Spring 2006
FROM THE PASTOR
Brethren, the month of April
commences with that well known day, when it’s been known for some to have a
joke at others expense.
The American evangelist
D.L.Moody was once conducting a series of Gospel meetings in Central London,
when to his surprise a stranger slipped an envelope into his hand as he climbed
up unto the platform to preach.
Whilst someone made the announcements, Moody opened the envelope and read
the note inside. It had one word written upon it in bold letters, it simply said
FOOL!
When Moody began his sermon
he said, that during his ministry he’d received many letters of appreciation,
but also some correspondence that was not so
complimentary emanated from people who would not add their signature, but
this was the first time that he’d received a signature but no letter!
His text that night was Psalm
14.1 “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.”
Brethren in 1st Corinthians
Ch1 the Apostle Paul makes it clear that we should not be alarmed or astonished
if the world calls us fools.
Firstly the world calls us fools because we believe in (v18) Power
of The Cross
“For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness, but
onto us which are saved it is The
Power of God”.
That is the ATONING sacrifice of the Lord, when His precious blood
was shed for the remission of our sins and the redemption of our souls and has
the power to save.
Secondly the world calls us fools because we believe in (v21) Preaching
of The Cross
“It pleased God by The
foolishness of preaching to save them that believe”
To the Jews the cross was
scandalous.
To the Gentiles the cross was
savage.
To the world the cross has
been and will be a stumbling block but to those of us who are saved it signifies
assured salvation.
Such was the confidence in this message in the new Testament church that
the Apostle Paul informs us in 1Cor.1.23 “That we PREACH
CHRIST
CRUCIFIED”
Finally the world calls us fools because we believe in Propagation
of The Cross (v27.)
“ But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.”
The world will say you’re a
fool wasting your time, wasting your energy. That could have been said of Simon
of Cyrene who was compelled to carry the cross for Jesus, Matthew 27.32. Simon
saved no-one, but was not a fool, rather he was faithful in the task given unto
him. May we endeavour to make Christ known to all men.
1 Corinthians 9.22
“I AM MADE ALL THINGS TO ALL MEN,
that I might by all means save some.”
ALL
IS WELL IN JESUS
The
Springtime is telling the story of Jesus
And
of His love for me.
For
soon we shall see the lambs in the meadows
And
buds upon the trees.
The
birds in the morning sing out, “He is near”
And
do their best to tell
That
we in His keeping have nothing to fear
For
all in Him is well.
The
Summer is filled with the fragrance of flowers
And
humming of the bee,
While
eagles look down from their lofty high towers
As
far as the eye can see;
The
sheep and the cattle which graze with the deer,
On
mountains or in the dell,
Say,
“We in His keeping have nothing to fear,
For
all in Him is well.”
In
Autumn the harvest is rich with its bounty,
And
lavish, as all men can see.
Providing
the food for both city and country
In
such abundancy!
The
fruit and the berry, their witness is clear,
Like
grain, as in fields it shall swell,
That
we in His keeping have nothing to fear,
For
all in Him is well.
When
snowflakes are falling and winter winds blow!
When
ships run for shelter at sea,
I
then need reminding, His Word cannot fail
And
He still provideth for me.
While
stars in their orbits and earth in its sphere
All
join in their wonders to tell,
That
we in His keeping have nothing to fear
For
all in Him is well.
A
Mother’s heartbreak
After
officiating at a funeral in Castleblaney, the Rev Alan Dunlop of
Newtownards didn’t simply head for home. Like a lot of us, he is
interested in epitaphs and spent a couple of hours walking around the memorials
in the graveyard,
“just reading them and thinking of the former lives of those whose last
resting places they marked”. Alan tells me: “The graveyard is of the old
country style, serene, beautiful in its own way and surrounded by great trees.
“Among its many markings I came on one whose message was the most touching I
have ever read.
As I
considered the circumstances which led to this stone being erected I was struck
by the dignity, bravery and calm resignation some young mother showed in the
face of such bitter family tragedy.”
Alan has
read the words of the epitaph to many people since, “and they have never
failed to touch and move the readers”. He adds: “The lady may well have
written them herself, for the graveyard is indeed on a rise of ground, aptly
described as a ‘hillock’, but I have since wondered did she write
them or are they recognised verses from the pen of some other?”
Perhaps
some reader can answer that on reading this-
Erected by
a sorrowing wife and mother:
William
Rielly. Died 15th January, 1875, aged 29 years. And his three children. Maggie
Kathleen, 4 months. Helen, 5th October, 1874, aged six.
Frederick
William, 18th January, 1875, 4 years 3 months.
Where
the grassy hillock rises, there my lovely children sleep:
Nothing
now can hurt or harm them, Jesus safe their spirits keep.
Shall
I grieve because they’re happy?
Shall
I wish them back to weep?
No!
I’ll joy because my Saviour placed my lambs among his sheep.
Submitted by Francis Smyth
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PRAY
FOR
US
Mexico
Experience
Pray
for
Safe
Travel
The
Blessing Of God In Salvation
Families
left at home
Translation
and The Language
Health
for us and the other Team Members
“Jesus
Himself drew near and went with them”
Luke
24:15
Julie
& Johnny Pollock
THE
REST OF THE WAY
“Thou hast been my help.”
Ps. 63v7
O
FATHOMLESS mercy! O infinite grace!
With
humble thanksgiving the road I retrace,
Thou
never hast failed me, my Strength and my Stay!
To
whom should I turn for the rest of the way?
Through
dangers, through darkness, by day and by night,
Thou
ever hast guided, and guided aright:
In
Thee have I trusted, and peacefully lay
My
hand in THY hand for the rest of the way.
Thy
Cross all my refuge, Thy Blood all my plea,
None
other I need, Blessed Jesus but Thee!
I
fear not the shadows at close of life’s day,
For
THOU wilt go with me the rest of the way.
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TRY
PRAYING
When
life is looking black to you—try praying.
When
you are wondering what to do—try saying a prayer aloud or silently.
In
moments of extremity prayer changes things as you will see.
Try
praying.
When
grief and losses you must bear—try making a quiet moment
for
a prayer and taking your troubled heart to Him who knows
your
wounds, your worries and your woes.
And
let His peace around you close.
Try
praying.
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Please
begin to pray for the upcoming Holiday Bible Club that God will, even at this
early stage, begin to work in the hearts of boys and girls. Also pray for Brian,
Yolanda and the team as they would soon begin to prepare for this outreach.
Christian
My
mother was going through some of my grandmother's things and found a piece of
paper that my grandmother had typed on. We're not sure when she typed it, but it
was a good while ago. The contents were very powerful words.
It really touched my mother to have found this, a part of her mother that
she can keep close to her heart. I'm
writing this in hopes that maybe others who read it will be touched by the words
written so long ago.
This
is what she wrote:
"The
word 'Christian' means more to me than just a word.
It means love, and that word isn't meant to be used loosely.
You can tell someone you love them every time you see them, but words
without action are wasted. And you
can go to church every time the doors open, and give all the money that you
have. That's just part of being a
Christian. You have to love your
brothers and sisters. Sometimes
it calls for giving and doing of yourself until it hurts, but that's the
rewarding part for you. Because if
you are a true Christian it makes you happy.
A lot of people set great store by how much money and what fine earthly
things that other people have. What
you have doesn't prove a thing; it's what lives in your heart.
And that is the Lord Jesus Christ. If
you feel the Spirit of the Lord as I do, you also feel love and concern for your
fellow man."
Anon.
Our
Never-Failing Friend
“They shall call His Name
EMMANUEL - God with us.”
Matthew 1v23
Sometimes
we long to feel a friendly touch;
Sometimes
we think life does not offer much;
Sometimes
we’re no-one of our own, as such;
BUT JESUS IS ALWAYS THERE!
Sometimes
we feel discouraged, lone and sad;
Sometimes
there’s little left to make us glad;
Sometimes
others do things to make us mad;
BUT JESUS IS ALWAYS THERE!
Sometimes
our hearts are overwhelmed with fear;
Sometimes
we have to part with those so dear;
Sometimes
no other trusted friend is near;
BUT JESUS IS ALWAYS THERE!
Sometimes
the world to us seems cold and dead;
Sometimes
our heart within us sinks like lead;
Sometimes
we wish we’d others’ lives instead;
BUT JESUS IS ALWAYS THERE!
Sometimes
we’d like to have a neighbour near;
Sometimes
we’d love to hear a word of cheer;
Sometimes
we long for absent ones - still dear;
BUT JESUS IS ALWAYS THERE!
Sometimes
we’d like to see a cheerful face;
Sometimes
we wish the world a different place;
Sometimes
we almost feel we’ve lost the race;
BUT JESUS IS ALWAYS THERE!
YPF
Report December-February
The
winter season of Youth Fellowship began with our past committee member, Noel
Bell, speaking on 11th December.
Noel challenged us by speaking on problem solving God’s way, and
designing a plan for the way forward. Noel
directed us to verses that were invaluable for particular situations that we, as
Christians, may face. We would like
to thank Noel for taking this meeting and for his continued support.
On
Wednesday 14th December something new and exciting took place!!
On this night a group of almost 30 young people came together to show the
amazing love of God in a practical way. We
distributed 80 hampers to the residents in Riverdale and the surrounding houses.
The Lord was truly one of our number on this night, and we really felt
His presence. As a result of this
outreach we received many thank-you cards and personal thank-you’s which were
a blessing to everyone involved. Please
continue to pray for the unsaved residents within Riverdale; that this small
work done at Christmas would continue to speak to them throughout this year.
On
the 18th December the YPF choir sang in the evening at the Christmas
Carol Service.
Our
annual Christmas Party was held on Monday 19th December,
however, this was a Christmas Party with a difference!!
This time
Ballyclare Baptist YPF and Larne Mission Hall YPF joined us for a
fun-filled night, and well over 90 were in attendance.
It was great to have
fellowship with other Christian young people.
An
Open Meeting for the Fellowship was held on 8th January for the YPF
Post Box Appeal. As a committee we
decided the money raised should go to “Vision of Good Hope” Moldova.
Robert Patton and his team brought a challenging presentation of the work
they are involved in, in one of the poorest countries in Europe.
We presented a cheque for £2005; a new
record for the Post Box appeal, which was very gratefully received and
went to purchase a well-needed car for a local Pastor.
One
of our deacons, Wesley Coulter, addressed the Youth Fellowship on 22nd
January. Wesley brought a very
interesting account of the story of Balaam and his donkey.
This night was entitled “Wise Words from Wesley”, and it certainly
turned out to be. Our thanks go to
Wesley for
this
challenging message.
Jaison
Thomas, the Belfast Bible College student from India we support, spoke at our
visit to Ballyclare Baptist YPF on 5th February.
Jaison spoke on our motives in life, and having God-filled ambitions. He
taught us to “never be afraid to give up doing something good, in order to do
something better.” This was
a very thought-provoking meeting, enjoyed by both Ballyclare and Ballee YPF’s.
On
19th February, the YPF accompanied our Brother David Mitchell to
Teenie’s Mission Hall, outside Bukna. Once
the choir was suitably squashed in, we sang four challenging pieces, and two
choir members gave their testimony. The
meeting was Spirit-filled, and a teenager in the meeting trusted the Lord as his
Saviour.
As
is tradition, the YPF choir sang at the Fellowship’s Missionary
Weekend on the Saturday evening. Mr David Brown from the Ministry of
Europe Trust was the guest speaker that night.
There
has been a clear spiritual growth in our young people, and the time of prayer,
before the meeting begins, continues to be a great time of
blessing. Please endeavour to
prayerfully support the young people and us as a committee, as they are the
future of the Fellowship. Thank you
for your continued prayers.
The
Committee
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A
WORD OF THANKS
I would just like to take
this opportunity to say how grateful I am to the members of the committee and
other senior members of the Young People’s Fellowship for what they did on the
recent weekend to Donegal. They really took the younger ones under their wing
- making them feel at ease to talk about spiritual issues and concerns in
a friendly, relaxed way. This was very much appreciated, especially by those on
their first weekend away with the YPF. It is encouraging to see this level of
warmth amongst these young people and I pray that God will bless you all for the
care you have shown.
Ladies
Fellowship
As I write this article for
the magazine it is hard to believe that we only have one more meeting on our
agenda and that draws to a close the meetings for yet
another season!
Since recommencing in Jan we
have had visits from Marie McCarroll, Liz Cuthbert ( New Tribes ) and Gordon
Campbell ( Lo – Debar ) . Marie kept us enthralled
as she spoke of her work amongst boys and girls and her missionary travels
abroad while Liz brought us the reality of working among tribal villages in
Papua New Guinea. We were challenged in our hearts as we learnt of the vast need
for missionaries amongst the people and the openness of the people as they seek
to learn about God. Gordon took us to the rather chilly country of Russia. Again
the need is vast and the labourers are few. There is a great hunger for God in
this world and yet we who are so privileged in NI. are very unwilling to step
out of our comfort zone and bring God’s Word to those who are crying out for
someone to tell them about God’s love.
We look forward to welcoming Jill Megaw to our final meeting of the
season as she returns home from the Faith Mission college in Edinburgh after her
1st
year of studies. That meeting will be on 12 April and all ladies are warmly
invited. May I thank all those who have faithfully supported us during the year
and I look forward
to seeing you all again in September DV.
Our prayer
meetings have continued at the end of each month and it has been
encouraging to see the increase in the numbers attending. Again a big
thank you to all who come faithfully month by month and unlike the missionary
meeting the prayer meetings continue throughout the summer months. Please plan
to join us if you are free. A warm welcome awaits you.
Lesley
Kennedy
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Enoch.
Heb Ch 11 v5
“Enoch
had this testimony that he pleased God.”
He pleased God in his daily walk, in his time and service. No part of our
Bible had then been written and surely it is possible for God’s people in
these times of greater light and privilege, to please our God. In Enoch we have
an example that we can follow. Many often quote the first catechism, which is a
beautiful goal – ‘Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him for
ever’ But in this short text we have a greater end of man’s existence – “to
please God”
We
remember that the words of the Lord Jesus in John 8 v29. “I do always those
things which please God” We
can immediately say, yes, Jesus could always do the things which please the
father because he was sinless and our very best is still very defective.
But
Enoch was not a sinless man any more than we are and yet he pleased God, so it
is possible for you and I to have this testimony as well.
We
are not without sin, yet we can do much that will afford satisfaction to God. It
pleases God when we confess our sins, when we are humble and broken-hearted over
our faults. He was well pleased with the broken heart of David in Ps 51. To do
good and remember others – God is well pleased – Heb 13 v16.
In various family relationships of life - God is well pleased – Col 3
v20. What Enoch did is possible for us. If
whatever we do is done with a single desire and motive to please God, this must
surely be of great reward to us and afford The Lord great satisfaction.
We
could ask ourselves this question, how much of our walk and service for God is
done with the sole object of pleasing the Lord and not others, to bring
satisfaction to Him who has redeemed us with His precious blood and given
to us His Holy Spirit
We
can ask ourselves this question, How best can I perform this high privilege and
duty? How can I please God in my
life? This Chapter teaches something
that is very necessary, and it is in the very next verse. “Without faith it is
impossible to please God” v6. That is faith in God as revealed in His Word. It
is much better for us now than it was in Enoch’s day.
God, “in these last days” has revealed
Himself to us in the person of His own Son.
Heb 1 v1 – 3. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who please God are
those who render their Christian service and worship as persons who trust alone
in the Lord Jesus Christ, their endeavours, their desire is to honour and serve
the One who has redeemed them and to whom they now rightly belong. In this
remarkable eleventh chapter of Hebrews we have a long list of men and woman, who
in their generation pleased God by the deeds they performed and in every case it
is clearly stated that it was “by faith” that they did it.
By faith Abel; by faith Noah; by faith Abraham and so on. Which is it
with us, “ O ye of little faith” or
“I have not found so great faith”
Pleasing
God in the things we do will result in a happy and satisfying life. There is an
inward joy and peace which belong alone to those who seek to please God. “The
Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit” Solomon said, “When a
man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with
him” Prov 26 v7. Whatever be the blessing on earth, greater will be the reward
in Heaven. We will hear those words “Inasmuch
as ye did it unto my brethren, ye did it unto me”
Displeasing
Him will always be a source of sorrow and regret.
David
Mitchell
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What’s
on ?
Special
dates for April to June
Tues.
4th April 8pm
Pastor Gary Gilley Southern View Chapel Illinois USA
(TOPIC:
Today's Church is changing: What on earth is emerging?)
Sunday
9th April AM & PM
Mr David Mitchell
Sunday
23rd April
PM Baptismal
Service
Tues.
18th April ……. No Bible Study …….. Easter Break
Tues.
25th April ……. Acre Gospel Mission Rally
Sunday
4th June AM & PM
Anniversary Services Pastor Victor Maxwell
Sunday
18th June AM & PM
Youth Sunday Pastor John Taylor
Mon.
3rd July - Fri 7th July
HOLIDAY BIBLE CLUB ...
New
Members
The
right hand of fellowship was given
to
the following believers :
Pamela
Livingstone…………………………………………..2nd April.
Andrew
Robinson……………...………………………….….2nd April.
Note
to Parents … Please encourage your
children to come to the Holiday Bible Club and to invite their friends. It is a
great way for them to hear the Gospel and also
great fun.
We
would like to thank all who have so generously contributed to the Church
Building Fund. We anticipate your continued support in the future.
A big thank you to all who
have contributed to this magazine.
Please
use any of these e-mail addresses for sending your articles to the magazine.
editor@BalleeBaptist.org
Stephen@Johnston577.fsnet.co.uk