Autumn 2002
From the Pastor
The 7th June started off like
any other day, I enjoyed my quiet time with the Lord in my study, and the open
Word of God sat in front of me, and I committed my busy day to the Master.
However before the day was out, I was to be in the intensive care cardiac unit
of the Antrim Hospital with a suspected heart attack.
Praise God, it was not a
heart attack, but a viral infection of the heart. But it reminded me that none
of us “know what a day might bring forth.” After three months enforced rest,
I am now starting to slowly get back into service for the Lord.
At the start of this
magazine, I want to share with you from a passage which was very precious to me
during my time laid aside; Acts 4 : 23 -37.This section of God’s Word
reminded me that troubles are not made to break us but to make us!
When we face persecutions; pressures; and problems, they seem to be a like a
ferocious monster. However the uninvited troubles of life can be a friend and an
asset to us. Precious metals are purified by the intense heat! I once saw on a
person’s tee-shirt, the words… “Pressures make Diamonds,” and it is in
the “fiery furnaces” of life that we are purged and transformed into
Christ-likeness.
We have just passed the first
anniversary of the 11th September attack on America. How could such a tragedy
bring anything but heartache and destruction? Yet even such an evil act has
caused many people across the world to consider their eternal destiny. People
have asked me,
“Where was God on the 11th Sept 2001?” He
was where he always is, on His throne, reaching out in love to a lost world.
With hindsight, I see His hand at work in the fact that the Trade World Centre
stood long enough, for many people
to get out by the stairs. If it hadn’t the death toll could have increased by
as many as 45,000.
I also see His hand of mercy
in the fact that the hijacked planes used for the attack, carried only 285
people instead of their full compliment of over 1000.
I see His hand in the fact
that the Twin Towers did not fall over but collapsed in on themselves so other
buildings in the area did not also collapse.
I see His hand in the
thousands of volunteers who refused to go home, and in the thousands who queued
up for hours to give blood or man emergency phones. The list is seemingly
endless for those who want to see the mercy of God.
Notice how trouble affected
the saints of God in the early Church. (Acts 4 ; 23-37)
Trouble
Led To Prayer...v 24-30
They prayed to the God of
creation v
24
They prayed to the God of
revelation
v
25-26
They prayed to the God of
incarnation
v
27
They prayed to the God of
determination
v
28
They prayed to the God of
observation
v
28a
They prayed to the God of
declaration
v
29
They prayed to the God of
demonstration v
30
When pressure comes, it pays
to avail ourselves of the sweet hour of prayer that is
meant to be ours. Just take
things to the lord in prayer. When we are absorbed with Him, then our troubles
seem much lighter than they would be if we tried to carry them ourselves. The
load seems lighter when we pray.
2.
Troubles Led To Power...v 33
Those
spiritual , heavenly things we so much desire to see in our lives do
not just happen! They are birthed in a spirit of prayer. First there is
prayer then comes power. The breath of heaven blows upon a prayerful people.
Don’t miss the word of
v 31 “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken…”
Notice the divine order:-
There was a shaking v
31a; then there was a filling v 31b; and then there was the speaking v
31c. That is ALWAYS the order. In our churches we need a divine shaking, to
shake us out of our religious apathy and complacency. Carelessness is the plague
of the Church today! That shaking will lead to a filling. That is the filling of
the Spirit of God, which is commanded by God for every Christian in Ephesians 5
: 18. The Holy Spirit must have full control, and that will lead inevitably to
speaking, as we convey the truth of God with a holy boldness.
3.
Troubles Led To Partnership...v 32, 34 & 35
As the waves of persecution
came upon the church, like a mighty tidal wave, it brought the saints very close
to one another. When sheep sense trouble, they group together, and that is how
it ought to be among the saints of God.
In every fellowship, there
are far too many who love to snipe and do damage to the work of God from a
distance. The Devil loves gossip and unconstructive critics, There will in every
fellowship of God’s people, be those with differing opinions. But make sure
you deal with those legitimate concerns in a Godly, Biblical way according to
Matthew 18 or Acts 15.
4.
Troubles Led To A Possession...v 33
They possessed “great
grace” due to the fact that they were seeking to do God’s will, in spite of
the command of the ungodly not to. Here is an inner strength, an inner resource
for the children of God.
In a few months, in the will
of God, I shall be back to a good measure of health and strength again. And we
pray that there will never be a repeat of the terrorist attacks on America…
But whatever we face, either as individuals or as a fellowship, or as a nation,
we do know that there is (In the words of song writer Michael Card) “Mercy in
the Wilderness,” and a purpose that only God can fully see.
Pastor
Kennedy.
I
AM THE WAY
If
you’re troubled by multiple problems
And
your life is much tossed about
If
you’re at your wits end
With
no one there to depend
Then
Jesus is the way out.
If
you’re seeking a great life time pardon
To
be rid of the burden of sin
To
exchange all the mess
For
peace, power and progress
Then
Jesus is the way in.
If
you want one to stedfastly follow
At
mid-day, at dusk or at dawn
Don’t
let Satan destroy
But
want a life to enjoy
Then
Jesus is the way on.
If
we once followed Jesus
But
are out of touch and now lack
Him
we once adored
And
we now want restored
Then
Jesus is the way back.
Are
we being attacked all around us
From
the enemy we must seek cover
Do
we dread meeting fate
And
we fear hurdles great
Then
Jesus is the way over.
Fiery
trials will not even burn us
Whether
passing through many or few
The
waters deep where we go
Will
not overflow
If
Jesus is the way through.
With
repentance and trusting in Jesus
Who
drank of our punishment cup
When
His blood He did shed
We’re
now free from all dread
As
Jesus is the way up.
Based
on the anniversary service message by Pastor Tom Orr - Bertie McCord.
1
Cor. 15:10 By The Grace Of God I Am
Grace: This is the one of
those special words that belongs to the child of God. God has given us some
words that the world just doesn’t know how to properly appreciate. For
instance, there are words like glory, amen, hallelujah, faith etc. The
dictionary defines grace as “unmerited help given to people by God.”
However, grace is much more than that! Listen to this definition, “the
merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns
them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith,
knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian
virtues.” That, my friends, is grace!
In these verses, the great
apostle was defending the resurrection of the Lord Jesus against the doubts of
unbelievers. He mentions the fact that the resurrected Christ was seen by Peter,
the 12,500 brethren, his earthly brother James and then last of all Paul. Paul
proceeds to tell his readers that because of his sins and attacks against the
church, that he was the least of the apostles and is not even worthy to be named
among them. However, Paul goes on to say that he knows God has used him and that
anything he has, is, or ever will be, is because of the precious grace of God.
I would like to remind each
of us, that the same is true for you and me. Because of our sinfulness we
deserve nothing less than an eternity in Hell apart from the presence of the
Almighty. However, because His grace was revealed unto us in the Person of His
Son the Lord Jesus, we can be saved and used by the Lord in a wonderful fashion.
I would like to show you some of the possessions that belong to the child of God
because of grace. Let us consider, together, the thought.
“By
The Grace Of God I Am!”
1. We are saved by Grace. Eph 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: ” Eph 1:7 “In whom we have redemption
through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his
grace;”
2.
We are sure by Grace. Rom
5:2 “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand,
and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
3.
We are secure by Grace.
Rom 3:24 “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is
in Christ Jesus.”
4.
We are strengthened by Grace.
2 Cor 12:9 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my
strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory
in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Cor 9:8
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having
all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”
5.
We are supplied by Grace. Heb
4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of
need.”
6.
We are satisfied by Grace.
Eph 2 :7 “That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his
grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”
7.
We are surprised by Grace. 1
Cor 15: 8-10 “And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of
due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an
apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am
what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I
laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which
was with me.”
Many things in life will fail
us. Friendships will blossom and then die. Health can be an elusive thing.
Riches and wealth will often remain just beyond the reach of our finger tips.
Those we love will pass from the scene leaving a void in our hearts hard to be
filled. However, there is one thing that every child of God possesses that can
never fail, never end, never run out, never run dry and that will never be found
to be insufficient, and that is the grace of God! Yes, the road may be long and
dreary, the days may be filled with difficulties and struggles, but rest assured
that there will be grace sufficient for every need and ever trial. That is the
promise of God and that is the hope of the saints!
John
Boyd.
-----------------------------------------------
During
the summer when on holidays having visited another Baptist Church; I couldn’t
help but want to share what the Pastor spoke on that Sunday morning. I’ve
never forgotten it and thought it was a beautiful description of Gods table
spread for us in glory.
The
Pastor read from Psalm 23 and spoke from this lovely Psalm known to so many.
On
God’s table there will be: Jugs of Joy, Glasses of Grace, Plates of peace,
Bowls of blessing and Cups of comfort.
Christ
will be the chief server and we the redeemed guests at the table of God’s
bountiful, abundant provision.
Diane
Johnston.
“SUPPOSING
IT’S NOT ALL BUNK?”
The railings of a Mission
hall had been requisitioned by the Government, and one day
three men arrived to take them away. The missionary stopped and chatted
to the foreman, and at last asked the question, “Do you ever go to Church?”
“Church! Church!” The man’s jaw was stuck out as he almost shouted the
words. “I’ve no time for that kind of thing. Religion’s all bunk!” And
that wasn’t the worst thing he had to say, for he swept all parsons and
preachers and religious people on one side as parasites.
The missionary went indoors,
but presently returned and resumed the conversation.. This time, the other two
workmen joined in, and declared themselves in full agreement with the foreman.
Religion was bunk, and the world would be better without it! The missionary
looked at his opponents and then decided that the situation demanded some plain
speaking.
“Bunk! That’s what you
think! But supposing you’re wrong- and I’m here to say that you are wrong.
Supposing the things you reject are nevertheless facts. Listen to this, men. I
believe in God, and in the punishment of sin, and in a lost eternity. And I’m
not having it on my conscience that you have never been warned. This is what the
Bible says: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the
judgement.” That’s not bunk. That’s God’s Word to you, whether you heed
it or not.” And the missionary left them.
Thirty-six hours later the
missionary’s wife answered a knock at the door. On the step stood the foreman,
with as ashen face. “Where’s the guv’nor? He asked. “He’s out at
present, but I’m expecting him any moment.” May I wait for him?”
A few moments and the
missionary returned. “Who told you to talk to us as you did?”
the foreman asked him. “I believe that God told me to do so,” was the
reply, “but why do you come back and ask the question?” “Guv’nor,” and
the man’s voice shook with emotion, “one of my mates is dead, and the
other’s in hospital. The lorry was full of railings , and we hadn’t fixed
the load properly. My two mates were sitting on the top, and I was at the wheel.
As we went round one of those traffic roundabouts the load slipped and both of
them were thrown off. One went on his head and broke his neck. The other broke
his collar-bone. Guv’nor, supposing it had been me! Where should I have been
now?”
There was no need to press
the guilt of sin to the foreman. He was deeply convicted and convinced that God
had been speaking to him. The missionary’s glad task was to co-operate with
the Holy Spirit in making clear the way of salvation. With the new faith God had
given him he received Christ, and became a saved man.
Some days afterwards the
missionary had another caller. This
time it was the man with the broken collar-bone. Here was another convicted,
seeking soul, and that day the second man found forgiveness and peace in Christ.
A
BIG THANK YOU from the “Kenya Team”
On
behalf of all the “Kenya Team” I would like to say thank you so much for all
your prayer support before and during our time with the Samburu tribe and the
Cowan family in Tuum, Kenya. We had almost 80 names on our prayer chain as well
as others who we know were praying for us during our “Kenya Experience”. We
would also like to record a special word of thanks to the Pastor and oversight
of the fellowship here at Ballee; for their support and encouragement.
We
praise and thank God for His hand upon us during our time there. I know many
young people testified to being encouraged in their faith in Christ, while
others made a commitment to Him for the first time. There was a work done for
the Master during our visit, and we know that His word will not return unto Him
void.
Some
parts of our “experience in the bush” have very much left a lasting imprint
on our lives and some of us have found it difficult to settle back into our
lifestyle here at home. There are so many stories to tell and experiences to
share - it’s not everyday that a 12 ton elephant is standing in the middle of
the road having his tea in front of you ! As we get our photographs back and
watch the video for the tenth time the memories also come flooding back yet in
some ways already it seems a long time since we were actually there working with
the young people and children.
When
we see people in a country with a culture so different from ours; who materially
have nothing, yet are so content, we as God’s people realise we have so much
and yet constantly grumble and are never content ! I believe that not
only did the local people learn from us but we as a team, and as individuals,
have learnt many lessons.
As
a team we have now had time to reflect on our time in Kenya and are currently
considering the following three questions :
What
did God teach me ?
How
has it changed me ?
What
have I gained from this experience that I can now develop and use at home ?
Hakuna
mungu kama wewe !
Samburu
- There is no God like our God !
Stephen,
Angelina and the family are currently having a short break from the work in Tuum
after a very busy few months.
Please
continue to pray for the Cowan family and the other local Christians, who
continue the work of the PCEA (Presbyterian Church East Africa) in Tuum.
Stephen
(on behalf of the team)
Ladies
Meeting
Mark
6 v 31 - Come ye yourselves apart…...and rest a while.
What a strange verse to begin
a new seasons work with - especially as we have just had a “rest” over the
summertime! However, as someone said to me recently “2 weeks into school and
I’m tearing my hair out already” (sound familiar?). This made me think about
this little verse and our ladies meetings. Surely as we meet for prayer on the
last Wednesday of each month this is exactly what we are - (or should) be doing
- “resting and waiting on God.” What a wonderful
way to fortify ourselves for daily service and the rigors of everyday
living by coming to the place of prayer. A Christian lady was overheard boasting
that she had not been in a prayer meeting all summer. How can we expect God to
move and bless if we are not prepared to “come apart” and spend time in
prayer. May I encourage all ladies to take “time out” and join with us at
the prayer meeting. It has been good to see a faithful attendance throughout the
summer and we look forward to seeing you there.
Our missionary meetings begin
on 9th October this year with a visit from Chris Killen. He is coming to give a
word of testimony and tell of the work he is involved in, Chris was a drug
addict and God saved him and now he works amongst addicts in Ballymena using
opportunities to tell men and women about the Lord Jesus who can deliver them
from sin. Please do not miss Chris’s testimony and plan to attend if possible.
Cards detailing the rest of our speakers are still available in the church
foyer. Please come and join with us on the 2nd Wednesday of each month for a
time of fellowship together followed by a cup of tea before heading home.
I hope you all enjoyed your
“rest” over the summer but as the business of a new season begins may
I encourage all ladies to “come apart…….and rest awhile” .
Lesley
Kennedy.
__________________________________________
On
4th February 2002, even though I am Retired, I Rededicated My Life To The Lord.
The Lord gave my a vision for souls. Many thanks to all who prayed for me during
my illness and thanks to John McCartney and all his work at the Holiday Bible
Club - Anointed Ministry.
Matthew
6 v 33. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God: His righteousness; and all these
things shall be added unto you.
Hilda
Grant.
A
Christian Must Keep The Faith, But Not To Himself.
The story is told of a small
dog that was struck by a car. As it lay by the side of the road, a doctor drove
by. He noticed that the dog was still alive, so he stopped his car, picked up
the dog, and took him home with him. There he discovered that the dog had
suffered a few minor cuts and abrasions, but was otherwise all right. He revived
him, cleaned his wounds, then picked him up
to take him to the garage, where he intended to provide a temporary bed
for him.
As he carried the dog from
the house, however, the dog wriggled free from his arms, jumped to the ground
and scampered off. “What an ungrateful dog,” the doctor said to himself. He
was glad that the dog had recovered so quickly but was a little miffed that he
had shown so little appreciation for his expert, gentle care.
He thought no more about the
incident until the next evening, when he heard a scratching at his front door.
When he opened the door, he found the little dog he had treated. At its side was
another hurt dog!
Be encouraged, those who
receive the gospel from you are never the same, even though you may not be the
one to see the difference it has made to their lives, or the difference they
make in the lives of others.
“Go ye into all the world
and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16 v 15.
Submitted
by Louise McAuley.
------------------------------------------------------
Is
Your Name Written There?
Is
your name written there,
Let me ask once again
In
the Lamb’s Book of Life?
Is your name written there.
When
you leave this old world
Will you be in Heavens bliss
With
its sin and its strife
Or in endless despair
Will
they find your name there -
You have nothing to do
Mongst
the ransomed of God
But the Saviour accept
In
the Lambs Book of life
But woe unto you
Through
the Lambs precious blood?
If His name you reject.
When
life here is finished
To
some realm we must go
To
the mansions of bliss
Or
the dungeons below
For
the soul never dies
From the book 100 best loved poems.
It
for ever must last
When
life as we know it
Submitted by Julie Harbinson.
For
ever has passed.
The
Dearest Friend.
Jesus
is the dearest friend I know
No
other can compare
I
go to Him when trials press
Oh,
blessed hour of prayer.
He
listens while I tell Him all
That
troubles my sad heart
He
sympathizes with my grief's
And
bids them all depart.
When
sickness comes He’s ever near
The
Great Physician He.
He
heals the body and the soul
And
sets the sinner free.
Then
go to Him when you are sad
And
bow at His dear feet
For
He alone can make you glad,
If
you His name repeat.
Oh,
may we ever look to Him
To
guide us to the end.
Just
hold His hand and trust in him
Our
Truest, Dearest Friend.
Submitted
by Thompson Eccles before his sudden home call.
We
as a Fellowship deeply regret the sudden home call of our Brother Thompson
Eccles on 21st September 2002. Thompson, aged 89, was a faithful attender
to all the services and was a great encouragement to both young and old.
We
extend our sincere sympathy to all the family circle at this time of
bereavement.
YPF
Report for June, July and August 2002
Welcome
to another Youth Fellowship summer report full of different activities.
The summer began on 16th June with Youth Sunday. The Youth Fellowship took
part in the evening service. Thanks to all who sang so well in the choir
and to Karen Moore for keeping us all in tune on the piano.
The
first summer event on 29th June was a BBQ and games night on a farm near Ian
Calderwood's home. We left the church in a convoy of cars and you would
have thought Auldwyn Calderwood had started car sales in his yard. In the
field the young people enjoyed baseball and wheelbarrow races. Despite the
mizzle and midgie's everyone crowded round the trailer for sausages, burgers and
chicken.
The
next event on 20th July took the young people Horse Riding at Hilltop farm where
they enjoyed trying not to fall off a horse. We then took the bus to the
Giant's Causeway to burn off some calories (even Stuart Portis on his crutches)
before heading to the main summer eating outlet - McDonalds.
On
3rd August we had a 'Progressive Tea'. All the young people arrived at the
Whann's house for starter, Gordon's house for main course, Boville's house for
dessert and Cameron's for tea and coffee. We had a great night of eating
and thanks to all who took part.
On
17th August the youth went to Ski Supreme for Watersports and Karting.
Good fun was had by all who went on the banana boat and paddle boats. Of
course we couldn't go home without visiting McDonalds to warm our stomachs.
The
last summer event was on 24th August where the young people travelled to
Dundonald Ice Bowl for a night of bowling and ice skating. The newcomers
thoroughly enjoyed themselves even though some had wetter clothes than others on
the ice rink. We then drove to eat at McDonalds before heading home.
We
all look forward to a new season of Youth Fellowship meetings. Once again
we thank you all for your support and ask that you'll continue to pray for the
young people and the meetings that will take place.
The
Tabernacle.
In the Old Testament God has
given us many illustrations of the Christian life. The tabernacle Moses set up
was a tent which sat in the centre of an enclosure. The outer wall of this
enclosure was made of cloth and was held up by poles spaced at regular
intervals. The only place of entrance or exit was on the east. Immediately on
the inside of this gate, or door, was the brazen altar, where all
offerings were made. As a person walked from the brazen altar west towards the
tabernacle, he came to a large basin known as the laver. The water in it
was used for washing the hands and feet of the priests.
The tabernacle proper had two rooms which could be entered only from the
east. This first section was called the Holy Place and contained the table
of showbread, the lampstand and the altar of incense. Behind
the altar of incense was a very heavy curtain which divided the Holy Place from
the Holy of Holies. On the other side of this curtain was the mercy seat,
where God met with His people. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of
Holies. He did this once a year, on the Day of Atonement, with the blood of an
animal. With this picture in mind we can now trace some of the great spiritual
lessons of the tabernacle.
The Gate.
Entrance
in to the tabernacle, as indicated, was possible only through the gate at the
eastern end of the court. This gate was of three colours and symbolised the Lord
Jesus Christ as the way into the Father’s presence. The phrase. “In the name
of the Lord Jesus” when we use it properly signifies that our attitude is
right before God. We come to Him, not in our own name, but in the name of His
Son. We cannot gain entrance into His presence by any other means. When a
worshipper entered the outer court of the tabernacle, he was inside the sacred
enclosure, and the outside world was shut out from him. So it is when we come in
the name of Lord Jesus into the presence of God. Satan and the world are shut
out. Anything that might distract is kept outside so that we can be alone with
Christ Himself.
The
Brazen Alter. The first piece of furniture that confronted the worshipper
was the brazen altar. This was where he brought his offering. The brazen altar
speaks to us today of the cross where Jesus Christ was crucified for us. We need
to consider two distinct aspects of the cross. The first is that Jesus Christ
died for our sins on the cross. He made an offering for sin. Because of that
fact we can come into the presence of God through faith. This is something we
contemplate in our devotional life. We recognise that on the cross Jesus took
away our sin and made it possible for us to come before God. We were reconciled
to God by the death of His Son. The second aspect had to do with what follows
salvation. Paul said “I am crucified with Christ” He was saying that when
Christ died, he died. The old man was crucified with Christ so the new man can
live is us. Rom 6 v6. This is a very important fact in our daily life. It
reminds us again of Luke 9 v23 “ If any man will come after me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me”. We become Christians by
entering at the door, but we find that once we have entered, there is a pathway
that leads to discipleship. A disciple is both a learner and a follower. This
path is not always an easy path – see Luke 14 v26. This does not mean we hate
them in the usual sense of the term, but we love Christ more then we do any of
them or anyone else. When we come into the presence of the Lord, we shut out
even those nearest and dearest in order that we may be alone with out Lord. It
is only then that we can be true disciples.
The Laver.
The next article of
furniture in the tabernacle court was the laver. It was made of brass and was
filled with water for cleansing the priest’s hands and feet. It had a
mirror-like finish so that people could, by looking into it, realise what they
really looked like and see their need of cleansing. This in turn reminds us of
the fact that we need to come to Christ for cleansing, even after we are saved.
It is not a matter of removing sins that would condemn us to an everlasting
hell, but we need cleansing from the defilement that comes as we travel this
life. There is a daily need for cleansing at the spiritual laver. The water in
the laver represents to us the Word itself. In our devotional use of the Bible
we must allow God to speak to us very clearly concerning our need of cleansing.
His word will convict us of any sin that would divert us from fulfilling His
will. Just as the laver was both a mirror and a means of cleansing, so is the
Word of God. As we confess our sins, we find that we are washed from its
defilement – 1
John1 v7, v9. Heb 10 v22.
We can come into the presence of God with the assurance that the sins
that would condemn us have been removed from us. The brazen altar represents a
place of assurance where we learn that our sins are forgiven. The laver also
represents a place of assurance but in reference to our daily cleansing. Having
come to the laver and used its water (Word) we can stand with pure hands and
lives before God.
The Holy Place.
After being cleansed at the laver, the Priest came to another curtain which
served as an entrance, or door. This curtain, with its beautiful colours also
represents the Lord Jesus. There might seem to be little or no difference in the
significance of these two doors. One marked the entrance to the outer court, and
one marked the entrance to the Holy Place. However there is a significant
difference. They both pointed to the Lord Jesus but outside the first door were
unbelievers, sin and the world. Outside the second door was the brazen altar and
the laver, which prepared the worshipper for fellowship with the Lord. If we
apply this to ourselves. As we enter through this second door and the curtain
closes behind us, we are alone with Christ and speaks of our time alone with
Him, and that is precious.
There were three pieces of
furniture in the Holy Place, and they all have very special significance when
compared to the spiritual life. It was into the Holy Place that the priests
entered daily to fellowship with God and to worship Him. To the left of the door
was a lampstand, or candlestick The table of showbread was on the right.
Immediately in front of the curtain dividing the Holy Place from the Holy of
Holies was the altar of incense.
The
Lampstand.
The lampstand speaks of the seven spirits Rev 1 v4, which is the Spirit
of God Himself. This is surely the case as we think of the sevenfold Spirit
described in Isa. 11 v2. The Spirit points us to Christ, and only through Him
can we really come to know Christ. Remember that the only light within the Holy
Place was the light of the lampstand. In the same way the Word of God is made
clear to us by the Holy Spirit. Books that help us understand the Scriptures
have been written, but the people
who wrote them did so in the
power of the Holy Spirit. Such help point us to Christ only to the degree that
such people were spiritually enlightened. But the credit belongs to the Spirit
of God, for He is that great interpreter of both the written Word and the Living
Word. Our Saviour said, “But the
Comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he
shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance”
So the Spirit of God not only teaches us about Christ but also brings to
our remembrance the truths relating to Him.
John 14 v26; 15 v26; 16 v13-15. Eph. 1v17-18. Many are satisfied with
having mere factual knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have learned the
details of His life here on the earth, some of the messages He preached and the
miracles He performed, but we need more than that. We need the impartation of
His risen life, and this is possible only through the work of the Holy Spirit
within us. That I may know Him, and the power of his resurrection in my life.
The Table of Showbread.
This table on the right with its loaves of bread speaks of the Lord Jesus
Christ. This could only be seen inside the Holy Place because the lampstand was
burning. The lampstand speaks of the Holy Spirit and the lesson is obvious.
Without the work of the Holy Spirit, Christ in all His beauty and reality will
not be known to the human heart.
In John 6 we find what the
Spirit reveals to us concerning Christ being the Bread of Life. Many of His
disciples came to Him after this discourse and told Him that they did not
understand what He was talking about, it is still the same today. Jesus was not
talking about His physical body when He spoke of the disciples eating His flesh
and drinking His blood. He was speaking about the Word of God itself. Heb 4 v12
says this word is living, active and sharper than any two-edged sword. Thus, our
Saviour was instructing His disciples how to be nourished and how to grow in
spiritual things. It is done by reading, believing and meditating on the Word of
God. God is in heaven and wants to
share His life with us. But how can He do that. He does it through the Word He
has given us. He reveals Himself and His plans through the Bible. When we allow
the Word of God to enter our minds and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our
hearts so that we meditate and feed on the Word, it does something for us. It
becomes living and operative. It does for the spiritual man what food does for
the physical body. Christ becomes a
living reality to us and the will of God becomes evident.
Without the Holy Spirit these
things could not be understood. Doing the will of God then becomes a more normal
thing for us. To be nourished on the Word is to be nourished in the inner man.
This calls not only for a knowledge of the facts but an attitude that allows the
Word to change our lives and let God work through us. This is how to grow
spiritually.
The Altar of Incense. The
third piece of furniture in the Holy Place was the altar of incense. It stood in
front of the large curtain which divided the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.
On this altar incense burned day and night. Symbolically, incense represents
prayer.
Having come thus far
intercessory prayer is the kind of prayer in mind here. Heb 10 sheds some light
on this. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by
the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us,
through the veil, that is to say, his flesh” v19/20. The new way into the
presence of God is the Lord Jesus Christ. We may enter into God’s presence to
pray on behalf of others. 1 Tim 2 v1-4.
The Priest who entered the
Holy Place would have his garments filled with the odour of the incense so that
when he left that room and went out to the world, he carried with fragrance of
the incense with him. Only when our hearts are prepared by the Lord can we carry
the fragrance of the Person of Christ to a lost world. We are ready to minister
on the outside when the time of preparation is complete on the inside. Those who
dwell in the presence of God are filled with the incense and sweet savour of the
Lord. “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved,
and in them that perish. To the one we are the savour of death unto death, and
to the other the savour of life unto life, and who is sufficient for these
things” 2 Cor 2 14-16. What a
sobering responsibility! Our personal Christian life is so important.
It is more important than the
service we do, because the effectiveness of that service depends on what we are.
The doing comes from the being. Behaviour is the result of belief. We must serve
with hearts, minds and wills yielded to Christ. We recognise our weakness but we
must see that Christ is our strength. Paul gloried in his infirmities so that
the power of Christ would rest on him. “He that believeth on me, as the
scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water”
A life of light to such a lost world.
D.
Mitchell.
Dates
For your Diary.
Sun
6th Oct:
am & pm Pastor G Ward
(Portrush
Baptist)
Sun
13th Oct:
pm Woodvale Singers
Tues
15th Oct:
8:00pm
Mr David Louange
(Arab
World Ministries)
Tues
3rd Dec:
8:00pm Sammy
Gordon (TWR)
Sun
8th Dec:
am & pm Mr
Kenny Wilson
Sun
22nd Dec:
am & pm Carol
Services
FELLOWSHIP
CHRISTMAS DINNER
18TH
DECEMBER 7:30pm
Wednesday
25th Dec Special Family Christmas Service 10:30 -11:15am
Tuesday
31st December Watchnight Service
11:00- 12:00pm
Remember
Week of Prayer for the New Year
Mon
6th - Fri 10th Jan 2003
Congratulations
to
Stephen
& Victoria Scott on the birth of their son Joshua Stephen
21/6/02
Dessie
& Ruth Simpson on the birth of their son Mark
25/6/02
Tommy
& Yvonne McCalmont on the birth of their son Joel Lewis
31/8/02