Autumn 1999
From the Pastor.
September again.... I like September, it's a month for getting back into the comfort of routine. The children are safely returned to fervent and industrious study at school, (I am ever the optimist), and I can get back to my pastoral duties of study and care.
But this September comes with an extra edge....next month,(17th October to bo exact),we start a Gospel Mission in Ballee Baptist with Pastor Paul Bassett, from Melbourne Hall, Leicestor. So I start this working year with an excitement, and an anticipation that is hard to contain.
However, I am aware that a season of mission is not always met with overwhelming enthusiasm. The very concept seems to fill some people with fear, embarrassment and even inertia. The question that I suppose must be addressed is....Why bother with evangelism? What reason can we give to combat the forces of inertia, fear, embarrassment, and even distraction, which keep us from evangelism? There are many reasons, but let me just highlight eight:-
1, THE LOVE OF GOD.
We must bother about evangelism, because of the love of God the Father. Evangelism follows from the nature of the God we worship. Did He keep Himself in icy isolation from our predicament? Did He say, "They are probably all right as they are?"... Far from it, "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). The God we worship is the supreme lover...and all lovers will give anything, endure anything, do anything for the beloved. If our Heavenly Father reaches out in "agape" supreme love, so ought we as His children follow and mirror His example for those who are lost in sin.
2, THE COMAND OF CHRIST.
A second reason why we should bother, springs from the direct command of God the Son. The Lord Jesus told His disciples very clearly to " Go....and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matt.28:19). This was in fact the last request of the Lord before leaving this earth, and as such holds a place of extreme inportance. We lay hold of His words as a sacred trust, and obey them as a solemn vow.
3, THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
A third motivation for evangelism is the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is intimately connected with mission. The Lord Jesus said "When the Counsellor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father,....He will bear witness to me; and you also are witnesses, because you have been with me from the beginning". (John 15:26-27), also "As the Father has sent me, even so send I you...Recieve the Holy Spirit" (John 20:21-22). There is no doubt that there is a vital link between the receiving of the Holy Spirit, and bearing witness to the Lord Jesus. I would argue that the barometer of our openness to the Holy Spirit, is not, so-called, "speaking in tongues," "prophecies," or "words of knowledge," or the foolish excesses of the "Toronto Blessing" phenomenon, but rather a desire to share Jesus Christ with others.Let me go further, if we have no desire to share Christ with those who do not know Him, there is every reason to doubt whether the Spirit is present in our lives at all, let alone filling us! For the whole purpose of the gift of the Spirit is to make us like Christ, and witnesses for Christ.
4, THE CLIMAX OF HISTORY.
There is another profoundly theological consideration which thrills the Christian, once it is understood. The New Testiment makes it clear that evangelism is in some way connected to the final return of Christ, and the consummation of all history. It would seem as if it prepares the way for His return.
In Mark 13, in that apocalyptic discourage, the Lord says that before the final coming of the Son of Man, "the gospel must first be preached to all nations" v 10. Has this been accomplished by the modern media of radio and television? Or is it that throughout history each continent must be reached?....I'll leave you to speculate. But the point still remains valid, motivating our sluggish hearts, and reluctant lips can facilitate the completion of history.
5, THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHURCH.
We should bother because of our responsibility. The only people who can make Christ known are those who already know Him. He relies on us! "We are ambassadors for Christ," wrote Paul in 2nd Corinthians 5:20.
A country's policies are communicated sbroad through its embassy, and we are heaven's embassy on earth. It is through the People of God, that God is able to communicate with those He longs to reach. Paul felt the full weight of this responsibility.. Rom1: 14-15 he declares "I am debtor (i.e. under obligation) both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready (eager) to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also." In Miletus Paul reminded his friends in the leadedship of the Church at Ephesus that he was innocent of the blood of them all, for he had not shrunk back from declaring to them the full counsel of God (Acts 20:26). If our friends perish for the lack of this life-saving news, surely we have failed in our responsibility before God.
6, THE PRIVILEGE OF CHRISTIANS.
We should bother on account of the privilege that is ours. Paul points out tous in 2nd Cor 4: 1 that not only have we received mercy from God... but also His ministry! What a privilege. Not only to be forgiven, and placed eternally into the divine family, but also to be given employment in what we might reveretly call "the family business." It is not the angels that are enlisted for the task of evangelism, nor those who have unsurrendered ability and expertise, butonly those who once where rebels but who have now surrendered their arms and enlisted in His service. It is only the pardoned sinner who can invite others to the cross of Jesus Christ. None of us are fit for such a privilege, many of us are constantly reminded of our own unworthiness, and yet praise God for the honour of being God's messenger to a careless world.
7, THE NEED OF MANKIND.
There is another reason that should motivate us powerfully in the direction of evangelism. It is the need of each person without Jesus Christ. The New Teasiment is most unfashionable and most unflinching on this issue. It maintains that without Christ men and women may be physically alive, mentally alive, socially alive...but they are spiritually dead, and will remain so without the transforming power of the gospel. Many of our friends, family, neighbours and colleagues are perishing, captive and blind to their predicament and to the glory of the good news Christ wants to share. It is not easy to beieve this!..indeed I wish it where not so, but the Word of God leaves us with no room for doubt. Sin is universal, its legacy is Hell and judgment, and the only solution is the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross of Calvary. Once you believe this, it will drive you out into loving, determind evangelism, day in and day out.
8, THE JOY OF MISSION.
I have found that there is a further incentive to mission. There is, frankly, no joy like it. That note of joy runs through every encounter with the Lord Jesus in the New Testament, think of the joy of Andrew finding out who Jesus is, and dragging his brother Peter along to meet Him. Think of the joy of Zacchaeus, liberated from materialism and great to be the friend of the Lord. What about the pearl-fancier, and his joy at finding the "Pearl of Great Price," the joy of the bridesmaids going into the wedding feast. One of the most widely credited, and wildly inaccurated myths is the Christianity is dull. But while formal religion may be dull as dishwater,a relationship with God through the person of Jesus Christ is the most exhilarating thing in the world.
DON'T MISS OUT IN OCTOBER...it may be our last chance to get involved, and make an impact for the one who gave His all for us. May God bless you as you enjoy the rest of the magazine.
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REACHING OUT
Oh what joy I have in my soul,
Knowing I now have a God given role.
To witness for Jesus and what He does for me,
And why courageously He died on the tree.
To worship and pray, it's only the start
We need to show others a Jesus Filled heart.
Compassion and love, humility too
All of the qualiltities that Christ showed and knew.
His teachings and actions we must strive to follow
Our witness to others, sincere and not hollow.
Church on a Sunday, reading the Word
We have to reach others to rejoice in the Lord.
The world it does suffer from disease and despair
We have to show others that we love and we care.
Jesus showed kindness to all, whom he met,
His words and His ministry, for us He did set.
Help us all Lord, to practice what you teach,
Lord give us all someone to reach.
For short are the days, time is at hand,
Let us bring many to the Promised Land.
Louise McAuley.
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Just A Barrel Of Meal.
THE barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruise of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord which he spake by Elijah. 1 Kings 17 v 16. see the faith fullness of divine love. You observe that this woman had daily necessitates. She had herself and her son to feed in a time of famine and now in addition the prophet Elijah was to be fed too. But through the need was threefold yet the supply of meal wasted not for she had a constant supply. Each day she made calls upon the barrel, but yet each day it remained the same. You, dear reader, have daily necessities and because they come so frequently you are apt to fear that the barrel of meal will one day be empty and the cruise of oil will fail you. Rest assured that according to the Word of God this shall not be the case. Each day though it brings it trouble, it shall bring its help, and though you should live to outnumber the years of Methuselah and though your needs should be as many as the sands of the seashore yet shall God's grace and mercy last through all your necessities and you shall never know a real lack. For three long years in the widow's days the heavens never saw a cloud and the stars never wept a holy tear of dew upon the wicked earth, famine and desolation and death made the land a howling wilderness but this woman never was hungry but always joyful in abundance. So shall it be with you. You shall see the sinners hope perish, for he trusts his native strength, you shall see proud Pharisees confidence trodden for he builds his hope upon the sand you shall see even your own schemes blasted and withered but you yourself shall find that your place of defence shall be the munition of rocks. "Your bread shall be given you and your water shall be sure." Better have God for your guardian than The Bank of England for your possessions. You might spend the wealth of the Indies, but the infinite riches of God you can never exhast.
Submitted by Mrs. Alexander.
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GOOD
NEWS
CLUB
Mondays 7:00 - 7:45pm. All boys and girls welcome.
Come and bring a friend.
Memory
Bible Verses
Stories Quizzes.
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Summer YPF Report.
The task of writing the YPF report is always a wonderful thing! Should I write about what really happens when a bunch of young folk get together, and tell all the secrets about who fancies who, who is really pathetic at horse riding, and who's feet are stinking, or should I write a lovely report that lets all the parents and older folks have only a sniff of what's going amongst us and try to leave them with the impression that we are really a well-mannered and wonderful bunch of young folk? Read on.
Summer events are usually difficult to organise as the committee must incorporate into them some sunshine, customary cuts, bruises and sore bits, advance bookings to McDonald's, a bucket or two of water and lots of laughter-not forgetting the spiritual food! Well here is how we did just that.
3rd July-Ballee Olympics 1999-Venue: Galgorm Community Centre:
Neil organised an evening of fun and games and this summer's sore bits came from the "six in a bag" sack race. Tug of war, water volleyball and another game involving bricks and a blindfold were some of the activities we participated in before hunger finally caught up with us and we rushed indoors to scoff pizzas and ice-cream (though not both at once). It was nice to see new faces that night- new and old faces are always welcome. (though not too old please!).
23rd July- One man and his Wellyboot- Venue: Somewhere in Cullybackey.
We enjoyed ourselves so much at the Community Centre, we let Neil organise a night on the farm for us. Hunting for raw eggs amongst straw, wellyboot throwing and calf judging were some of the activities used to search for the best male and female farmers - the winners being David Boville and Julie McCullough. We enjoyed a good feed from the Barbeque, sang amongst the bales of hay, and then listened as Richard Logan gave us a biblical talk. The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
31st July - New Horizon-Venue: Coleraine University:
The YPF set off down the Frocesses towards Coleraine to join hundreds of other believers at this years New Horizon Conference. The main speaker this year was Stephen Gaukroger and the theme was "Certainty in a time of change."
7th August - Ascot - A day at Aghadowy Races:
This evening began with the YPF pony trekking down at Aghadowy. Nobody fell off and we came home convinced we had all became Richard Dunwoodys in the space of a few hours. Before the traditional ice cream at the Port, we went to McCartneys in Portstewart to watch a video.
9th August - First Aid Course:
This was a 2-hour course given to us by 2 members of St. Johns Ambulance. It was a very useful evening and it is something that I believe everyone, not just the young people, should know more about.
22nd August - More sore bits - Venue: Jungle Jims.
Those of us who had some hair were able to let it down at Jungle Jims. (Sorry). If you want to know what goes on at Jungle Jims, I would encourage you to visit the place - but wear plenty of padding please!!
28th August - Dundonald Ice Bowl:
This is where the Torville and Deans amongst us were able to display our skating abilities to all - or if you were like myself, you spent the evening trying to keep upright. Some of the crew decided to play Quaser- Laser instead. Then it was across the road to our last McDonald's visit of the summer. Aah!
Well that's about all there is to say. The young people reading this will know that I am as long winded with my reports as I am with my discussion meetings. Speaking on behalf of the committee, I would just like to thank Sid and Pearl Harkness for all the practical help they have been to us this summer, and anyone else who has supported us in anyway. Also, thank you to the parents for bringing your teenagers to our meetings and for supporting us in the work we do. Please pray hard for our young people - pray that we would shine wherever we go for our Lord and Saviour. As a dear brother once said, the youth are not just the Church of tomorrow; we are also the Church of today!
Karen Moore
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I've found a friend in Jesus; He's everything to me.
He's the fairest of the thousand to my soul:
The lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He's my comfort, in trouble He's my stay.
He tells me every care on Him to roll.
He's the lily of the valley, the bright and morning star,
He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.
He all my griefs has taken, and all my sorrows borne,
In temptation He's my strong and mighty tower;
I've all for Him forsaken, I've all my idols torn
From my heart, and now He keeps me by His power,
Though all the world forsake me, and Satan tempt me sore,
Through Jesus I shall reach the goal.
He'll never, never leave me, nor yet forsake me here,
While I live by faith and do His blessed will;
A wall of fire about me, I've nothing now to fear,
With His manna He my hungry soul shall fill.
Then sweeping up to Glory, I'll see his blessed face.
Where rivers of delight shall ever flow.
He's the lily of the valley, the bright and morning star,
He's the fairest of the thousand of my soul.
Submitted by E. McBride.
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The Heart; And The Book Of Proverbs.
"Keep thy heart above all that thou guardest" - (Prov 4 v 23 R.V.)
The Heart is the Citadel of Man.
Once a great Liner was forging its way across the Atlantic Ocean when all of a sudden the engines stopped. Greatly alarmed, the passengers anxiously enquired the reason. Something had gone wrong with the propeller. "Oh, is that all" one lady was heard to exclaim with a sigh of relief. "After all, it doesn't matter very much, for its out of sight." That is just how some people talk about the heart. Don't bother about questions concerning the heart, for it is out of sight and of little importance. But is this real true? The Bible speaks differently, for it emphasizes the importance of the heart. Our Lord Jesus, when of earth, poured scorn on those who were particular concerning "the outside of the cup and the platter" and were indifferent about the condition inside; (Matt 23 v 25/ 26.Luke 11 v 39). Now Proverbs has quite a lot to say about the heart. Ch 4 v 23 "Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." Nothing could emphasize the importance of the heart more than this, and the whole history of man confirms this emphasis. The spiritual heart is to the character of life what the propeller is to the ship. Though out of sight, it is of greatest importance. The heart is the citadel of man, the vital spring of the soul, the seat of reason, and will, and affection. If the heart is defective then there can be no satisfactory progress in Christian living. We all recognize the importance of the physical heart to the health and fitness of thc body, for "A sound heart is the life of the flesh" Prov 14 v 30. It would be good if we all equally recognised the value of the spiritual heart to the soul and life. The book of Proverbs is very clear on this point - that to live right the heart must be right. Our Lord said. "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Matt 12 v 34 and Luke 6 v 45. Thc heart has control of the tongue. "The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth" Prov 16 v 23. Thcn we are told, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart" Prov 3 v 5. This is the kind of faith God wants "heart - trust" not merely "head - trust" He wants us to trust Him completely, and to trust Him only. We are not to trust in our own heart, but with all our heart in the Lord, for "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool" Prov 28 v 26. He would be a very foolish Captain who would put to sea with a compass he knew to be defective, so, to venture out on the sea or life trusting in our own hearts is a very, very foolish venture indeed, for the natural heart is defective and unreliable, it is, "deceitful above all things and dcspertately wicked" Jer 17 v 9. True happiness is that which comes from the heart, so the Book of Proverbs says three things about the "merry heart"
1. Ch 15 v 13 "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance." Is your face bright? You can't smile and set others a-smiling if you have not a merry heart.
2. Ch 15 v 15 "He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast." Is it Christmas Day every day with you?
3. CH 17 v 22 "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine" Soul troubles as 'groans,' 'grumps' 'grouses' 'glooms' and 'gimmies' are all swept away by a merry heart. The merry heart is the "kept" heart and the kept heart is the heart that is given - "my son, give ME thine heart." Prov 23 v 26. Just as we keep some money by entrusting it to a bank to keep for us, so we must entrust our hearts to Him. The heart that is given to Him will be safely guarded. Our heart is but a poor thing to give Him, yet He asks for it, He wants it. It is said to be of little worth Prov 10 v 20. It deviseth wicked imaginations - Prov 6 v 18. It is forward Prov 11 v 20, and it is proud Prov 16 v 5. Yet He who so describes the heart asks for it as a gift, worthless though it may be. He wants it, and when it is given to him, He will make it worthier, for He will put a ' new tenant' into it and - When wisdom entereth into thine heart - Prov 2 v 10, What a wonderful change takes place, then "discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee." Prov 2 v 11. So, let us all, hear His word, "Let thine heart retain My words" Prov 4 v 4. You agree that the middle book of the Old Testament has a lot to say about the heart.
"Oh for a heart to praise my God,
A heart from sin set free,
A heart that always feels the blood
So freely shed for me."
Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart;
Come quickly from above,
Write Thy new name upon my heart,
The new, best name of love.
A heart in every thought renewed
And full of love divine,
Perfect and right and pure and good
A copy, Lord of Thine.
David Mitchell.
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AUTUMN.
September, month of ripened grain and harvest days,
When swallows take their flight again to warmer clime;
The foliage changes, taking on a russet hue,
While o'er the scene is autumn's beauty at this time.
At Calvary, Christ shed His precious blood and died,
That all who come to Him, repenting of their sin,
May surely have salvation through His finished work,
And at their journey's end, to heaven may enter in.
How glorious will God's final day of harvest be,
When all the saved ones shall be gathered home at last.
There to dwell with Him in that celestial glory,
When all the trials of their earthly life are past.
Written Sept,/Oct. 1991 Isa Boyd.
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OPENING
In that place between wakefulness and dreams. I found myself in a room. There were no distinguishing features, save for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings.
As I drew near the wall of files, the first one to catch my attention was the one that read "girls I've liked." I opened it and began flipping thru the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognised the names written on each one. And then, without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its files was a crude catalogue system of my life. Here were written the actions of every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content.
Some brought joy and sweet memories: others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I looked over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "friends" was next to the one marked "friends I have betrayed." "Books I have read" "Lies I have told," "Comfort I have given" some were almost hilarious in their specificity, "Things I have yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at, "Things I have done in anger," "Things I have muttered under my breath at my parents." Often there were more cards than I expected. Sometimes, fewer than I hoped.
Each card was written in my own handwriting, each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked, "TV shows I watched," I realised the files grew to contain the contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of the programmes as by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "lustful thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. One thought dominated my mind. "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!"
But as I took one file and began to try to empty it, I could not dislodge a single card. It was as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I leaned against the wall. And then I saw it. The title of this file read, "People I have shared the gospel with," I pulled on its handle and a very small box fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained in one hand.
Then the tears came. I began to weep, sobs so deep that I shook. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame - no one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up, and hide the key. But then I saw Him. No, please, not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I could hardly bear to watch His response.
When I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally, He turned and looked at me, with pity in His eyes. I dropped my head covered my face with my hands and began to cry once again. He walked over and put His arms around me. He could have said so many things, but He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file, and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted, rushing to Him. His name should not be on those cards! But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine, written with His blood. He continued to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so efficiently and completely, but He closed the last file, and walked back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."
That is why Believers do not face a judgment for sins. We have committed them, but through His own blood, Jesus Christ has covered them, each and every one.
Submitted by Jeremy Whann.
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ATTENTION
When sin entered the world by an act of disobedience by our first parents, Adam and Eve, suffering also entered, in the form of conflict, pain, corruption, drudgery and death. Gen. 3v 15-19. The burden of suffering was also keenly felt by God's people, it's presence often became a problem, for it was regarded as coming from Him. A Christian who is living with eternity's values in view, can suffer for God, but if we live in disobedience, we can suffer from God. Suffering can be for our good, for the Bible say: "All things work together for good to them that love God." It can also bring us closer to God, in a new relationship of dependance and fellowship. My friend, let's look for a moment at the incredible sufferings of the Lord Jesus Christ as He died on the cross to provide eternal salvation for guilty, hell deserving sinners like you and I, and to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was brried for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed." He was in agony in the garden of Gethsemane, and on the Cross, when God laid on him the iniquity of us all. My friend, if you accept Jesus as your Saviour now, you will be able to say from the heart. 'The love that Jesus had for me, to suffer on the cruel tree, that I a ransomed soul might be, is more than tounge can tell.'
Submitted by Jeannie Craig.
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Meet our Organists and Pianists
Sally Fleming, a practice manager at a local medical centre. Married to Eddie they have two children and one grandchild. She plays the organ on a regular basis both on Sundays and Tuesdays.
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Alison Calderwood, a School teacher at a local school. She plays the piano. Alison also plays the keyboard for our own group 'Fully Alive.'
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Karen Moore, has just finished University with a degree in Economics and Business Management. Karen plays the piano and is also a committee member in the Young Peoples Fellowship and plays the keyboard for 'Fully Alive.'
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Sydney Campbell, a software engineer. Syd is married to Heather. They have two children {Gemma & Matthew aged eight and seven}. He plays the organ and piano. Both Syd and Heather are involved with the organising of the musical part for the Children's day.
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Robert McMaster, a Bus Inspector with Ulsterbus. Married to Margaret they have three children and eight grandchildren {aged from three to fifteen}. Robert plays both the organ and piano. Robert and Margaret also sing together.
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HEADSHIP - TRADITION OR TRUTH?
One Lord's Day morning, whilst on duty in the car park, I was approached by a very concerned lady, a visitor with an uncovered head. "Is this one of these places where you have to wear a hat?" she asked. Clearly this dear lady did not normally attend a place of worship where headship was taught. I am sure many of us who regularly attend Ballee will have debated with such the Scriptures truths of this matter.
Some will say to us that this observance was just a local custom that has no relevance to this modern age. However, the Scriptures teach that the Word of God is to "all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord." (1Cor 1 v 2).
Some will tell us that it was just a cultural thing, but the church of Christ knows no barriers or boundaries. "Where there is neither Greek, nor Jew, circumcision or uncircumcision, Barbarian, Sycthian, bond of free, but Christ is all and in all." Where then is the scriptural injunction for headship of believers?
1 Corinthians 2 deals with this subject. There are three symbols in this chapter- The Head, The Bread and The Wine. None can take the liberty of saying that one of these symbols does no longer matter. If so, which one? Can we omit the bread or the wine? Neither can we omit any other scriptural teaching.
It is often said, in defence of the uncovered head, "Doesn't the Bible teach that a woman's hair is given her for a covering?" quoting verse 15. Failure to notice the difference in the true meanings of the coverings of 1 Cor 2 has lead to this unscriptural assumption.
The word for covering in verse 4-7 is taken from the Greek word KATAKALUPTO, which indicates "an artificial covering" Dr. A.T.Robertson says that the meaning is "let her cover up herself with a veil." James Gunn in his little booklet on the subject suggests that if the word "hair" was interchanged with the word "covering" in verses 4-7, the real meaning of covering would become clear.
"Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered (having hair) dishonoureth his head, but every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered (with no hair) dishonoureth her head, for that is even all one, as if she were shaven, for if the woman be not covered (have no hair) let her also be shorn... bit if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered (have hair). For a man indeed ought not to cover his head (have hair), for as much as he is the image and glory of God, but the woman is the glory of the man."
The word for covering in verse 15 is PERIBOLATION, which is not a veil for the head but clothing for the body {flung around}. The same root word is used of the young man in Mark 14 v 51 who had a linen cloth "cast about" his naked body. ("A clothing for the body" Wm. Hoste.) The comparison in verse 6 with a disreputable woman is to be noted. While verse 3 sets out the order of authority in the Church, verse 7 teaches that the man is the image (not just likeness) and glory of God, but the woman is the glory of the man. The woman has double glory for verse 15 teaches that long hair is the woman's glory. However, in the assembly, the woman must not display her glory in the presence of Him to whom alone is due all of the honour, praise and glory.
Another reason for head covering is given in verse 10 "For this cause ought the woman to have power (authority) on her head because of the angels". This would seem to refer to Eph 3 v 10. A woman having her head covered becomes to the angles an object lesson of submission to divine headship. She is a rebuke to the wicked angles; their sin is that of rebelling against divine authority. The obedient angles see the man's head uncovered, portraying the unshielded glory of God and His excepted authority.
Having said this, head covering is no guarantee of the heart condition. Both head and heart matter. It would be possible to be outwardly correct and inwardly cold, whereas, a sister not taught headship could for a time be outwardly incorrect and yet truly bear a heart of devotion to her Saviour. All of us can remember that "man looketh on the outward appearance, but God looketh on the heart."
The question has been asked, "At what age should a girl be expected to wear a covering over her hair?" Perhaps this could be more easily answered by asking another question, "How young should a boy be before he does not wear covering on his head?" Perhaps it will be argued that these youngsters do not pray or prophesy and are therefore exempt. However, none can gainsay the exhortation to fathers to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Submission to the Lord is to be taught to our children by example, by precept and, when necessary, by chastening. All parents would agree that it is easier and happier for all if this be learned at the earliest age.
Submitted by Sammy Moore
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All Seeing God.
What thought can stay within the mind,
Covered and forgotten?
What sin committed can be hidden,
From my all seeing God?
What heart remains an unread book?
What soul is left unloved?
What man can keep his heartache secret,
From my all loving God?
What word that's spoken goes unheard?
What prayer goes unanswered?
What fear that's felt, can be shielded,
From my all knowing God?
What life is left to go unwatched?
What time is left unmarked?
What man can steal and keep himself,
From my life giving God?
Written by James Clarke.
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"No Good Thing Will He Withhold From Them That Walk Uprightly." Psalm 84 :11.
Only The Best.
To experience God's best, you've got to learn how to do two things: first learn how to reach out and second learn how to receive back. God's contribution to you is always determined by what you have chosen to contribute to others. When Joseph used his gift of interpretation to calm Pharaohs heart and explain his dream his status changed from prisoner to prime minister Gen. 41 1 41.
During the worst times of his life Job prayed for others. As a result, God reversed the curse and gave him back twice as much as he had lost. Job 42 : 10. The principle is "What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you!"
Do you find it easier to reach out than to receive back? It takes humility to receive from others. Be careful, for pride will not only keep you from, receiving what you need from others but it will keep others from receiving a harvest on the seeds they were meant to sow into your life. Don't stop their harvest. If you want to grow, be willing to learn. The Bible says Believe in the Lord your God so shall ye be established: believe His prophets so shall ye prosper God wants you to have only His best.
For He Satisfieth the Longing Soul, and Filleth the Hungry Soul With Goodness. Psalm 107 v 9.
Keep Pressing On.
Most successful people were usually just hungrier and thirstier. What we desired, they pursued. Napoleon was born in poverty. In school, his friends made fun of him. But he devoted himself to his books and excelled in his studies eventually he became the brightest student in the whole school. Before he was through he had conquered a great deal of the world.
If a seedling tree has to fight its way up through stones and hard soil to get to sunlight and air, then wrestle with the storm and the frost to survive, you can be sure of one thing, its root system will be strong and its timber will be valuable. It's impossible to succeed without going through adversity. If your successful and haven't experienced it you can be sure that someone else has experienced it for you. If you're experiencing it without succeeding. There's a good chance somebody else will succeed one day because of you. Either way, there's no success without endurance.
The true test of your character is seeing what it takes to stop you! Dr. G Campbell Morgan tells of a man whose shop was burned in the great Chicago fire. He arrived at the ruins the next morning carrying a table. He sat it up amidst the charred debris and put a big sign above it which read, "Everything lost except wife, children and hope," business will resume as usual tomorrow morning! Think about it.
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Tanzania Christian Field Development Trust.
1999 Work Team
The 28th of July was the departure date of the Tanzania Christian Farm development Trust (TCFDT) work team fro Belfast to Tabora in Tanzania. It was a beautiful day when we all meet at the airport to start our journey. After saving our hard Farewells we set off on the first part of the journey. We still had to meet up with the fifth member of the team whom we had not yet met before. We met him in Manchester airport where we all flew together to Dubai and had an eight hour stop over (the temperature on arriving at midnight was 35 degrees with 100% humidity) then on to Nairobi then finally arrived in Dar-es-Salaam on the 29th at 3.20pm. Gordon McCormick who is from Lisburn and founded the work of TCFDT in 1993 met us there. With Gordon was Paul Steward from Ballyclare, who had just arrived four hours before us. Paul plans to help Gordon with the project for at least two years. It was about 4pm when we set off on our 700-mile journey inland (west) to the TCFDT centre, which is about 12 miles south of Tabora where we arrived at 2am on the 31st July. When we stepped down from the Land Rover our body's still seemed to be bouncing! It was a great feeling to be stationary at last. Finally we had arrived and this was to be our home for the next month. Saturday was mainly spent looking around and seeing what we had let ourselves in for. We visited the dairy where most of the work would be done. This was quite daunting, as there was so much to do in so little time. The purpose of the work team was to help prepare this property for production.
The dairy was purchased from the government and had been unused for four or five years. The aim of the project is to aid the local farmers who have no market for their milk. Some milk is sold but it is very unhealthy as it is often mixed with water and in a state where it has already gone sour. Milk should be pasteurised or boiled but when it is mixed with water this is impossible. Also water contains problems in it self. Many of the health problems, which these people suffer from, comes from bad food.
Our first job was to unload a 40 foot Container, which contained some of the equipment for the dairy. We started at 8am and finished at 8pm. Some of the equipment was so heavy that we had to hirer a lorry that had a crane on it to help load it, and then transport it to the dairy, which, was about one mile away. Unfortunately the other container which had all the equipment that we needed for doing most of the work was held up somewhere. We later found out that it had been Trans shipped and meant that it was going to be six weeks late. Still there was plenty to get on with Jobs ranged from rewiring, p1umbing, power washing, chipping tiles, removing old equipment and knocking down a wall to make a new door way, to enable the new equipment to be put into the dairy. These were the main things that were done or at least started. Other jobs that were to done included cooking, washing dishes, collecting water etc. I seemed to end up being head chef. Maybe that was because I like my food. Another important job that I had to do was to service the two Land Rovers. They were in bad condition and with two others helping it took us three days to complete the task. One Sunday we visited the local church. Thc building was just made of mud brick with no doors or windows, and had a grass roof. The seats were planks of wood mounted on rather precarious legs. The Pastor (Mzee John) made us all most welcome.
We each had to stand up and say who we were and where we came from. Gordon done the translating until it came to my turn, he sat down and I tried in my much forgotten Swahili to say a few words, much to the delight of the congregation. Another Sunday we traveled about twenty miles to visit another little church. This group of believer's meets in a school, as yet they don't yet have a church building. The Pastor of this little group asked us to stay for our dinner, so the women quickly got busy and made dinner. It was about 4pm when dinner was served. While we were there a man (a Muslim) came to visit, and was asked to join us for dinner. It did not take long for Mzee John to start talking to this man about the things of God. He had a great conversation with him. Mzee John told us that he would return and visit him some time again. These churches have just been started in the past few years and are going on well; there are five of them altogether.
Our work came to a quick stand still when Gordon was accused of employing us. Without going into much detail, Gordon was asked to leave Tabora by immigration for a short time until his papers were sorted out, as there had been a hold up with the renewal of his permit. In the Lords work, there are many problems that one encounters, and there is no shortage of them in Tanzania. We packed our bags a week early and set north to visit one of the wild life parks, which came as a bonus, as this was not in the itinerary. There is always a purpose in every thing even through we don't see it at the time. We felt I suppose a little like Nehemiah when he was building the wall of Jerusalem. We know that God is still in control.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who supported this work financially and prayerfully. If any one would like more information regarding the work of TCFDT please contact me.
John Tuff.
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PLODDERS REQUIRED!
When William Carey began thinking of going to India as a Pioneer Missionary, his father pointed out to him that he posessed no academic qualifications that would fit him for such a task. But Carey answered, "I can plod." How true it is that God accomplishes mighty things for His Kingdom through those who are willing to persevere, who are willing to plod faithfully through one difficulty after another in the power of the Spirit.
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Nobody ever graduates from Bible Study until they meet the Author face to face.
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Word Serch.
The Parables of Jesus.
R E G A N A M I N A S Z C S N
U V L O O F H C I R R S R R A
N K S T N A N E T B N R E E T
J P R O D I G A L O U C R B I
U S H E E P H O S X K D O M R
S Y W S S H S O T O R T O U A
T G U E S T W R N A I O D S M
J S E F C T E I Y U P K W T A
U D U O I A N E R T U I O A S
D D I P S G N F S V B R R R D
G N A U P I T A F H L E R D O
E D R R V E E R P J I W A S O
P E A R L Y R A E M C O N E G
L O S T S H E E P E A S L E K
T S D E E W N E T G N L J D M
Fig Tree. Fruit. Good Samaritan. Guest. Lamp. Lost Coin. Lost Sheep. Manager. Mustard Seed. Narrow Door. Net. Pearl. Prodigil. Publican. Reckoning. Rich Fool. Seed. Sheep. Sower. Supper. Tenants. Treasure. Two Sons. Unjust Judge. Vineyard. Weeds. Yeast.
Submitted by M. Robinson.
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REACH all you can, TEACH all you reach, WIN all you teach, TRAIN all you win, ENLIST all you train.
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WARNINGS
In CHRIST there is LIFE ETERNAL.
In CHRIST there is pardon for the vilest sinners.
In CHRIST there is PEACE with GOD for CHRIST made peace by the blood of HIS cross.
In CHRIST there is rest for the weary soul.
In CHRIST is found the way to our heavenly FATHER and an oped door to the fold of GOD.
In CHRIST is found a fountain of living water.
Only in CHRIST is there cleansing from sin.
Only in CHRIST is there found perfect righteousness and a perfect standing before GOD.
Only in CHRIST is there found true light for our pathway through the dark and dreary wilderness in which we walk.
Only those who are in CHRIST will hear the gracious words, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." Matt 25:34.
Only in CHRIST is there deliverance from the power and penalty of sin.
Only in CHRIST will there be joys forevermore, when we shall stand before HIM dressed in our new bodies and finally delivered from the very presence of sin.
To miss CHRIST is to miss all the riches of GOD and abide under HIS wrath forever.
Finally I ask these questions; Do you know the LORD JESUS?
Do you have CHRIST?
Can you say,"I am crucified with CHRIST: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but CHRIST liveth in me, and gave Himself for me." Gal 2:20
Submitted by Albert Moore.
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My God
I have never thanked thee for my thorn.
I have thanked thee a thousand times for my roses.
But never once for my thorn.
Teach me the glory of my cross.
Teach me the value of my thorn.
Show me that I have climbed to thee by the path of pain,
Show me that my tears have made my rainbows.
Submitted by Jeannie Craig.
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TAKE HEART, DEAR SOUL
Surely there's a Friend, just someone to care,
Who isn't caught up in worldly affair?
Day's are so empty; your pleasures now cease,
Lost without friendship, and longing for peace.
Slipping in despair to life all around,
In bondage to sin, your spirit is bound;
Your heart longs for love, to heal and console.
As yet there is no one who cares for your soul,
You've searched high and low, who call understand?
Acknowledged the world, and it's unfinished plan,
And still as you've waited for love that is true,
There's all Old Rugged Cross, its the answer for you.
Take heart, my dear soul, come look unto Jesus.
For He is the one who'll carry you through;
When life seems so friendless, and there is no other,
Christ as a Friend sticketh closer than a brother.
Jesus is the Lord, in whom there's sweet release,
"Come ye unto Me and I will give you peace,"
Take My yoke upon you, let Me your life control,
Lay here upon my breast, and rest your weary soul.
"Come now, learn of me, I am lowly in heart."
Let Me take your burdens, at My cross we'll start;
See My love displayed, these wounds that are pierced through.
Mount Calvary is the place I'll be a friend to you.
Bobby McCracken.
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Old Scottish Preacher Said............
1 Peter 2 : 24 "There's ma sins awa."
1 Peter 5 : 7 "There's ma cares awa"
John 14 : 3 "There's masel awa."
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The Millennium Hymn.
Through the darkness of the ages,
Through the sorrows of the days
Strength of weary generations,
Lifting hearts in hope and praise
Light in darkness, joy in sorrow,
Presence to allay all fears
Jesus, you have kept your promise
Faithful through two thousand years.
Bounty of two thousand harvests,
Beauty of two thousand springs;
He who framed the times and seasons
Has vouchsafed us greater things
Word of God who spoke creation
Speaks forgiveness, speaks to save
Gathers still His ransomed people
In life he freely gave.
Countless flowers have bloomed and withered
Countless noons are sealed in night,
Shattered thrones and fallen empires.
Realms and riches lost from sight
Christ, your kingdom still increases
As the centuries unfold.
Grain that fell to earth and perished
Has brought forth ten thousandfold.
Master, we shall sing your praises,
Man of sorrows, God of power,
For the measured march of seasons
Shall at last bring in the hour
When, as lightning leaps the heavens
You return to lead us home,
You have promised, 'I am coming'
Swiftly, our Lord Jesus, come.
Hilary Jolly.
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THE PRODIGAL SON
With riches and youth to squander
The pleasure - bent "prodigal son"
Left the house of his father
In search of adventure and fun-
And in reckless and riotous living
He wasted his youth and his gold,
And stripped of his earthly possessions
He was hungry and friendless and cold-
And thus he returned to his Father
Who met him with arms open wide
And cried, "My son, you are welcome
And a banquet awaits you inside"......
Now this story is told to remind us
Not so much of the wandering son
But the unchanging love of the Father
Who gladly forgave all he'd done-
And the message contained in this story
Is a powerful, wonderful one,
For it shows our Father in Heaven
Waits to welcome each prodigal son-
And whatever have been our transgressions,
God is waiting to welcome us back
And restore us our place in His Kingdom
And give us the joy that we lack....
So wander no longer in darkness,
Let not your return be delayed,
For the door to God is wide open
To welcome "the sheep that have strayed."
Submitted by Jeannie Craig.
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In 1847 Sir James Simpson was a doctor in Edinburgh when he discovered chloroform, one of the most significant discoveries in modem medicine. Some years later after a lecture a student asked him, "What do you consider to be the most valuable discovery of your lifetime?" He answered, "My most valuable discovery was when I discovered myself a sinner and that Jesus Christ died to be my Saviour."
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Ladies Fellowship
Once again it is hard to believe another summer has ended and we are looking forward to the beginning of another seasons work. Already many speakers have been booked and exciting evenings planned for the months already, so if at all possible may I encourage you to make a special effort to attend and even bring a friend with you.
At the time of writing our September meeting is already over. We had a visit from Mina Shaw from Acre, who shared with us her work in Brazil amongst the school children. She also showed slides of the work and a few familiar faces appeared on screen in the guise of the Jones Family! It was lovely to see how well they were looking and how, big the girls are becoming.
We have no meetings in October due to the mission but our final meeting of 1999 will be held on November lOth with a visit from Tommy Anderson (W.G.M.).
Our prayer meetings continued as usual throughout the summer months although numbers were considerably lower in July and August. As we enter the new season however we look forward to welcoming back "old" Friends and indeed many "new" faces also.
May I encourage you to come to our prayer meeting if it is not your usual habit to do so? An hour spent in prayer is never a wasted hour and you will be amazed at how profitable that hour becomes instead of doing a million and one other things that can hinder us from the place or prayer. Please come and enjoy a time of fellowship with us. We look forward to seeing you all at the Ladies Fellowship.
Leslie Kennedy.
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THOMAS BURNS A Minister of the Gospel,
Testifies To His Mothers Prayers. She Dedicated Him To The Lord.
Dear Lord i bring thee my son, whose tender years have scarce begun,
In this wee frame i know full well, a living soul has come to dwell,
Who needs the now at childhood's gate, ere he shall grow to man's estate.
I covenant through hours apart to pray for him with fervent heart.
To teach thy word with winsome voice, by day and night until his choice.
Be but thy blood for sins deep stain, and my small son be born again.
Then onward shall I pray the more and teach, thy precepts o'er and o'er
That he may grow each boyhood hour by thy indwelling risen power.
Lord some small boys with none to care will never hear a Mother's prayer.
Prepare my son with love aflame to reach them with Thy saving name.
And make him 'Lord' a polished tool - a learner in Thy highest school.
A mother's part seems oh so frail to teach to pray to stand are mine.
The miracles must all be thine-
expectantly I yield to thee, the little boy Thou gavest me.
Submitted by Jeannie Craig.
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Please Note New Address For The Manse.
10 Woodcroft Heights Ballymena. BT42 lGF.
Telephone Number remains the same 01266 653003.
After our family dinner I headed back to the study. Settling back to study one of my children asked "Daddy, will you play with me?" The reply was "Yes, of course, I'll be there in a couple of minutes." .'What docs Daddy mean when he says "a couple of minutes" asked the child, her older brother immediately responded "that means Daddy's not coming." Thc family thought the reply was hilarious, but it hit me like a knife, as it highlighted my carelessness with promises I make to my children.
When our Lord left the earth He promised to return someday. He said, "In my fathers house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. .I go to prepare a place for, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14 v 2-3.
Unlike my idle words to my daughter, the promise of the Lord Jesus will be kept; about this we can be absolutely certain.
We must, therefore, be ready for His coming. Those who turn from sin and trust Christ are assured of eternal life. Those who reject Christ are not ready for His return, and will be cast "Into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matt 25 v 30. "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh."
Matt 24 v 44
Lawrence Kennedy
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Nights of Prayer and Outreach.
Tue . 5th Oct. Prayer Meeting and Outreach.
Thurs. 7th Oct. Prayer Meeting and Outreach.
Fri. 8th Oct. Half night of Prayer and Outreach.
Tues. 12th Oct. Prayer Meeting and Outreach.
Thurs. 14th Oct. Prayer Meeting and Outreach.
Fri. 15th Oct. Half night of Prayer and Outreach.
Sat. 16th Oct. "Meet the Evangelist" Informal fellowship night with Paul Bassett.
Mission '99-With Paul Bassett
(Melborne Hall Leicester)
Sunday 17th October - Friday 29th October.
Special Dates.
Fri. 5th Nov. Pastor Sam Gordon {Trans World Radio}
Sun. 7th Nov. am & pm Mr. Tom Lewis {B.E.E.}
Tue. 16th Nov. Mr. Stanley Mawhinney { I.M.F.}
Sun. 28th Nov. pm Crimson River Quartet.
Sun. 5th Dec. am & pm Pastor Bert Caldwell {Hollywood Bapt.}
Sat. 25th Dec. 10:30 am Christmas Morning Family Service.
{Finishing at 11:15 am sharp}
A special night is organised for Friday 31st December 1999.Starting at 9:00pm a fork supper is being laid on by the ladies Fellowship followed by our Watchnight service. Please plan to attend this very special night. Come and bring a friend.
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Congratulations to
Gordon Kennedy & Melanie Hoey on their wedding, 31.8.99
Samuel & Roberta Kirk on the birth of their son Moses.
Trevor & Sandra Robinson on the birth of their son Philip.
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