Ballee Baptist Church

Spring 2005

FROM THE PASTOR

I wonder how many of our readers remember what was special about 15th April 1912?

It was 93 years ago, on that date, that the “ultimate dream” or Titanic, built in Belfast’s Harland & Wolfe shipyard, sunk on her maiden voyage. She rested 12000 feet under the great Atlantic Ocean with a 300 foot gash on its starboard side. The ultimate dream had turned into a nightmare!

Many are the stories of that fateful night. Like that of John Harper from Glasgow who refused to be rescued by the lifeboats, but made it his business to go from person to person in the freezing water, pleading with them to trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, that they might be ready for Eternity. Or the story of Eva Hart who spoke of her heartbreak in seeing some in the lifeboats pushing others back into the water rather than take the risk of capsizing the lifeboat. Some lifeboats had only three of four! I wonder as we in Ballee Baptist face a Gospel Mission (3rd-24th April), are we like John Harper, who with no thought of our own safety or comfort, have a passion to reach souls that are perishing? Or are we like those that Eva Hart spoke of? With the attitude “I’m all right; I’m safe; I don’t care about anybody else.. I don’t want anybody rocking the boat!”

In Mark 4 we are given the account of a storm at sea, when the disciples seemed to think that the Lord did not care and might allow them to perish. In v38 they cry “carest Thou not that we perish?”. But Christ had everything under control, and in v39 he arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea “peace be still”. The wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

I want to remind you that life has it’s storms.. The unsaved are in the ultimate storm of sin and it’s consequences and might not even realise it. But also those saved, face storms of many kinds, but for both saved and unsaved the lifeboat that is required is none other than Jesus Christ. Let me share some thoughts about the lifeboat:-

Its Builder.

The lifeboat that we know was first designed in 1789, and while the technology was advanced beyond recognition from those early beginnings, we still can see the desire of the early designers for safety, quality, durability and dependability.

When I think of the purpose and design of the heart of God in the Work of Redemption, we can detect such perfection of plan and wisdom to deliver those lost in sin and bring them into the glorious light of the Gospel. What safety; what a wonderful salvation.

Its Buoyancy

A lifeboat would be of little value if it could be easily overturned and sunk. It is designed to stay afloat at sea in the very worst of conditions. The lifeboat can speed to rescue the perishing in spite of the violent sea.

At a time of Gospel mission we praise God that today in spite of the storms and crises in people’s lives the lifeboat of the Gospel can sail through the roughest

conditions to meet people at the point of their need. And when delivered there is no chance of it being overturned and sunk!

Its Brave Crew

Everyday we are indebted to those brave young men who face the troubled seas in the lifeboats around our coasts. Those that the Lord has saved from ruin and destruction should bravely stand up and be counted for the Lord (Luke 9:26). We in turn should be manning the Gospel lifeboats to rescue others.

Its Blameless Captain

Sad stories are told of skippers asleep or drunk at the wheel, neglecting their duty to both their crew and passengers. On 15th April 1912 there was a ship quite close to the Titanic called the California. It could have heard the distress signal from the Titanic, and rushed to help. But it knew nothing of the danger. It had its radio switched off and the crew relaxed in ignorance unaware of the danger. But our spiritual Captain is not like that! He has never failed and in Him is no fault or sin.

Its Beauty

If you are about to perish, a lifeboat is a beautiful sight. It is more precious than a golden sunset or a glorious sunrise. During our special season of Gospel Mission, may many see the spiritual urgency of their condition, drowning in sin, and grasp the salvation that is found alone in the finished Work of Jesus Christ on Calvary, when he died, the just for the unjust that He might bring us to God.

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I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all God’s people at Ballee Baptist Church for all the prayers and support to me over the past years. I will always value your continued prayers and know that He will never leave us or forsake us.

Eternity in our hearts.

Solomon once wrote that God has ‘put eternity in our hearts’ It has been pointed out that God has provided a lot of lovely things for us to enjoy along life’s journey but he has taken great care to see that we do not mistake any of them for home.

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their hearts, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3v11.

Yours in Christ

Sheila McMullan

“Through the tender Mercy of our God” Luke 1/78

What would we ever have done if God had not been merciful? There could never have been a soul saved in this world. There is a story of a man who dreamed that he was out in an open field in a serious driving storm. He is desperately seeking for a place of safety. He sees one gate, over which is written ‘Holiness’ There seems to be shelter inside, and he knocks. The door is opened by one in white garments; but none save the holy can be admitted here and he is not holy. He turns away to seek shelter elsewhere. He sees another gate, and tries that one, but ‘Truth’ is inscribed above it and he is not fit to enter there either. He hastens to a third, which has the name ‘Justice’, but armed guards keep the door, and only the righteous can be received. At last, when he is almost in despair, he sees a light shining some distance away, and hurries toward it. The door stands wide open, and beautiful angels meet him with joy. It is the house of mercy, and he is taken inside to find refuge and shelter from the storm.

Not one of us can ever find refuge at any door save the door of Mercy. But here the vilest sinner can find eternal shelter, and not mere cold shelter, for God’s mercy is tender. We flee for refuge and find it. Strong walls shut out all the pursuing enemies, and cover us from all storms. Then, as we begin to rejoice in our security, we learn that we are inside a sweet home, and not merely a secure shelter. Our refuge is in the very heart of God; and no mother’s bosom was ever so warm a nest for her own child as is the Divine mercy for all who find refuge in it.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty…. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust” Ps 91 v1 & 4

“Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of His Disciples” John 18/25

For our own sakes we should mark the steps which led to Peter’s fall. One was his self-confidence. When forewarned, he resented the Master’s foretelling, (John 13 v38) and declared that though others might deny Christ he never would. When we grow boastful we are in great peril. Safety lies in a consciousness of our own weakness, and in implicit trust in God

The next step towards Peter’s fall was his sleeping in the garden when he should have been watching and praying. That hour was given for preparation for temptation, but was not enhanced.

Another step was his rashness in drawing his sword in the garden. This act made him liable to arrest, and this fact made him nervous and afraid of recognition. He tried to hide his connection with Jesus, lest he should be arrested for this assault in the garden. Rash acts are sure to make trouble for us afterward.

Another step toward denial was Peter’s following Christ afar off. This showed nervousness and failing faith. His courage was leaving him. Following at a distance is always perilous. It shows a weakening attachment and a wavering loyalty.

It is in itself partial denial. The only worthy and the only safe discipleship is thorough, unwavering devotion and whole-hearted consecration.

The apostle took another step toward his fall when he sat down among the servants of the high priest. He went among them to hide his relation to Jesus. The only safe thing for a Christian is to clearly declare his discipleship wherever he goes.

When Peter had taken all these steps it would not finish up or result in anything else but denial of his Lord. The time for us to guard ourselves is at the beginnings of defection. What a calling and a duty.

I rather see a Sermon, than hear one anyday,

I rather One would talk to me, than merely tell the way,

The eye is a better pupil, and willing, than the ear,

Fine council oft confusing, but example is always clear,

The best of all the preachers, are those who live their deeds,

For to soon put in action, is what you and I both need.

David Mitchell

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GOD IS FAITHFUL

He has shown kindness by giving us rain;

through changeless seasons He’s always the same;

Summer and Winter, Autumn and Spring-

Let the whole earth with God’s praises ring.

The Giver of life, our comfort in pain,

Through days of sorrow- in death there is gain!

‘The grave could not keep Him,’ we joyfully sing!

O’er death He was victor, so for us there’s no sting.

With all creation, we join in the strain

To Christ our Redeemer, with whom we shall reign-

To Him who has saved us, our Lord and our King,

We worship, adore Him- our homage we bring.

Composed by Vera Smith.

YPF Report

December 2004 - February 2005

December began a very busy month for Youth Fellowship. We received a special invitation to participate at the Disabled Christian Fellowship carol service. Despite it being a Saturday afternoon engagement there were a good number of us gathered to sing carols and Noel spoke to the group. To our delight there was not only a lovely tea but also a visit from Santa Claus! It was good to have the opportunity to meet some of the people who are part of DCF and we do indeed thank them for looking after us so well on this occasion.

On 12th December we had our final meeting of the year. Franseur Macoulis spoke to us on ‘The True Star of Christmas’. We considered some of the famous people/stars who are often idolised in our society and what the impact would be on our lives if we were to follow ‘The True Star of Christmas’. After the meeting we enjoyed fellowship around a ‘bigger than usual’ supper.

Another carol singing engagement was next on the agenda when we sang in the open air at Dunclug Sheltered Accomodation. Neil Harkness had arranged a carol service for the residents. It was a cold evening but all those present seemed to enjoy the short service and we had good opportunity to chat with the folks afterwards around some tea and coffee. We enjoyed a sing along & pizza afterwards at Brian and Yolanda’s house – thanks for opening your home to us!

As is now tradition we took part in the Church Carol Service on 19th December. Thanks to all the participants – musicians and choir members who made it possible. Apparently it didn’t sound too bad!

The obligatory Christmas party took place on 20th December with party games galore. We had a ‘short’ break to eat some Chinese cuisine and sample some of the delicious desserts that had been provided. I think we must all have enjoyed it because we forgot the time and finished slightly later than planned.

The proceeds of the Christmas post-box were handed over at our annual open meeting on 9th January. This year donations went to Open Doors who serve the persecuted church throughout the world. Thanks to all of you who used the postal service, we were able to give £1203 to this work. Mark Stevenson spoke to us on the work of Open Doors and also told us of his own personal experience on a trip to deliver copies of the Bible to China. It was nice to see a good number gather and support us on this evening.

Chris Killen, who works among drug addicts in Ballymena, was our visiting

speaker on 25th January. He presented a challenge to us all as he spoke of his past and of the danger of getting involved with drugs, even those that are legalised by our society, such as alcohol.

Our next meeting took the form of a workshop, under the heading ‘Friends’. We considered some of the characteristics of a true friend to find out if we reached that standard. Then in groups we looked at what the bible says on some of the reasons why friendships go wrong – gossip, peer pressure, jealousy and intolerance. We concluded the evening by singing ‘What a Friend we have in Jesus’ - isn’t it so good to know that Jesus is one friend who will never let us down?

On 20th February we had a visit from the Youth Fellowship at Larne Mission Hall. We enjoyed fellowship together as we listened to a testimony and singing by their group, ‘All For Jesus’, before Trevor Gilanders brought God’s word to us.

The Saturday evening of the Missionary Weekend in our own fellowship was the next choir engagement. After many long weeks of practice it all came together on the night. It was encouraging to have a few new faces join us for this night.

You will have by this stage noticed a common theme when the young people get together – FOOD! It would be amiss of us not to say a very BIG THANKYOU to all those who have provided for us in this manner, particularly over the last few months when demand has been high. Your willingness to help us out in this way is very much appreciated.

Finally, can I thank you for your continued prayers for us as a group. Please don’t stop praying! There are many distractions and temptations placed in the way of our young folks. Oh that God would have His Way in all of our lives!

Pamela Livingstone

People weren’t given

permission to eat meat until after the flood.

Genesis 9:3

Moses was four months old when Pharaoh’s

Daughter found him in the basket.

Acts 7:20-21

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

ARE YOU MY MOTHER?

Their fathers are famous Bible characters, but do you know their

mothers? Fill in the blanks.

1. Solomon, David and ___________ son. (2 Samuel 12:24)

2. Samuel, Elkanah and ___________ son. (1 Samuel 1:20)

3. Joseph, Jacob and ___________ son. (Genesis 30:22-24)

4. Judah, Jacob and ___________ son. (Genesis 29:35)

5. Obed, Boaz and ___________ son. (Ruth 4:7)

6. Adonijah, David and ___________ son. (1 Kings 1:5)

7. Ahaziah, Ahab and ___________ son. (2 Kings 8:26)

8. Ishmael, Abraham and ___________ son. (Genesis 16:15)

9. Jonathan, Saul and ___________ son. (1 Samuel 14:49-50)

10. Eliphaz, Esau and ___________ son. (Genesis 36:4)

ANAGRAMS

Unscramble the following anagrams to reveal Bible occupations.

1. TREPTO

2. DRUILEB

3. TARPENCER

4. SNOMA

5. WRESMEKOTRL

6. NEATNR

7. REDY

8. LEFRUL

9. RIEDOSL

10. KREMETATN

11. KRAEB

12. FAMISHNER

13. RUHTEN

14. LERTUB

15. BRICSE

16. RESHPEHD

17. CYSINIAPH

18. NUPICALB

19. ROSALI

20. TIESRP

QUIZ TIME!

1. What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?

2. We all know about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, but do you know their names before they were changed?

3. Who was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after he you know what?

4. Who was turned down to fill Judas’ place as disciple?

5. Who was Moses’ father?

6. How old was Adam when he died?

7. What was Peter’s name in Aramaic? And don’t say “Rock.”

8. Who was a “ wild donkey of a man?”

9. Who did Jesus take with Him to the mountain where He was transfigured?

10. Who said, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?”

MATT 26:31-45 “Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation”

I would like to look at the temptation and fall of Peter and show what lessons we can learn from this. And secondly to look at the remedy and how we might apply it.

Firstly what is temptation?

Temptation is anything that seduces us away from obedience into any sin to any degree, causing us to leave our duty to God. It can come in many new and changeable disguises. By legitimate means or needs, by pressure or fear, by long solicitation. On the back of lesser sin or debatable sin. By allurement to pleasure or prospect of advantage. The force is then added by guilt and by fear of discovery. We must realise Satan is an expert at making the most reprehensible sin appear plausible or advantageous or justifiable.

Notice also that God allows temptation. This is to show us, as with Peter, what is in us weakness or grace; to highlight the power of temptation and ultimately His power to deliver. A fourth objective, as in Judas’ case, is to root out false professors.

How do we enter in?

We enter when the “world, the flesh and the devil” unite to cause us to sin. When Satan tempts us, when the opportunity to is available and when the desire is found in our hearts. We’ve entered into sin when sin has entered into us. To “fall into divers temptations” is different, in this case we were tripped, deceived, over balanced and fell unexpectantly. But to enter is to be presented with all the facts, as Peter was, and consciously proceed into sin. We enter when Satan tempts us, the opportunity is available and we begin to parley with the temptation, listen to it’s reasoning or condone it. We enter when we cease to loathe this sin in ourselves or in others, when we hate outward but not inward sin.

What then is the remedy the Lord gives Peter and us?

Firstly watch

What do we then watch? We watch where we take our advice from, from God’s word and not man’s wisdom. The modern approach is to show children the details of the sins to avoid, thereby only fuelling the fire putting ideas in their heads they did not have before. T.V. documentaries showing horrific crimes all the while desensitizing our minds to these things.

To succeed we must first want to. And we must be convinced we have to watch, Peter wasn’t. We can all be guilty of this, someone mentions a particular sin and, like Peter, we say if all others do it I will not. This then results in neglected watch.

He trusted in his own strength, he’d probably been tempted to deny Him before, maybe when confronted by Jews, Pharisees etc. he felt himself to be strong enough in that respect. The Lord warned him differently. Our strengths are our weaknesses if we rely upon them. We must be aware of the total depravity of man. “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked who can know it.” no one, we trust only in the Lord.

What defence does the heart offer us just as it did Peter. Our position in the church, our love for the Lord, our past victories, our own wisdom. Our family how we wouldn’t shame them or risk losing our business, our friends, our popularity, our reputation etc…. our fear of hell, of offending the Lord, all very commendable but they won’t hold you in this hour just as they didn’t hold Peter. As often as you’ve sinned in the past you’ve overcome these defences or forgotten them. When the temptation unites with your soul it will steam roll over these defences. If this is our reliance we undervalue the danger and overvalue our ability. We must find the accomplice Satan has within our hearts and strike there. We must be familiar with our besetting sin and weaknesses.

But we must also strike at the source of the sin. We must “watch” what we view on T.V, where we go and who with, how we steward our time, our possessions. What we read, are we often in “the word of God’s patience.” Do we “put on the whole armour of God” and know His protection? We must hate all sins ours and others, naughty and funny sin acceptable sin, debatable, popular, great and small sin. We must watch missing meetings, devotions, opportunity of witness to the ones we love. Watch our lazy habits, selfishness etc. we deceive ourselves that we hate sin if we don’t hate all sin. Trust not your own heart or wisdom in this matter, as often as you do you will be deceived, and only when you trust it will you be deceived.

Satan’s ultimate purpose is not necessarily to promote that particular sin, but to destroy you and bring discredit and shame upon the gospel message. “Goes about like roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” But if we watch and pray God promises to keep us.

Can we not watch for one hour? God has given us eternal life, can we not give Him this meagre life and watch for an hour? As often as we neglect to watch and pray we will enter into temptation. Which brings us to the second half of the remedy.

Pray

How are we to pray: Continually, without ceasing, fervently, morning noon and night. Giving praise and in repentance. To be little in sin is to be much in prayer, honest searching, self examining prayer. When proof was needed of Paul’s

conversion the answer was given “He prayeth.” We are to be people of prayer. Abide in prayer or abide in sin. Pray in private, at meetings, in all things and according to God’s will. Accept God’s answer to prayer giving thanks. Be it

chastisement or afflictions. He may give strength to endure, or remove temptation. He may show final outcome, to take you through. We must know how to pray, many examples in His Word. We must value prayer and His Word as His means of communication to us. Then we will obey and believe it. A praying person will not be overcome but will overcome. For prayer unites the weak with the Almighty, our reserve will never run dry. It brings God unto the battle field, bringing us divine wisdom and light. Our enemy detests prayer, so like a good soldier we choose that weapon often. It makes us more keenly aware of God’s presence and that He watches us. Prayer makes us more conscious of God’s smile, making us more the loathe to wound Him.

Maybe some one says they don't have the time or the energy to pray and study as others. Well when you enter you will make all the time and energy to spend on that sin that you never had for the Lord. You are required to be fully active and alert. The modern catch phrase of ‘let go let God’ is false and very dangerous. We are to watch and pray.

Does my life convict others around me or merely compound their own worldly philosophy. Am I someone that has to wear a T-shirt or a badge in order that others know I am a Christian. Or am I living for the Lord, is my heart His. Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation.

This is taken from works done on the subject by John Owen, C.H.Spurgeon and Matthew Henry and summarised into what I hope is helpful to some, for it most certainly was for me.

Paul Kinney

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Please continue to remember the team in Brazil. Pray that God will bless them and bless others through them.

LITTLE THINGS

I prayed that I’d be used of God,

Grand things I’d do for Him.

Mountains I would move by faith,

And rescue those in sin.

The image that I bore in mind

Was quite a noble scene;

So willing I would be to serve,

I’d give up everything.

And while I waited for His call

To go and work His plan,

I filled the time with “little” things,

Small in the eyes of man.

Taught a class in Sunday School,

Helped out those in need,

And prayed for missionaries;

Such little things to me.

Then one day it dawned on me

(His Spirit made it clear)

The Lord had used me all along,

He was using me right here.

We may be sent to distant shores,

But on the other hand,

To serve Him here in some small way

May be what He has planned.

For in His eyes no task is small

If it is done for Him.

He has a plan for each of us;

He’ll show us where and when.

THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE

In GENESIS the world was made by God’s creative hand;

In EXODUS the Hebrews marched to gain the promised land;

LEVITICUS contains the Law, holy and just and good;

NUMBERS records the tribes enrolled—all sons of Abraham’s blood.

Moses in DEUTERONOMY records God’s mighty deeds.

Brave JOSHUA into Canaan’s land the host of Israel leads.

In JUDGES their rebellion oft provoked the Lord to smite,

But RUTH records the faith of one well-pleased in His sight.

In First and SECOND SAMUEL of Jesse’s son we read:

Ten tribes in FIRST and SECOND KINGS revolted from his seed.

Next, FIRST and SECOND CHRONICLES see Judah captive made,

But EZRA heads a remnant back by princely Cyrus’ aid.

The city walls of Zion NEHEMIAH builds again;

While ESTHER saves her people from plots of wicked men.

In JOB we read how faith will live beneath affliction’s rod,

And in the PSALMS are precious songs to every child of God.

The PROVERBS, like a goodly string of choicest pearls, appear.

ECCLESIASTES teaches man how vain are things here.

The mystic SONG OF SOLOMON exalts sweet Sharon’s Rose:

Whilst Christ the Saviour and the King the ‘rapt ISAIAH’ shows.

The warning JEREMIAH, apostate Israel scorns;

His plaintive LAMENTATIONS their awful downfall mourns.

EZEKIEL tells in wondrous words of dazzling mysteries;

And kings and empires yet to come, DANIEL in vision sees.

Of judgment and of mercy HOSEA loves to tell;

JOEL describes the blessed days when God with man will dwell.

Among Tekoa’s herdsmen AMOS received his call,

And OBADIAH prophesies of Edom’s final fall.

JONAH enshrines a wondrous type of Christ our risen Lord;

MICAH pronounces Judah lost—lost, but again restored.

NAHUM declared on Nineveh just judgment shall be poured.

A view of Chaldea’s coming doom HABAKKUK’s visions gave;

Next ZEPHANIAH warns the Jews to turn, repent and live.

HAGGAI wrote to those who saw the temple built again,

And ZECHARIAH prophesied of Christ’s triumphant reign.

MALACHI was the last who touched the high prophetic chord,

Whose final notes sublimely show the coming of the Lord.

MATTHEW and MARK and LUKE and JOHN the holy gospels wrote,

Describing how the Saviour died-His life and what he taught.

ACTS proves how God the Apostles owned with signs in every place,

Paul in ROMANS teaches how man is saved by grace.

The apostle in CORINTHIANS instructs, exhorts, reproves;

GALATIANS shows that faith in Christ alone, the Father loves.

EPHESIANS and PHILIPPIANS tell what Christians ought to be.

COLOSSIANS bids us live to God and for eternity.

In THESSALONIANS we are taught to Lord will come from heaven,

In TIMOTHY and TITUS a bishop’s rule is given.

PHILEMON marks a Christian’s love which only Christians know.

HEBREWS reveals the Gospel as prefigured by the Law.

JAMES insists that without works, faith is but vain and dead;

And PETER points the narrow way in which the saints are led.

JOHN in his epistles, on love delights to dwell,

And JUDE gives awful warning of judgment, wrath and hell.

The REVELATION prophesies of that tremendous day,

When Christ, and Christ alone, shall be the trembling sinner’s stay.

Submitted by Wilson Burgess.

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By the time you are reading this the LADIES fellowship missionary meetings will have finished for the season. It is amazing how quickly time passes and already we are having to make preparations for September. We began the year with a visit from Mazie Smyth (UFM) who in typical Mazie fashion was heading out to Zaire the following morning! As usual she thrilled our hearts with the work she has so clearly a passion for and stories of how God is blessing and working in Africa.

February seen a new face and voice to our meeting in the form of Amy Roberts. As she sang and testified of how God saved her and is using her we were blessed and very thankful to God for how many of us know nothing of the abuse of alcohol and the devastating effects it has on homes and lives. Our final meeting of the season was in March with a visit from Esther Gillanders. Again Esther gave a word of testimony which both challenged the unsaved as well as the Christian. (If you want to know more about her testimony watch out for a new book being released at the end of March!) We have no meeting in April this year due to the mission with Trevor Gillanders.