Spring 1998

 

From the Pastor

 

Welcome to another edition of our church magazine.

Let me also echo the comments that I hear every quarter after our magazine is produced, "Thank you to all who contribute, produce and prepare this witness from Ballee." Many many people benefit from this publication as it is distributed by our members and friends to "the uttermost parts of the earth."

Of course a lot of people skip the Pastor's bit at the front ! But I humour myself that a few might pause long enough at the start to read at least a little of the article

As I contemplated my contribution, I was imagining what it would be like to read the Gospel narratives for the first time. I think that I would be amazed at the miracles, wonder at the wisdom, be excited at Christ's example, and thrilled with the teaching. But what would stand out more than all the rest would be the tremendous claims made by Jesus Christ. I notice that these claims when uttered aroused both interest and opposition, and I believe, if understood and appreciated, will have the same interest or opposition when proclaimed today in 1998.

Let me leave some of them with you

 

I.EQUALITY WITH GOD John 14: 1 "Ye believe in God, believe also in me. "John 10: 30 " I and my Father are one." What an amazing claim, in a sense it was no wonder that His enemies promptly took up stones to stone him. They saw Him guilty of blasphemy.

I remind you that the Lord Jesus did not on any occasion deny such a charge. He did make the claim, and did so time and time again, because it was true. He was God. Indeed, the theme of the Gospel of John is the reality of the deity of Christ.

 

2. ONLY TRUE REVELATION OF GOD 'Many claim in our generation, that they can appreciate God in nature, a forest stream, a butterfly, a waterfall, others claim to understand God in a mystical, sensual way - a feeling or sensation. But listen to the claim of the Lord Jesus Christ in Luke 10 : 22 "No man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and He to whom the Son will reveal Him." Or, His words to Philip in John 14: 9 "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father." Whether in 30 AD or in 1998 AD this statement still holds true. If you would know God you can only do so by a personal appreciation of Jesus Christ, and a personal application of His saving work.

 

3. POWER TO FORGIVE SIN When Christ said "Son, thy sins are forgiven thee" Mark 2: 5,7. His enemies at once challenged Him saying "Who can forgive sins but God only? Their acute religious minds stated the matter accurately, and with convincing power flashed the answer "Arise," and immediately the paralytic arose, took up his bed and walked, and for once they were amazed and glorified God. Praise God today, that 'Through this Man (the crucified, dead, buried and risen Christ) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins." Acts 13 : 38.

 

4. PROMISE OF REST In the high pressure, high casualty lifestyle of today here is a claim for A who repent and trust in Christ as Saviour. Matt 11 : 28. "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Those words have echoed around the world summoning countless millions from the wreckage of sin to the haven of rest. Rest from the fear of judgment for sin, rest from a guilty conscience, rest to do His will, rest, not only for today and tomorrow but for all eternity.

 

5. I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE This claim made to Martha in John 11 was not that He was a teacher or exponent on the resurrection but rather that He is the Divine author of all resurrection, both spiritual and physical, and that He is the root and fountain of all life. If you do not have Jesus Christ, then you do not have, nor have you experienced "Life" as God intended it, You are still "Dead in Sin."

 

6. FULFILLER OF PROPHECY At the commencement of His ministry He said "This day is the scripture fulfilled in your ears" (Luke 4: 2 1). After His resurrection as He journeyed with two on the Emmaus Road

"He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself' (Luke 24). It is impossible to reverently read Psalm 22, or Isaiah 53 comparing them with the crucifixion chapters and not conclude that they refer to one and the same person.

 

7.ALL POWERFUL The last claim made by the Lord Jesus before His ascension is found in Matt 28: 18 "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." We see that power demonstrated as He raised the dead, cleansed the leper, gave sight to the blind, cast out demons. He had power over the wind and sea. His power has never waned, and I have witnessed His saving power in my own life, and, praise God, in the life or our fellowship.

 

One day I, along with a numberless throng, will lift our voices in praise to none other this same Jesus Christ as we exclaim "Worthy is the lamb that was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honour, and glory and blessing". Amen. Rev 5 : 12.

 

 

If Jesus Came to Your House

If Jesus came to your house, to spend some time with you

If He came unexpected, I wonder what you’d do?

Oh, I know you’d give  your nicest room to such an Honoured Guest,

And all the food you’d serve to Him would be the very best.

And you would keep assuring Him you’re glad to have Him there,

That serving Him in your home is joy beyond compare.

But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door ?

With arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly visitor,

Or – would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in ?

Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they’d been,

Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn’t heard ?

And wish you hadn’t uttered that last, loud hasty word.

Would you hide your worldly music and put some Hymn books out ?

Would you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about ?

And I wonder if the Saviour spent a day or two with you,

Would you go on doing the things you always do ?

Would you go right on saying the things you always say ?

Would life for you continue as it does from day to day ?

Would your family conversation keep up its usual pace ?

And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace ?

Would you sing the songs you always sing, and read the books you read ?

And let him know the things on which your mind and spirit feed,

Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you’d planned to go ?

Or -  maybe would you change your plans, for just a day or so ?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends ?

Or hope that they would stay away until His visit ends,

Would you be glad to have Him stay forever, on and on ?

Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last had gone ?

 

It might be interesting to know the things that you would do,

If Jesus came in person to spend some time with you.

 

Submitted by Mrs J Stewart, (Garvagh)

 

 

 

King Solomon's,Smith

 

And it came to pass when Solomon, the Son of David, had finished the Temple of Jerusalem, that he called unto him the chief Architects, the head of Artificers, and Cunning Workers in Silver and in Gold, and in Wood, and

in Ivory, and in Stone,- yea, all who had aided in rearing the Temple of the Lord; and he said unto them, "Sit ye down at my table; I have prepared a feast for all my chief Workers and Cunning Artificers, stretch forth your hands, therefore, and eat, and drink, and be merry. Is not the labourer worthy of his hire? Is not the skilful Artificers deserving of honour ?" "Muzzle not the ox that treadeth out the corn."

 

And when Solomon and the chief workmen were seated, and the fatness of the land and Wine and the Oil thereof were set upon the table, there came one who knocked loudly at the door, and forced himself even into the festal chamber. Then Solomon, the King, was wroth, and said, 'Who and what manner of man art thou?" And the man answered and said, "When men wish to honour me they call me Son of the Forge, but when they desire to mock me, they call me Black Smith; and seeing that the toil of working in the fire covers me with sweat and smut, the later name, 0 King, is not inapt, and , in truth, thy servant desires no better," 'But," said Solomon, "why come ye thus rudely and unbidden to the feast, where none, save the chief of the workmen of the Temple are invited ?" "Please ye, my Lord, I came rudely," replied the man, "because thy servants obliged me to force my way, but I came not unbidden. Was it not proclaimed that the Chief Workmen of the Temple were invited to dine with the King of Israel ?"

 

Then he who carved the cherubim said, "This fellow is no sculptor." And he who inlaid the roof with pure gold, said "Neither is he a worker in fine metals." And he who raised walls, said, "He is not a cutter of stone." And he who made the roof cried out, "He is not cunning in cedar wood; neither knoweth he the mystery of uniting pieces of strange timber together." Then said Solomon, "What hast thou to say, Son of the Forge, why I should not order thee to be plucked by the beard, scourged with a scourge, and stoned to death with stones ?"

 

And when the Son of the Forge heard this, he was in no sort dismayed, but advancing to the table snatched up and swallowed a cup of wine, and said, "O King, live for ever. The chief men of the Workers in wood and gold and stone have said I am not one of them, and they have said truly. I am their superior, and they are all my servants." And he turned him round, and said to the chief of the carvers in stone, " Who made the tools with which you carve?" And he said 'The Smith." And he said to the chief of the masons, "Who made the chisels

with which the stones of the temple were squared ?" And ho, said, "the Smith." And he said to the chief of the workers in wood, "Who made the tools with which you hewed the trees on Lebanon, and formed them into pillars and roof of the temple ?" and he answered "the Smith." Then said he to the Artificer in gold and in ivory, 'Who makes the instruments by which you work beautiful things for my Lord the King ?" And he said, 'the Smith." 'Enough, enough, good fellow," said Solomon, "thou hast proved that I invited thee, and that thou art all men's father in art. Go, wash the smut of the forge from thy face, and come and sit at my right hand. The chiefs of the workmen are but men; thou art more.

 

Submitted by R.L. Cameron

 

God’s will

 

I wanted to go, He said stay,

I wanted to do, He said pray,

I wanted to work, He said wait,

I wanted to live, For his sake,

“Love me child” He softly said,

“Oh yes, Lord”, I bowed my head,

“I want your way, I am your Son,

Not my will, but thine be done!”

 

 

Heeding The Call

On Sunday 1 st March our Pastor spoke from Gen 24 of a faithful servant who went to find a bride for the Masters son. Unlike Rebecca no one responded to the invitation even though the Master was well spoken of The Master's son was highly recommended, the love of the Master was high lighted. Like the poem that follows no one knows what the judgment day will reveal. Did you heed the call ? Or did Satan deceive you ! Will you get another opportunity !!!

 

The Young Nobleman's Choice.

 

On a rocky crag of Scotia's coast, An ancient castle stood;

For centuries its massive walls, the invaders skill withstood:

Portcullis, keep and iron gates, protection did afford.

And safe in his embattled, hold reposed its youthful lord.

 

The scion of a noble race, whose faithfulness was proved.

In times when persecution raged against the cause they loved

In him the faithful hoped to find a champion of the truth,

With holy courage for the faith, he learned in years of youth.

 

But Satan ever on the watch, his kingdom to extend,

Approached the unsuspecting lord to parley as a friend:

He showed the world in brightest hues, its glory and its power,

But hid the fact that all its joys are like a fading flower.

 

"Give me your soul," the temper said, and honours shall be thine,

Among the rich and great of earth your name shall brightly shine.

A life of pleasure, and of all the heart of man desires –

With none of those regretful woes which came upon your sires.

 

The cause they in their zeal espoused no more demand your aid,

Nor would it now with martyr's wreath, adorn your youthful head..

Transfer your service now to me, my kingdom to extend,

And I will see that all is right when you shall reach life's end.

 

The tempter's promise seemed all fair, what could he wish for more ?

No covenants to sign or keep, like to his sires of yore:

No more to hear the world's reproach, or wear its brand of shame,

No longer known as one who bore the Saviours Holy name.

 

What passed within those hoary walls on that eventful day,

What answer Satan did record before he went his way,

A coming solemn judgment hour shall in its fullness tell,

And what transpired shall be disclosed before all Heaven and Hell.

 

A few brief years of revelry to that young proud man were given,

Opposing all who loved the Lord, reviling Christ and Heaven,

Till smitten by a dire disease, he laid him down to die,

Then in his agony he sought God's mercy from on high.

 

"Nay, Nay," the cunning tempter hissed. "you sold yourself to me,

And as your choice in early life so must this death hour be:

You may not thus play fast and loose, your bargain you must keep, A

And what you have so fully sown, you now must surely reap. "

 

The message that this solemn scene - to One and all would bring,

Concerns the choice we each must make, and whom we serve as King.

If God and Christ are known and loved, with them we soon shall dwell,

But to a life of sin and shame the only end is HELL.

 

Francis Smyth

 

WATCHING OUR STEP

 

"A closed mouth is a wise head"

This is what a close friend always says, I don't whole heartedly agree. The Psalmist in Psalm 39 says " I was dumb with silence, I held my peace even from good." In verse 9 the Lord opened His mouth and he prayed. He realized the brevity of time, no time to waste. He waited on the Lord his only hope for time and for eternity. While he was yet alive he prayed for strength, verse 13. But ! there are times when we should be silent. Finding Fault.

It is strange how oblivious we can be to our faults and how clearly we see the faults of others.   We need to be careful for in most cases it only reflects on ourselves. I was disturbed on one occasion by the stories I was subjected to, I asked one of our oversight to help with a plan of escape he said. "tell them that's my brother or sister you are talking about !" In the light of that we all know what Galatians 6 v 1 says.

We can overcome the fault of finding fault if we are spiritual. It’s called caring. Helping to restore the fallen one. The next step is learning to be deaf. In slander the listener is almost if not quite as bad as the speaker. The only true thing is to shut your ears the moment you begin to hear an evil report of another. If we refuse to give our attention the narrator cannot continue. We all aim at courtesy and courtesy requires that we be patient listeners, but even courtesy does not require us to hear bad reports. Train your ears to close with the first fault finding breath as the eyes do at the slightest approach of harm.

May we use our senses well. Aim to keep unity. Don't take it for granted. Our enemy doesn't sleep.

 

Francis Smyth

 

I will bless ....... and thou shalt be a blessing. Genesis 12 ; 2

This is always the way the Lord operates. He doesn't bless us to make us reservoirs, but channels. He comforts us in all our trials THAT we may be able to comfort others (2 Cor, 1 : 3,4). We read, He chose twelve that they should be with Him ( the way He blessed them), and that He might send them forth to preach ( how He made them a blessing). Every believer has been enriched of the Lord that we, in turn, can be His means of enriching others.

How I praise Thee, precious Saviour, That Thy love laid hold of me; Thou hast saved and cleansed and filled me, That I might Thy channel be.

 

 ***************************************************

 

I know what you say about girls in pants

There are those who can and those who can’t!

But have you not seen yourself from the rear

And thought of wearing – a kilt my dear!

 

Submitted by R.L.Cameron

 

 

GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

 

Faith, Faithful and Faithfulness are words that are found frequently in Scripture, but I want us to think on this title, "The Faithfulness of God." Here is one of the great foundation truths that every believer can enjoy and appreciate. No matter how old or how young, how great or how little our understanding of Scripture, we can each stand firm on the promise of God's word, - "Great is Thy Faithfulness." Lam Ch 3 v 23,

In order to concentrate our minds and hearts on this theme and it's implications, let us note some passages on the "Faithfulness of God:-"

 

Faithfulness is part of His character, Ist Cor 1 v 9 -

 

"God is Faithful" (Isa 49 v 7.)

 

His Faithfulness is declared to be ;-

Great                                                    Lam. 3 v 23.                He can never be unfaithful.

Established                                           PS. 89 v 2.

Incomparable                                       PS. 89 v 8.

Unfailing                                               Ps. 89 v 33.

Infinite                                                  Ps. 36 v 5.                 

"Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds," here is the suggestion

 of faithfulness that cannot be limited.

"Thy faithfulness is unto all generations."

Everlasting                                            PS 119 v 90.         

Should be pleaded in prayer             Ps 143 v 1 .

Should he proclaimed                   Ps 40 v 10. Ps 89 v 1.

 

 

 

His Faithfulness is manifested in ; -

 

His counsels Isa. 25 v 1.

Afflicting His Saints                                       Ps. 119 v 75. Ist Peter 4 v 19.

In fulfilling His promises                                   Ist. Kings 8 v 20. Ps. 132 v 11. Mic. 7 v 20. Heb. 10 v 23.

In keeping His covenant                                   Deut. 7 v 9. Ps. 111 v 5

In His testimonies                                            PS. 119 v 138.

In executing His judgments                                 Jer. 23 v 20. Jer. 51 v 29.

In forgiving sins                                                 Ist John 1 v 9.

To His saints                                                     PS. 89 v 24. 2nd Thes. 3 v 3. Ist Cor. 10 v 13.                                  

Saints encouraged to depend on                    I st Peter 4 v 19.

Should be magnified                                              Ps. 89 v 5. Ps. 92 v 2.

 

Unbroken, Unbounded, Unending - Faithfulness.

 

This whole blessed truth is of the utmost importance to the believer, for on the faithfulness of God our salvation depends. How humbling a thought it is, that God should ever remain faithful to such sinful ones as us. Yet Paul rejoiced in the fact that "faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it." 1 Thes 5 v 24. Do what ? For the answer, read the previous verse, v 23, and it will be seen that the preservation of Spirit, Soul and Body are referred to, and He who called will be faithful to complete what He has begun. Thus we see that our salvation depends not upon what we are, but upon what He is.

 

To every Saint there comes that time of testing when faith is sorely tried and when afflictions bear heavily upon the spirit. If these afflictions bring questions and doubts to the soul, let us not imagine that they are without benefit. Such doubts and questions, when committed to the Lord turn to certainties and answers as we see the promises of His word.

 

A minister visiting a Christian lady said to her, "supposing after all God lets you down, and you end up in Hell." "Even as He likes," was her reply, "but if He does, He will lose more than I will." This was a true statement, God cannot break His word, she was relying upon the faithfulness of God.

 

Sadly we reflect upon the faithfulness of our own generation, of our own hearts, and what we see causes

grave concern. Satan is not slow to take advantage of such a state and he will suggest that because we have

been so unfaithful, we can hardly expect God to remain faithful. Over against the suggestion of Satan we have

the words of Paul to Timothy, "If we believe not. yet He abideth faithful, He cannot deny Himself' What a comfort is this to remember, to know that He understands when faith is low and fears are high. When in those hours of gloom and despair we cry out of the darkness to Him, He will hear our feeble cry.

 

The years roll on, continually revealing the sombre fact that neither men, nor man's word can be relied upon But the passing years also bear eloquent testimony to the faithfulness of God. Therefore we should not fear, for in this divinely revealed truth that "God is faithful," we have solid confidence that guarantees our security, enabling us to say.                          "I trust thy faithfulness and power, to guide me in this trying hour. "

 

In these days when the love of many is waxing cold, may we be found faithful to Him in return, till the race be run and glory dawns.

 

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.

 

Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness,

Morning by morning new mercies I see,

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

David Mitchell

 

Come..Come..Come.. Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22 v 17,20

……show the Lord’s death till He come.  1 Cor 11:26

 

The longing of the Spirit, the yearning of the Bride for her Heavenly Bridegroorn, the desire of the individual believer and the final prayer in the Bible all express a joyous anticipation of the blessed hope. One of these days it will surely happen. Until then it is our holy privilege and responsibility to show forth His death at the Lord's Supper.

J. Boyd Nicholson.

 

 

 

Thou art coming ! At Thy table we are witnesses of this

As we meet Thee in communion, earnest of our coming bliss.

 

F.R. Havergal.

 

Worship refreshes the soul as sleep refreshes the body.

 

 

A thought for the Easter Week

The Joy of the Way to Calvary (Luke Ch 23 v28

As we approach the Easter season our minds will become, more keenly focused, perhaps, on the sufferings of Christ on our behalf nearly 2000 years ago. Each of us will endeavour to focus on specific events during the week, culminating at the pinnacle of where our faith and hope begin. I have been captivated by these seven words recorded in Luke 23, for many seasons, and being greatly re-assured that in this evil day, when the depth of man's sinfulness seems to know no limitations: and the cries of the redeemed grow louder and more frequent, that good, will in a day to come triumph over evil.

 

 

The way from Pilate's judgment seat to Calvary has been called the 'via dolorosa,' 'the way of pain.' If the name conjures for us an image which encourages us to renew and deepen our sorrow of the events of that day then such a name is appropriate enough. Should the name however, emphasis for us the mind of Christ, if it be his sorrow we have in view, its insight is at fault, and ultimately bestows no honour on Jesus. Other religions have hijacked and given their own interpretation to the events recorded in the Scriptures; and fastened our eyes on the physical suffering of the cross, forgetful of what the reticence of the Gospels and the express triumph of the Epistles might have taught us; the radiant victory of the spirit over the flesh.

 

Jesus has often been referred to as the Man of Sorrows - outside of the New Testament, This can be misleading and give rise to an ignorant and mistaken corruption of the One whom we seek to follow. An incident is recorded for us - in Matthew 16 when Jesus asked his disciples who the masses thought he might be. Some considered Him to be Jeremiah, the weeping prophet; which is quickly brushed aside with Peter stating emphatically "Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

 

As we recount the life of Christ through the Gospels, we cannot escape from the fact that he led a singularly joyous life. Words such as peace, love, serenity and joy pervade from every strand of his being. Hes delights were with the sons of men and he found tender solace in their homes, and uplifting gladness in their love.

 

When we consider His incarnation a shadow falls upon our spirits as its humiliation forces itself upon us, yet we often forget the eager will behind it, which made its limitations a constant joy. His youth in Nazareth, with the dawning consciousness of His mission, was a time of eager desire and racing pulse. His poverty, gave Him an unburdened life, unlike the lifestyles we choose for ourselves today which so often create more sorrow than joy. "A man's life" He said, "consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." "Take no thought for the morrow." The silence that dwelt among the hills of Judea, the glory of the grass of the field, spoke to Him with a voice which no poet's car ever heard. Ah! when we understand the source of his joy, then we can begin to understand that, despite His loneliness and separation in His higher experiences, despite the unknowing burden of men's sins and sorrows, and despite that last pitiful hour on the hill of Golgotha, no human heart ever thrilled with a joy to match that of Jesus. Look again as he passes on the way to Calvary and surely there we can find that from the depths of His joy a stream is flowing which cannot be quenched. We can begin to understand why He could say to His disciples as He stood on the threshold of the agony of Gethsemane, and felt the very shadow of the cross, these beautiful words of John 15: 11  ring out, "These things have I spoken unto you that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full".

 

Look at Jesus now, as He walks the way to Calvary. That searching and discipling night in Gethsemane had passed away. The pitiless deeds of the Courtyard and judgment seat,  condemned the lamb to the slaughter. The morning has ushered in that great day. Flesh and heart of those most close have fainted and failed. Simon bears His cross, and now He is going forward to the last deed of all. A high elation is upon His spirit, over - mastering the pain and quenching the sorrow. The cry of the women of Jerusalem breaks upon the air. He stops and turns and because He will not have them misunderstanding Him, and give a false accompaniment to His crowning act, He chides them for their tears. The joys of time and sense, yes !

have been removed from Him, but not, the joys of the spirit, He has His deep delight in spiritual things which has sustained him and made the way to Calvary an unlifting triumph.

 

For many who read this article, I trust, will have entered into and are living on the fruits of pardon and peace with God and a joy which passes all understanding. Yet the world around us is stretching out it withered hands to be healed, its empty hearts to be filled. And we possess that purest, holiest joy, into which no subtle selfishness enters, in the spiritual well being of men. Each day that God grants us breath in our nostrils should be an expression of joy in the spiritual things that we possess, quenching all desire for those things that the world strives to achieve. How easy it is to strive in the wrong direction for those things wherein, we think there is joy!

 

As I conclude this article on the evening of 22nd March 1998, this day has been etched indelibly upon my mind, as I’m sure yours,- with much soul-searching questions, as I wrestle to try and understand that simple yet profound statement. "Why Lord ?" The hymnist's line is perfection, "Further along we'll know all about it." The imprint of the Shorter Catechism imparted at the feet of gracious and godly men, comes to my mind; "Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." Do you, and are you living it?

 

Wilson Logan

 

 

Richard Magowan -An appreciation.

It is with deep regret and shock that the news of Richard's tragic death reached us at Ballee on Lord's day morning the 22nd March 1998. It is so sad for us to record this untimely passing of our beloved Brother. We thank God for times of fellowship with him and for memories which time cannot erase. In the presence of such difficult circumstances we turn to the Lord, "From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, lead me to the rock that is higher than I ". (Ps. 61 v2)

 

To his Mother, Father and sister Lilian, and the wider family circle we extend our deepest sympathy and commend them to the One who is well acquainted with the feelings of our infirmities and whose everlasting arms are round about, underneath and able to bear them tip in this trying time of bereavement and sorrow.

 

Richard first came to Ballee in April 1991. He had a good testimony, he loved the Lord dearly and served Him faithfully. He was an enthusiastic member of the Fellowship. He helped Sam and Anna Irons in the work at Sandes Home in Holywood. He had a burden for lost souls in the South of Ireland and made frequent trips there to help in outreach and encouragement in Dublin and Cork. He had a compassionate manner and never in my experience did he portray a spirit of criticism.

He was good to Ballee during those years and just last December I wrote to Richard on behalf of the Fellowship to thank him for the kind gift of a mixer deck for the recording equipment at Ballee. This is proving to be of Great benefit in that department of the work.

His untimely death came as a great shock to all in our Fellowship acid his passing is a tremendous loss to us. He will be sadly missed and again we commend the family circle to your prayerful support. He was good to his Father and mother and they will miss him sorely.

 

D.Mitchell. (Secretary)

 

If ever we hope for God's acceptance of us, it must not be for anything,  but purely of grace for his dear Son's sake according to the promises of his word. The most righteous cannot bear the severity of God's justice. They who best know their own hearts will ever be the first to condemn themselves, and to cry for mercy at God's hand, and they who plead guilty before the law and flee to the grace of the gospel in Christ, shall be justified from all things.

When our distress is greatest, God's power and grace shall be the more magnified in our deliverance. Though it be hard to exercise courageous faith under sore troubles, yet remembrance  of God's kindness, to ourselves or others in former times is very encouraging.

They who thirst for His presence, favour, and love shall never be sent away empty from His throne of grace whatever they ask.                   

 

Both submitted By Albert Moore.

 

Biblical Word Search. Our God Reigns  

Submitted By M. Robinson

OUR GOD IS…….

BLESSED, ENDURING, ETERNAL, FAITHFUL, GRACIOUS, IMMORTAL, GREAT, HOLY, HUMBLE, KIND, JUST, LOVE, MERCIFUL, PATIENT, TRUE, WISE, WONDERFUL, KING, LIFE, ONE, PEACE, LIGHT, PRINCE, RIGHTEOUS, TRUTH, CLEAN, UPRIGHT, REFUGE, IMMUTABLE, GLORIFIED, EVERLASTING

L

A

T

R

O

M

M

I

O

D

T

Y

F

E

R

U

N

G

T

T

R

U

E

N

N

D

E

L

B

I

F

G

R