening morning, with around 140 on each of the other four days.

We were glad to welcome back again this year children who had attended on previous occasions, and whom we are getting to know well - and hopefully they feel that they are getting to know us too. We also had a goodly number of new children who attended the Club for the first time this year, very many of whom were under six years old. We hope and trust that these younger ones will continue to visit the Children’s Meetings in the years ahead.

Our theme for the week was "Bible Lessons for Life’s Journey", with lessons on Cain and Abel [reminding us of how God requires a right sacrifice for sin], the crucifixion and the resurrection [that the Lord Jesus’ death was acceptable to God]. the Philippian jailer [that only the Lord Jesus Christ can save from sin], the crossing of the Red Sea [that God cares for His children] and "the Christians’ Armour" [i.e. from Ephesians chapter 6]. The lessons were well directed to both saved and unsaved listeners, and seemed to be very well received indeed by all.

Our memory verses [Isaiah 53 v 6, Acts 16 v 31] were well learned by the children, with even the youngest ones making a good attempt at reciting them. The choruses were sung with the enthusiasm and the quizzes were, as usual, good fun - pinning the tail of the donkey [especially when it was a leader who had to pin the tail on!] proved to be a particular favourite. Outdoor games were possible on four of the five mornings and the juice and biscuits were gratefully received as always.

Many of our faithful helpers returned again this year and along with those for whom this was their first year, everyone worked well together. Certainly everyone had plenty to do! May I even at this stage encourage anyone who might be planning to attend next year’s Club DV as it is always great to be a part of the team and a real blessing to be involved. The more helpers the better, of course, as it allows us to get to know the children better. Indeed there were a few children at this year’s Club who were definitely challenged and spoken to, as the helpers were able to talk quietly to them. I would ask you to pray for these children, that they might make a commitment to follow the Lord Jesus in the days that lie ahead.

"And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" II Timothy 3 v 15

Ivan Bankhead

oOo

Round the clock the two hands go

Never fast, yet never slow!

Listen and you’ll hear them say;

"Live for Jesus every day".

One hand big and one hand small,

Round they go - then chimes will call

As they ring I hear them say;

"Live for Jesus every day".

~~~

A CHILD’S PRAYER

Father above, hear Thou our prayer,

Help us to know Thy tender care,

Through all our days teach us to be

Lovingly trust and faithful to Thee.

Amen.

~~~

QUOTATIONS

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God [Corrie Ten Boom]

~~~

The world hopes for the best, but Jesus Christ offers the best hope [John Wesley White]

~~~

Jesus Christ is God’s everything for man’s total need [Richard Halverson]

~~~

Those who go against the grain of God’s laws shouldn’t complain when they get splinters [Arkansas Church]

~~~

To look is one thing.

To see what you look at is another.

To understand what you see is a third.

To learn from what you understand is still something else.

But to act on what you learn is all that really matters, isn’t it?

[Harvard Review]

~~~

Vision without action is visionary.

Action without vision is mercenary.

But vision with action is missionary.

The way from God to a human heart is through a human heart.

[Samuel Gordon]

~~~

Faith grows only in the dark.

You’ve got to trust God where you can’t trace Him. That’s faith.

You just take Him at His Word, believe Him, and grip the nail-pierced hand a little tighter, and faith grows.

[Lyell Rader]

~~~

Death is not a full stop, but a comma in the story of life [Amos Traver]

oOo

He feels supreme love for One Whom he has never seen

He talks familiarly every day to Someone he cannot see

He expects to go to Heaven on the virtue of another

He empties himself to be full

He admits he is wrong so he can be declared right

He goes down in order to get up

He is strongest when he is weakest

He is richest when he is poorest

He dies so he can live

He forsakes in order to have

He gives away so he can keep

He sees the invisible, hears the inaudible, and knows that which passeth knowledge.

 

oOo

BY CHARLES G FINNEY

FORMALITY IN RELIGIOUS EXERCISES

A stereo-typed formal way of saying and doing things, that is clearly the result of habit, rather than the outgushing of the religious life reveals a backslidden heart.

A CENSORIOUS SPIRIT

This is a spirit of fault-finding. It is a disposition to fasten blame upon others, and judge them harshly. It is a state of mind that reveals itself in harsh judgements, harsh sayings and the manifestation of uncomfortable feelings towards individuals.

A LACK OF INTEREST IN GOD’S WORD

Perhaps nothing more conclusively proves that a professor has a backslidden heart, that his loving interest in the Bible. While his heart is full of love, there is no book so precious as the Bible.

A LACK OF INTEREST IN SECRET PRAYER

Young Christian, if you find yourself in the Bible and in secret prayer, stop short, return to God and give yourself no rest, till you enjoy the light of His countenance.

A LACK OF INTEREST IN THE CONVERSION OF SOULS

There is nothing in which a loving heart takes more interest than in the conversion of souls.

A LOSS OF INTEREST IN THE CONVERSATION AND SOCIETY[COMPANY] OF HIGHLY SPIRITUAL PEOPLE

We take the greatest delight in the company of those who are most interested in the things that are most dear to us. Hence a loving Christian heart will always seek the company of those who are most spiritually minded, and whose conversation is most evangelical and spiritual. If you find yourself wanting in this respect then know for certain you are backslidden in heart.

A BACKSLIDDEN HEART WILL PRAY ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY FOR SELF

Ask them to pray for the conversion of sinners and they will either wholly forget to do so or just mention sinners in such a way as will show that they have no heart to pray for them.

ABSENCE FROM THE STATED PRAYER MEETING FOR SLIGHT REASONS IS A SURE INDICATION OF A BACKSLIDDEN HEART

If a call from a friend at the hour of meeting can prevent their attendance, unless the call is made under peculiar circumstances, it is a strong evidence that they do not wish to attend. Hence they are backslidden in heart.

PLEADING FOR WORLDLY AMUSEMENTS IS ALSO AN INDICATION OF A BACKSLIDDEN HEART

A loving heart is jealous of everything that will break up or interfere with its communion with God. For mere worldly amusements it has no relish. When the heart does not find more delight in God than in all worldly things the heart is sadly backslidden.

HOW TO RECOVER FROM A STATE OF BACKSLIDDING

Remember whence you are fallen. Take home the conviction of your true position. No longer delay to understand the exact situation between God and your soul. Repent at once, and do your first works over again. Do not attempt to get back by reforming your mere outside conduct, begin with your heart, and at once set yourself right with God. Do not act like a mere convicted sinner and attempt to recommend yourself to God by any impenitent works or prayers. Know for a certainty that until you repent and accept His Will unconditionally, you are no better, but are constantly growing worse. until you throw yourself on His Sovereign mercy and thus return to God, He will accept nothing at your hands. Come then to Christ at once like a guilty, condemned sinner, as your are, own up and take all the shame and blame to yourself, and believe that notwithstanding all your wanderings from God, He loves you still - that He has loved you with an everlasting love, and, therefore, with loving kindness is drawing you to Him.

Able to deliver Daniel 3 v 17

Able to save Hebrews 7 v 25

Able to keep II Timothy 1 v 12

Able to succour Hebrews 2 v 18

Able to perform Romans 4 v 21

Able to build Acts 10 v 32

Able to make stand Romans 14 v 4

Able to make all grace abound II Corinthians 9 v 8

Able to make wise II Timothy 3 v 15

Able to raise Hebrews 11 v 19

Able to subdue Philippians 3 v 21

Able to heal Matthew 9 v 28

Able to give much more than this II Chronicles 15 v 9

oOo

One whose grip is a little tighter,

One whose smile is a little brighter,

One whose deeds are a little whiter,

That’s what I call a friend.

One who’ll lend as quick as borrow,

One whose the same today as tomorrow,

One who’ll share your joy and sorrow,

That’s what I call a friend.

One whose thoughts are a little cleaner,

One whose mind is a little keener,

One who avoids things that are mere,

That’s what I call a friend

One who has been fine when life seemed rotten,

One whose ideals you have not forgotten,

One who has given you more than he’s gotten,

That’s what I call a friend.

oOo

Pressed out of measure and pressed to all length,

Pressed so intently, it seems beyond strength,

Pressed in the body and pressed in the soul,

Pressed in the mind till the dark surges roll,

Pressed by foes and the pressure by friends,

Pressure on pressure till life nearly ends.

Pressed into knowing no helper but God,

Pressed into loving the staff and the rod,

Pressed into liberty where nothing clings,

Pressed into faith for impossible things,

Pressed into living a life for the Lord,

Pressed into living a Christ life outpoured.

oOo

A lazy man never has time to do anything for the Lord.

~~~

Godlessness is not necessarily atheism - but acting as though God didn’t exist!

oOo

After many faithful years as editors/compilers of our Church Magazine, Stephen and Linda Irons have retired from the task. We do thank them for their work in this area since the start of the Magazine.

However, it is a joy to welcome Mervyn and Joan McMullan to the "hot seat" and pray that the Lord will bless this area of service.

Please assist Mervyn and Joan by having all articles submitted on time!

oOo

Sunday 6th - Friday 25th October Gospel Mission

Speaker: Victor Maxwell, Templemore Hall, Belfast

Thursday 7th November 8pm Singers: Cornerstone, Leonard and Margaret

Speaker: Pastor Harold Chambers, Newtownards

Sunday 10th November am/pm Lindsay Allen, FEBA

Sunday 22nd December am/pm Carol Services

Wednesday 25th December 10.30am Special Christmas Family Service [45 minutes]

All Welcome

Tuesday 31st December 10.30pm Watchnight service

Christians urgently required to pray for the Gospel Mission starting Sunday 6th October at 6.30pm

For Pastor Victor Maxwell as he preaches each night

For the singers and those who take a public lead

For those of our friends and loved ones that we have invited.

 

October

6th Heavenly Connection

7th Mrs Wilma Power

8th Warwick Sisters

9th Rathmore Street Trio

10th William Warwick

11th Beverley Murray

13th Janet and Hugh

14th Don and May Rowan

15th Redemption Male Quartet

16th Heavenly Connection

17th The Bell Duette

18th New Life

20th Mrs Phyllis Corrigan

21st David Millar

22nd Sharon and Donna

23rd Ballymena Male Gospel Choir

24th Joel and Ray McConnell

25th Mrs Jean Lucas

27th Mrs Irene Thompson

November

3rd Iron Hall Choir

10th Jim Anderson

17th The Bell Family

24th Neill and Kyra

December

1st Youth Choir

8th Richard Davison

15th Robert Mitchell

22nd Carol Service

29th Carrick Quartet

If you have any news for the magazine, any comments you would like to make, we would be only too glad to receive them. Think about it - and let us know as it would make our task much easier in compiling the magazine, we have three months before the next issue is due.