Summer 1988
In the first year that the Church Newsletter was put together, our former Pastor, Geoffrey Ward, did an article on holidays which is worth repeating, so for this summer issue here it is again, the message is as relevant in 1988 as it was in 1982.
Did you ever ask yourselves the question, What does the Bible say about holidays? Does the scriptures agree or disagree with Christians having a holiday? I believe that God is all in favour of His people having a holiday because in the Gospel of Mark in the sixth chapter when His disciples returned after being sent forth by the Master to do His work, he himself said in v 31 "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place and rest a while, for there were many coming and going and they had no leisure so much as to eat". Remember also that God himself rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made, Gen. 2 v 2. You see God knows, having made us, that our bodies and minds need rest and refreshment in order to carry out His work to the best of our ability.
The point I want to make is not whether we should have a holiday, but it in how we should conduct ourselves while we are on holiday. To do this let us examine the word Holiday in an acrostic fashion. Let’s put a word to each letter.
'H'
The letter H would speak to me of 'Holiness'. In Hebrews 12 v 14
we are exhorted to
follow after holiness. Also in 1st Peter 1 v 15,
16 we read "But
as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of
conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy''. To be on
holiday doesn't mean we are to forget about God or 1ive loosely towards the
things of the world. We should be as consecrated to God: on our holidays as we
are for the rest of the year. Some years back in the prayer meeting in Lurgan, a
dear brother in Christ prayed like this, "Lord, make these holidays be holy
days". Surely that sums it up.
‘O’ The ‘O’ in the word is for opportunity. While on holiday we meet people whom we have not known before and whom we may never meet again. Pray that the Lord would give you the opportunity to witness to them and tell them about the Saviour. Let us redeem the time by buying up all the opportunities God gives us.
‘L’ The ‘L’ in holiday would remind us of the ‘Lord’. Is Jesus Christ your Lord? If He is, then He is still your Lord while you are on holiday. He needs to be given His rightful place. His day should be honoured, His house should be visited, His death should be remembered, His word should be read, His will should be obeyed, His throne should be approached. "Jesus Christ is Lord".
‘I’
'Identity'. Who do you identify yourself with when on holiday?
One summer
evening some years ago while visiting Newcastle I walked along the sea front. At
one end of the promenade there was a group known as the ‘Pieros’ conducting
a variety show, some of the language wasn't too clean. At the other end of the
promenade there was a group of Pilgrims holding a gospel meeting. Sad to say,
some of God's people were standing at the wrong end of the promenade.
Who will you be standing with, the ‘Pieros’ or the 'Pilgrims'?
‘D’ the ‘D’ is for the 'Devil'. There are so many things he'll tempt you with when on holiday. I Peter 5 v 8 "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whoever he may devour".
'A' The letter ‘A’ speaks to me of "Ambassador". Paul writing in I Corinthians 5 v 20 says "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ". Our Queen has many ambassadors. These men are representing her in foreign lands, it's their job to make known the views of Her Majesty’s Government in the place they have been sent to serve. We are ambassadors for Christ; we are His representatives wherever we may travel at this time.
‘Y’ Finally the 'Y' is for the word 'Yielded'. May our lives be completely yielded to the Master so that His Spirit might take control of our feet, our eyes, our ears, our lips etc. in order that even on holiday we might live a life that glorifies God.
God
bless, have a good holiday.
We may not know, nor yet perceive,
What will come tomorrow,
But they that truly know the Lord
Can still rejoice mid sorrow.
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end, Amen. EPHESIANS 3 v 20 and 21.
On the 9th March we had a visit from Mrs Margaret Russell D.C.F., accompanied by her husband and together we shared a very precious time of fellowship, which left us all feeling very humble and very moved as we watched the slides and were brought up to date on the work going on among the disabled. Margaret read to us from Luke 10 v 25 that well known story of the good Samaritan, leaving us with a challenging question, when we see those with physical needs or spiritual needs, do we pass by on the other side? Please remember this work in your prayers.
On
the 13th April Mr Colin Ferguson from the Leprosy Mission was our speaker, and
again as we watched the slides, and listened to our brother’s
account of the work going on, we realised more than ever the great need for
prayer, both for those who suffer from the disease and those who work with them.
As we watched many of those suffering from leprosy rejoice in their
salvation the words of that well known hymn came to mind, 'What a wonderful
change in my life has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart'. Please
continue to pray for this work.
We also have the ladies prayer meetings on the 4th Wed. of each month and to all you ladies who have not yet joined us we extend to you a warm invitation in the Saviour's name - do come and support us while we labour together in prayer for the work in the Church, for the missionaries, for our families and all those who have not yet accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, for all God's servants who are at the forefront of the battle, for the need of our own assembly for one to shepherd the flock, for our land and for our security forces, for those who are sick and those who need comfort. Before our time of prayer we always have a short message from God's Word in which we challenge and exhort each other to greater heights in our Christian lives. On the last three occasions we have had messages from Mrs Kirk exhorting us to obedience and faith from Proverbs Chapter 3. Mrs Harkness spoke on Mary Magdalene from John 20 v 1 - 18. The disciples came and went away again, but Mary stayed on and seeth two angels, but best of all she sees the Master, what a precious lesson to us all. Our sister, Mrs Sally Fleming brought the third message from Matthew 26 v 36 - 45. Challenging us concerning our prayer life, from those words that our blessed Saviour used to Peter when he found the disciples asleep. What could ye not watch with me one hour?
Our days outing took place on Saturday the 28th of May. We all enjoyed the day very much, and we take this opportunity to thank the Lord for His goodness to us, for the journey, for the weather and for health and strength to be there, and we do extend our warmest thanks to our brother Raymond Herbison for driving the bus and to all those who contributed to making it such an enjoyable day. And now we just pray for God’s continued help and guidance as we seek to bring praise, honour and glory to His wonderful name.
Margaret Carlisle
I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because He hat inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live. Psalm 116v1-2
Life is only froth and bubble,
Two things stand like stone,
Kindness in a neighbour’s trouble,
Courage in your own
When God seems far away,
Guess who moved!!!
The summer is with us and the Y.P.F. has ended for another season. Since the last report we have had our annual Easter outing, finally deciding to go to The Folk Museum, where we walked and walked, Ards Shopping Centre where we spent all our money, then to Crawfordsburn Country Park for a stroll on the beach and a barbeque and then to Bangor to cool off with our annual dip.
On April 10th we had a visit from Dunsevrick Y.P.F. who taught us new choruses and brought a challenging word from the Lord. April 24th was taken by David Hamilton from Prison Fellowship. How enthusiastic he was and he warned us not to take our calling as Christians lightly but always be aiming to grow. May 8th was taken by Stranmillis Girls and Mervyn Garrett who challenged us to make sure that we were building on The Solid Rock. The last meeting of the year was taken by Pastor Chambers, our old friend, who warned us not to be taken up with badges but to live our lives inward and outward for Christ.
The Lord has been good to us; "How good is the God we adore", and blessed us together. At times the numbers have been small and disappointing but the Lord was with us even when others were not. To the young people who do not attend could we encourage you to come, tell us what you would like, and remember that you are the Church of today and tomorrow. Time is short and we must not decline from the words of the Lord. Proverbs 4 v 1 - 5.
Activities have been planned for the summer including: Climbing Slemish June 15th, Ten Pin Bowling, Y.P.F. Barbeque, visit Leisure Centre and Church Barbeque. Plan to attend and enjoy the fun and fellowship together.
Agnes Carson.
Jesus heard when you prayed last night,
He talked with God about you;
Jesus was there when you fought that fight,
He is going to bring you through.
Jesus knew when you shed those tears,
But you did not weep alone,
For the burden you thought too heavy to bear,
He made his very own.
Jesus
Himself was touched by that trial,
Which
you could not understand;
Jesus stood by you as you
almost fell,
And lovingly grasped your
hand.
Jesus cared when you bore that pain,
Indeed, He bore it too;
He felt each pang, each ache in your heart,
Because of His love for you.
Jesus was grieved when you doubted His love,
But He gave you grace to go on,
Jesus rejoiced as you trusted Him,
The only trustworthy One.
His presence shall ever be with you.
No need to be anxious or fret;
Wonderful Lord, He was there all the time,
He has never forsaken you yet.
Mrs
Murray.
The
Scribes and the Pharisees, doctors and teachers,
They speak of the law in their own learned way.
The multitude hearing them, think them great preachers,
Without understanding a word that they say.
Then
down from God's heaven the Master descended
And spoke simple words above nobody's head.
The learned ones listened, but none comprehended,
The common folk loved every word that He said.
Then let us not show off our talents or learning,
Or use this world's wisdom to make ourselves heard,
When earth's common folk all around us are yearning
To hear us just tell of our wonderful Lord.
The common people heard Him gladly, Mark 12 - 37.
Mrs Murray.
Dear
Friends
It is with mixed feelings that I share this Missionary News with you, simply because I have some good news and then some very sad news. First of all the good news - I'm sure most of you will know by now that Geoffery and Gillian have become the proud parents of a little girl - Sarah Allison. We are so glad everything has gone so well and that mother and baby are fine. As a church we would commend this little one to the Lord praying that early in life she may accept the Saviour her parents seek to serve, as they go into 'jungle camp' let us especially pray that God will keep His hand upon them all.
I’m sure we were all shocked to receive the sad news that our brother, Rev. John Doherty, was called home so suddenly last month. For John this was indeed 'sudden death, sudden glory' to hear I believe "well done, thou good and faithful servant". What a tremendous loss this is to the work in the Northern Counties of England. I had the privilege of listening to John about two weeks before he died. He told how that the Satanist Church was on the increase and the Evangelical witness was dying out, quite a lot of churches were being sold with a clause in the sale that whoever bought them never would preach the Gospel there again - how sad. These are the places where John was working and now it seems the witness has gone and the devil will have a free hand as John seemed the only hindrance he has to overcome. God is still on the Throne and His ways are not our ways, so let's pray on that God will raise up someone to take John's place in the battle against sin and satan, and maybe where John has sown someone else might reap. Do continue to uphold Cathy and Helen at this time as they mourn the loss of a husband and father.
One of the latest prayer letters from Jim and Grace Smith who are working with O.M.S. in Colombia has given us some very shocking news. Jim tells of the banana plantations in N.W. Colombia where he labours amongst many of the workers, just a few weeks ago thirteen workers were murdered in their camp beds by nobody knows who and before the blood was washed away, calculating demons jeeped casually out of the village near Cordola after butchering 36 peace loving farmers. Dear friends the missionaries are working in dangerous places and it is our duty to hold them up before the throne of God that He might protect them against all evil and every attack of the Devil.
John and Irene Barfoot would covet our prayers regarding God's will for their work, it would seem as though the work in Switzerland is drawing to a close and they may have to come home. Let's continue to hold unto God for those at the forefront of the battle that daily they might know His protection and blessing.
Desmond.
Where
can I hide when the way is rough,
When
Satan would tempt, and the going gets tough?
Where
can I go a refuge to find,
When
the storms of life, cloud over my mind?
Only
you, My God, are a refuge for me,
In
you I can hide, till the way I see.
To whom can I turn, when I 'm all alone?
Where find the strength, when I've none of my own?
Where is my aid, in the battle within?
Where is the help that will conquer sin?
Who will assist when I've lost control?
It is you, My God, who gives rest to my soul.
If I would be strong in the weakness of flesh,
Then, God, you're the one who can strengthen and bless.
Your guiding hand is all that I need,
You are the only one who can lead.
The path that is crooked, you alone can make straight,
Guiding onward, and upward, till I reach Heaven’s gate.
God
has the power over my stubborn will,
Only
He has the power His will to fulfil,
At
His command, governments fall,
And those who make war must
surrender all.
This is the One who keeps my
soul,
To Him be the Glory while
ages roll. Amen.
(Selected)
There is a time we know not when,
A place we know not where,
It seals the destiny of man
For Glory or despair.
To lose your wealth is much,
To lose your health is more,
To lose your soul is something
No man can restore.
I have heard this question asked many times, "What’s the secret to the victorious Christian life?", We all realise that there are deep spiritual needs that exist in our lives, yet we are unable to do anything to make those needs disappear, or to see those needs met. Often we feel, "I'm the only one with THIS problem." "No-one has ever gone through this type of situation before!” But friend, you aren't the only person who finds himself in this situation ... we all do. In scripture, the Holy Spirit has recorded for us instances of this very thing.
We often think that the disciples were a pretty special bunch of folk. Oh, they could never have this problem, you may say. "Surely THEY knew the secret to the victorious life.' Perhaps you think that because they walked and talked with Jesus, that they had real easy time, in their lives; when in fact, the case is the opposite. The disciples had many great areas of needs in their lives. For example in Luke 17: 3-6 Christ is trying to help them come to some understanding of forgiveness. But what Christ points out is just too much for them to handle, and they reply to the Lord, "Increase our faith". Have you ever had problems in the area of forgiving someone? These men were really interested in what the Lord had to say. They really desired to have victory in this, but they lacked the ability to be victorious. Often we find many things that hinder us. There are others who feel that nothing hinders them… well that's another problem! I John 1: 8 "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." Among believers, you can find the most hideous sins. Even in the past year, we can recall the terrible sins that well known Christian men have been involved in. If we look to ourselves for the victory, well, there'll be failure.'
What we need to see is that the victory has already been won. We tend to DO certain things to find victory like going to church, to hear the sermon, to experience the atmosphere. We can feel great when we come out of the meeting, but it's usually short-lived, when someone drives out in front off you. The effect soon wears off. To enjoy the meeting is good, but to depend on it for victory in your life is to ask for failure. To depend upon 5 minutes in the Daily Bread and 10 seconds in prayer is heading for spiritual bankruptcy. These things, good and all as they are, do not deal with sin. We recognise failure, and we may resolve to make ourselves better, but it doesn't last, we don't experience REAL victory. You know, there is not much difference between the unbeliever and the carnal Christian. When we are operating under the power of the flesh, the same old flesh is going to come out. The old man in the believer, is the same as the sin nature in the sinner. Paul recalls for us that “... in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing:" Rom. 7:18. Let's face it, in our flesh we are never going to get any better, for if that were possible, there would be no need for God to give us a new nature; He could just patch up the old one! It's only as we are walking in fellowship with the Lord, that we can find victory in our lives. Walking in fellowship is merely having no sin that you have committed, unconfessed before God. Be assured, the Holy Spirit is not going to allow sin to go unchecked in your life.
Rom. 8:37 says, "We are more than conquerors". When? When are we conquerors? Is it when we reach Heaven? NO! It is right now. This is not a future thing, or a thing which we will receive, when we become spiritual, but Paul says "we are more than conquerors". That's in the present tense. 1 Cor 15: 54 - 57 we need to find out that the victory is already ours. We look for it, but it's already been won! Most people know there should be a victorious Christian life. But before we can understand the victorious life, there are some things we need to know
1. BELIEVERS DO SIN, but because they sin they don't lose their salvation. Christ has promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee". Heb13: 5. In the Greek, the word never is in the triple negative, which means that here God is saying, "I will never, no never, no never leave you! It's important to see this, because if sinning makes you lost, then we're all lost. Sin won't get us lost, but it will break our fellowship with the Father.
2. EACH OF US IS SPIRIT INDWELT. - Jn 14: 17, 23, 26; Rom 8: 9 we all have the potential to live the victorious Christian life. God's Word does not command us to be indwelt by the spirit, for we already are, but it does command us to be filled, or controlled, (Eph. 5: 18). The Holy Spirit lives within us all the time, but He doesn't always have full control of us.
The bond we see between us and God as salvation can never be broken, but the bond seen here as fellowship, is much finer. This can be broken. In the family, take the husband and wife relationship. Differences may arise, but does that stop you being a husband to your wife, or a wife to your husband? No, the relationship remains unbroken, although the fellowship can be broken at times. Thus it is with God.
What should we do then when we sin? Read our Bible? should we pray? NO! What we need to do is confess our sin. I John 19. Not only do we need to remember this verse, but we need to live it. When I sin against my wife I don’t wait until I see her to confess my sin to her and ask her to forgive me. I need to confess it to God to obtain fellowship. But then, I need to confess it to her to maintain fellowship.
The victorious Christian Life is ours for the living, but we need to respond to the Holy Spirit's prompting. Only then, can we see our lives count for something in this great task of reaching this world with the Gospel.
Geoffrey McGrath.
Man's extremity is God's opportunity.
We had only three meetings after Easter this year, the season ending as usual on the last Monday of April. We had finished our C.E.F. series on the Acts of the Apostles just before Easter so we were able to have three individual lessons to take us to the end of the session. These were all simple Gospel lessons, and were well received by the children.
We enjoyed a return visit from Mr Noel McMeekin on the 18th April. His message was on ‘time’ and the fact that our time here on earth can be much shorter than any of us might realize. Indeed at the end of that very week Noel’s own little daughter nearly drowned. But we just praise and thank God that He raised her up to health and strength again.
The closing meetings were very well attended indeed. As well as our usual band of faithful attenders, we had quite a few extra ones coming along too, especially on the final night. We managed to send everyone away with a small prize. Discipline on the bus did prove a problem near the end of the term and we would ask for your prayers in this area before the next season starts in September again.
We value your prayers for all aspects of the work. We would ask you to pray too that the Lord will continue to provide us with helpers – and if you believe that He would have you participate in some way, then please let us know.
As you read this the Holiday Bible Club will be due to start very shortly (on 4th July). Pray for God’s presence there too, and for the effective working of the Spirit throughout the week.
“Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in Heaven, that one of these little ones should perish”. Matthew 18 v 14
Barbara Bankhead
Where was the Lord Jesus Born? Matthew 2 v 1
What was Luke’s profession Colossians 4 v 14
Who was the man in the Old Testament who was covered in boils? Job 2 v 7
Name Aaron’s sister Exodus 15 v 20
How many doors were in Noah’s ark? Genesis 6 v 16
Name the garden in which the Lord Jesus prayed prior to Calvary. Matthew 26 v 36
How many hours of darkness were there during the crucifixion? Matthew 27 v 45
In whose tomb was the Lord Jesus buried? Matthew 27 v 59,60
How old was Shem when he went into the ark? Genesis 11 v 10
Who wiped the Lord’s feet with her hair? John 12 v 3
Which city did the Lord Jesus cry over? Luke 19 v 28&41
Which is the first tree to be mentioned in the Bible? Genesis 2 v 9
We lift our voices to the Lord,
With thanksgiving in our hearts
For when we sing his praises
That’s when the blessing starts.
We have so much to thank Him for,
Oh yes! My friends it’s true
At Calvary He gave His life
To give us life anew.
We thank Him for His promise
That He will come again
Then we shall all be like Him
And with Him we shall reign
Revelation Ch 20: 6
Ch 22: 1 – 5
Youth Sunday has come and gone once more and not without its blessings and pleasant surprises.
The Youth Choir(the largest we have seen for many years at our youth services) under the tuition of Miss Allison Calderwood opened with a sweet rendering of “Holy, Holy, Holy” followed by Ruth and Pamela singing “Make me a channel of your peace”. The choir again sang “Father we love you”, this time followed by Yvonne singing “There is a river”. This part of the service concluded by the choir rendering “Bless the Lord oh my soul” and “His Name is Wonderful”, after which Pastor Hamilton Moore from Magherafelt delivered a very heart searching message to young and not so young alike warning of the things that can occupy our hearts and keep the Savior from His rightful place as Lord and King of our lives.
The evening service which was again very well attended followed a similar pattern, with the choir rendering several beautiful pieces including “Worship the King” and “Oh Lord my God”. Yvonne and Noleen again in a good voice as they did their part to add to the meeting. Miss Beverley Murray joined us and again added to the rich blessings of the day with her sweet singing.
Pastor Moore again delivered a very strong message this time to the more senior youth of the congregation using as his illustration the bomb damaged street, warning of the damage and destruction the sin bomb can cause and urging all present to make sure that their lives were under new management and be ready when the Savior comes again. We do appreciate all the effort that was put into the preparation for the day and congratulate Miss Calderwood and all others who took part and wish them all God’s continued blessing on their labour of love.
Congratulations to:
Geoffrey & Gillian McGrath on the birth of their daughter – Sarah Allison on 19th April 1998
Maurice & Margaret Cameron on the birth of their son – Denver on 28th June 1998
Congratulations and best wishes to:
Mr & Mrs Stephen Smyth
Mr & Mrs Alfie Rogers
Forthcoming
Marriage:
Sylvia Marina Robinson to Samuel John Millar on 1st September 1998
Mr Frank Montgomery
The Fellowship was saddened and deeply shocked by the sudden home call of our dear brother on 15th May 1988. The funeral service was held in the Church at Ballee, where he faithfully served the Lord, and the very large attendance was a mark of the high esteem in which he was held. We extend to his wife, Isobel, and the family circle our deepest sympathy and pray God’s blessing upon them in their time of sorrow and great loans.
Preacher Singer
July 3rd Mr Maurice Kennedy Mr David Millar
10th Mr David Hamilton Mr Billy Wetherall
17th Mr Trevor Kirkland The Kirkwood Sisters
24th Mr Trevor Kirkland
31st Mr Gary Nicholls Robert & Margaret McMaster
August 7th Mr Gary Nicholls Yvonne & Noleen
14th Mr Maurice McMullan Mrs Ria McMullan
21st Mr Auldwyn Calderwood Mr William Warwick
28th Pastor H Chambers YPF Choir
Sept. 4th Mr John Gault Mrs Wilma Power
11th Mr Roy Porter Joel & Rae McConnell
18th Mr Stewart Hughan Mr William McBride
25th Mr Jim Johnston Miss Rhonda Davison