Summer 1997
Pastor Kennedy writes:
THE POWER OF ADVERTISING NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE ME. MY EARLIEST RECOLLECTION OF THE POWER OF THE MEDIA COMES FROM MY CHILDHOOD IN BELFAST A FAMOUS OUTFITTERS HAD AN ADVERTISING POEM/ SLOGAN WHICH WENT LIKE THIS...
"When I was a lad, I went with my Dad And we all got clad at Spackmans Now I am a Dad and I now take my lad And we still get clad at Spackmans."
Such reminiscing not only confirms my advancing years (Please don't agree!) but also reminds me of a bibical character who is often overlooked. She appears in 2 Kings 22:14 and her name was Huldah. Huldah was a prophetess with special responsibility for keeping the Royal wardrobe, her task was to ensure the King had the right uniform for the right occasion. As you stan this quarterly magazine of Ballee Baptist Church I want you to cheek your spiritual wardrobe and make sure you have the right apparel.
1. THE GARMENT OF SALVATION.
Isa 61: 10 "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord for he bath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he bath covered me with a robe of righteousness."
After their act of disobedience, Adam and Eve patiently made garments with which to clothe themselves; and as far as we are able to judge, they were very satisfied with their efforts. Yet when the voice of God sounded in the garden, they fled; for they realized that in spite of their commendable efforts, they were still naked, The demoniac of Gadara furiously tore the clothing from his body, for in his unbalanced state of mind, he considered his appearance to be perfectly satisfactory.Yet when Christ expelled the indwelling demons, the man realized his great need and gladly accepted the garment which Christ offered, One of the most elementary of gospel truths teaches that man's best effort and righteousness is as filthy rags in God's sight; that he is naked in the sight of the Lord and desperately needs to be clothed with the garment of salvation. Do you have this garment in your spiritual wardrobe? You can't get to Heaven without it, and it can only be obtained by repenting of sin and trusting Christ as Saviour and Lord.
2 THE GARMENT OF HOLINESS.
Ex 31 . 10 and the holy garments for Aaron the Priest, and the garments of his sans, to minister in the priests office."
Divine law required that he who entered within the veil to intercede on behalf of Israel, should be clothed in consecrated vestments. He who would prevail in the secret place should be suitably arrayed to reveal the magnificence of his office. Too many of God's people, who are all priests unto God (Rev 1:6) neglect this vital garment. Surely it logically follows, if Christ is the object of our live and admiration, His holiness will be my aim and object. As the world looks upon God's people, and from that assesses the character of God too often they hear the talk but can't see the walk.
3 THE GARMENT OF HUMILITY.
IPet. 5 : 5 be clothed with humility : for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." Chapter five of 1st Peter is directed to the elders of the church, but when he comes to verse 5 and the subject of humility he widens the scope "Yea, all of you Holiness and humility are twin sisters, they belong to each other. There are people who advertise their holiness yet at the same time strut about like peacocks! Humility is the shy examination of inward Godliness; spiritual pride is the evidence that one's head has out grown one's heart. Open the spiritual wardrobe these beautiful garments need never be replaced, indeed must never be replaced. As 1 write Diana, Princess of Wales is arranging the auction for charity of some of her most famous gowns and dresses, clearing the wardrobes we must never do that in our spiritual life.
4 THE GARMENT OF PRAISE.
Isa 61 3" .The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness,"
The suggestive portion of Isaiah prophecy was read by the Saviour in the synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4 : 16-22) and then he went on to say" This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." The Lord clearly demonstrated that He had come to give joy. At the conclusion of His ministry, the Lord said to His disciples in the upper room that His desire was that their "Joy may be full" (Jn 16:24). You cannot walk with Christ and remain sad, for the very essence of His message leads to joy.
For more spiritual garments look at Ephesians ch 6, and discover the necessary armour for our spiritual fight. The girdle of Truth, breastplate of Righteousness, shoes of Peace, shield of Faith etc. The Christian wardrobe contains a glorious selection of exquisite clothing; make sure we wear them! I think Huldah's advice would be today " You can always tell a person by the way they are dressed,"
Enjoy the rest of the magazine, and if I don't see you before..,, Have a great Summer.
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"The friend who just stands by." 2 Tim 1v16
Ask God to make us a friend like Onesiphorus! He never wrote a book, he never built a church, he never worked any miracles that are recorded; but he has this distinction - he stood by the aspostle Paul through the worst moments of his life! He visited him in prison, he encouraged him! He wasn't ashamed of him! He refused to let go of him, that's friendship. Let those we love know that nothing will ever change our commitment to stand by them no matter how adverse the circumstances, let them know we believe they're going to come out stronger because of it. Remember what you are is what you'll attract. The poet B. Y. 'Williams wrote the famous poem. The friend who just stands by.
When trouble comes your soul to try, You love the friend who just "stands by," Perhaps there's nothing he can do - the thing is strictly up to you. For there are troubles all your own and paths the soul must tread alone, Times when love can't smooth the road, nor friendship lift the heavy load. But just to know you have a friend who will stand by until the end, Whose sympathy through all endures, whose warm hand - clasp is always yours, It helps some way to pull you through, although there's nothing he can do. And so with fervent heart we cry, "God Bless the Friend who just stands by." E Mc Bride.
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YOUNG PEOPLES FELLOWSHIP
SO WHAT ACTUALLY TOOK PLACE AT OUR ANNUAL WEEKEND IN APRIL TO CASTLEWELLAN CASTLE?
Well we can say we had a brilliant time where we were blessed by excellent weather, the opportunity to get to know each other better and most importantly the reality of the presence of God. To be totally honest many found it to be one of the most relaxing YPF weekends ever, where our Saturday afternoon activity was cancelled because most of us preferred just to laze around in the sunshine. God also used our speaker Uel Finlay to challenge us and he made us aware of the great privilege that it is as Christians to be called A-Child-of-God. Our programme from March until May has been varied with our discussion group meetings proving to be a great opportunity to discuss each others views on the different subjects. We had our annual visit from Pastor Lowrie (Lanntara Baptist) and a visit from the young people from Hill Street Baptist. We made our visit to the young people at Ballyclare Baptist on 18 May and we enjoyed this meeting where our very own Billy Cull spoke. We finished our season on 25 May with our own Pastor and as normal we voted on our new committee for the next year. We have two new faces on the committee this year - Karen Moore and Ian Calderwood who replace Trevor and Sandra Robinson who decided to step down after giving a number of years faithful service to the YPF. So a big thank-you to them and we trust that Karen and Ian will know Gods help as they have undertaken to do this task for the Lord. We have already planned most of the activities for the summer months and are looking forward to a good support from our young people. We would also encourage anyone who will be going to Secondary or Grammar School in September to listen for a special event in August (Details will be announced) where they can come along and get to know some of us in an informal way before our meetings start in September. Please do continue to pray for the YPF and the Choir that we would all know Gods help, direction and will in the days that are ahead.
Noel Bell.
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VICTORY
To feel the tempters mighty power - without appeal,
To know the pull that money has - and never yeild;
To be entranced by honour's glare -- and have no urge;
To hear the voice of passing pomp - and not submerge;
To be uplifted landed high - and sense no pride;
To gain an orator's great fame -- and never stride;
To be exalted to the skies - yet self disdain;
To be condemned and set aside -- and not complain.
THIS IS VICTORY!
To Preachers Pray for illumination; use your imagination; go in for illustration, but beware of exaggeration.
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HANNAH (1st Sam Ch 1)
BACKGROUND Alkanah was a man of stature from Ramathaim -Zophim of the hill country of Ephraim. He had two wives, the name of one was Hannah and the name of the other was Peninnab. The latter was blessed with children but Hannah had none. Hannah was anxious about her situation and this showed in her life, as she carried the burden of this in her heart. Maybe you carry a burden, "Be anxious for nothing" Paul writes to the Philippian church, "but in every thin2 by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let you requests be made known to the Lord." (Phil 4 v 6) Hannah stands as a great biblical personality. Israel was in a state of moral and spiritual decline and here we have a turning point in its history, the close of a bad period and the introduction to the books of Samuel and Kings - a new era in Israel's greatness. BELOVED BUT BARREN Hannah's plight is touching. Elkanah her husband made the yearly pilgrimage with the family to the Temple in Shiloh to worship and sacrifice unto the Lord. It would have been the custom that that sacrifice and offering would include a festive meal signifying communion with the Lord in grateful acknowledgment of His mercies. Elkanah distributed to his family He would load Peninnah's plate with plenty to divide among the children. Hannah only received a single portion and this further reminded her of her barrenness. It must have been a difficult family. Hannah's sorrow was made worse by Peninnah's gloating, reducing her to tears. In verse 2- I don't think it a mistake to see that Hannah was first and Peninnah is second in her husbands affections, she is the favoured wife. Notice also that nowhere are we told that Peninnah has the love of her husband, he is no doubt dutiful towards her but nowhere are we told that he loves her, This could have been an aspect of Peninnah's bickering and ungracious spirit. Life had given Hannah so much of what she wanted except for one thing, a child of her own. BITTERNESS OF SOUL This would seem to sum up her prayer. Her distress and reproach dispensed with formality in the unexpressed breathings of her soul to the Lord. Eli the Priest in law did not understand and missed the whole situation. His rebuke was that she should stop the wine. The son-owing one of Israelis wiser than the high Priest. Her prayer was for Samuel, The answer to her prayer would also suit the son-owing cry of Israel. BLESSED OF GOD Verse 18. So Hannah went her way and her countance was no more sad. Hannah left the presence of God in good heart, Why? she had committed her problems to God in prayer and left them there, 'Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there.' None will ever remain miserable or sad at heart who improve their access to the mercy seat of a loving God. Far to often we leave with sad faces and troubled hearts. She was no more sad. In verse 19 we read "and the Lord remembered Hannah." Out of soul travail the joy of her life was born, Samuel, meaning requested of God. God's purposes may have involved pain, but His larger purpose for Israel was linked with a loving purpose for Hannah. Samuel grew as a boy in the fear of the Lord (1 Sam 1,2 &3). He was like his mother pre-eminent in prayer. Throughout his long and useful life he was God's man for the day. Through Samuel God provided deliverance from the Philistines; preparation for the Kingdom;- a perament sanctuary instead of a tabernacle at Shiloh and a better priesthood. The record of this man's life is beyond reproach. It is hard to find a single mistake he made, We could have thought at the beginning that Peninnah was the hero but God wasn't finished with Hannah. He not only blessed her with Samuel but with three more sons and two daughters. I love that phrase about her prayer, "I have poured out my soul before the Lord." How good it would be for me if I could follow her example. We can so often pour out bitterness pour out secrets, pour out half the story and often the matter would end if we dared to pour out our soul to the Lord. I also love these verses at the end of chapter 1. It would have been between three and four years later when Hannah bought little Samuel to Eli, she said "I am the woman that stood by thee here. For this child I prayed and the Lord hath given me my petition." It was fitting that she should rejoice on the spot she had son-owed, the harvest ofjoy swept over the place of tears, blue skies now replaced the dark clouds.
They that go forth and weep, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless, doubtless, doubtless, come again with rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them :
David Mitchell
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LIVE SO AS TO BE MISSED.
"I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually" 2 Kings 4 : 9. "There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the Holy Gods." Dan 5:11.
Brethren, we should live so as to be missed - missed both in the church and in the world - when we are removed. Oh, how rapidly is the time hastening on ? We should live in such a manner as that, if we are called hence, our dear brethren and sisters might feel our loss, and from their innermost souls exclaim, "Oh, that such a one were in our mist again?" We ought to be missed even by the world. Worldly persons should be constrained to say to us. "If ever there was a Christian upon earth, that man was one." - George Muller.
There is no glory halo round his devoted head, No lustre marks the sacred path in which his foot steps tread. Yet holiness is graven upon his thoughtful brow And all his steps are ordered in the light of heaven e'en now,
He often is peculiar and seldom understood, And yet his power is felt by bath the evil and the good. For he lives in touch with heaven, a life of faith and prayer His sympathies, his hopes, his joys, his all is centred there:
His body is Gods temple, his heart the Masters shrine. He lives, and thinks, and speaks, and acts, as moved by power divine. His is the calm of heaven, the faith that can be still, For God revealeth unto such the secrets of his will.
He is a chosen servant among Gods many sons; He bears His sayings on his lips and on His errands runs, No human frown he fearth, no earthly praise he seeks, But in the dignity of heaven his burning message speaks.
I've found him in the workshop and in the busy street, The plainest, simplest humblest man that one could wish to meet. I've treasured up his sayings and marked his faithful ways. And oft to follow in his steps my longing spirit prays.
Norman Mc Keown
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LOVE IS :
Writing a letter of appreciation to someone Taking flowers, food, or other needed items to shut - ins or the sick Expressing sympathy to those in sorrow Making the way easier for Christians who are finding the path difficult Offering a lift to church to someone shut in Taking a tape of the service to someone who can't attend church In short - Love is Christian care and compassion in action
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A WORD OF PERSONAL TESTIMONY
Sometimes we take being a Christian too lightly. All too often you could say we are a bit like vegetarians - we need only be worried about what we eat at meal times. We are guilty of relying on God only in times of trouble, and I have found that the most difficult thing for me in my walk with the Saviour is putting my trust in Him at ALL times. When I was asked to submit my testimony for the church magazine, it seemed like a task I would get around to sometime later in the week, but when pen touched paper, I realized how little thought I do give to God sometimes and what a privilege it is to be called a Child of God! Before I gave my life to the Lord, I had myself convinced in my own mind that I did not need saved from anything. I believed that I hadn't committed any 'big' sins and that I would reach Heaven when I died. The truth was that I was committing the worst sin of all - rejecting the Saviour. It wasn't that I didn't believe there was a God - it was that I didn't want to be His Servant. Since the night God saved me by His grace, I have let Him down many times, but He hasn't let me down once. He is faithkl and just,and never changes. And since going to University, God has blessed me in many ways. I believe He has given me a renewed thirst for Him, which He alone has promised to quench. The work that I am involved in for my Master seems so minute compared to the work that He accomplished for me at Calvary, and sometimes it seems that for every step forward that I've taken, I've moved two steps back. God is directing my path (Proverbs 3 : 5 ) and He has promised to sustain me. (Psalm 55 : 22 ),and even if our faith is as small as a mustard seed (Matthew 17 : 20 ),He is still "able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us". (Ephesians 3 : 20).
Karren Moore.
HEAVEN : OUR ETERNAL HOME.
I have read of a beautiful city, Far away in the kingdom of God; I have read how its walls are ofjasper, How its streets are all golden and broad; In the midst of the street is life's river, Clear as crystal, and pure to behold; But not half of that city's bright glory To mortals has ever been told.
I have read of bright mansions in Heaven, Which the Saviour has gone to prepare; And the saints who on earth have been faithful Rest forever with Christ over there; There no sin ever enters, nor sorrow, The inhabitants never grow old; But not half ofthe joys that await them To mortals has ever been told.
I have read of white robes for the righteous, Of bright crowns which the glorified wear When our Father shall bid them, "come enter; And my glory eternally share." How the righteous are evermore blessed, As they walk through the streets of pure gold But not half of the wonderful story To mortals has ever been told.
I have read of a Christ so forgiving, That vile sinners may ask and receive Peace and pardon for every transgression, If when asking they only believe: I have read how he'll guide and protect us, If for safety we enter His fold; But not half of His goodness and mercy To mortals has ever been told.
(selected) M. E Robinson
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LADIES FELLOWSHIP
Summer time has arrived again and with the summer months comes a little respite from the business of the rest of the year. April seen our last monthly missionary meeting with a visit from the Barfoots (Emmanuel Studios). We shared a lovely evening together as we learnt about their work and were updated regarding health problems and family news, Our prayers are with the Barfoot family especially over the next few months as various tests are done. As one year draws to a close it is time to start planning for 1997/98. Please pray as we organize speakers for these meetings that we will be guided and directed by God for the year ahead. If you have never been to the ladies meeting before please join us in September when we start our Winter programme again. Talking about September - let me take this opportunity to invite all ladies to this meeting as we are having a husband and wife coming with a special story to tell. They are - I'm afraid you'll just have to come along and find out! Be warned - hankies are advisable. If, however you find you can't wait until September our prayer meetings continue throughout the Summer on the last Wednesday of each month. Please plan to attend - we have a wonderful time around the Throne of Grace for just one hour. It is great to hear many new voices raised audibly in prayer. The Ladies Fellowship is not just two meetings a month however. As our title suggests we like to have "fellowship" and so on May 10th this year approx 45 of us headed for Tyrone Crystal on our annual outing. We spent a while browsing and spending (just a little! ) before heading to Lisbum to shop. It was pouring with rain but thankfully it stopped and never started again until we got back unto the bus and headed to The Old Yard Restaurant for tea before going home. I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed their day. Whether you have been at Ballee for years or just recently come to the church and have not yet had opportunity to meet many of the women folk please come and join us especially as we resume again in September. It is a great encouragement to see new faces and we promise you a warm welcome. Do come and join us - we look forward to seeing you soon.
Lesley Kennedy.
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The following believers were Baptised 15\6\97:- Stephen Mc Auley, Louise Mc Auley, Bill Cull, Sharon Cull, Stephen McDonald, Claire Millar, Geffrey Kennedy.
PRAYER REQUEST The Pastor is going to Kenya at the invitation of WIN (World In Need) from 2nd September - 23rd September DV. to lecture at a Bible Seminary in Nairobi, and see the work of the mission first hand.
REMEMBER MRS KENNEDY AND THE FAMILY AT HOME
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Special Dates
August
Sunday 3rd --- am & pm --- Mr Ken Brown (Belfast)
Sunday 10th --- am & pm --- Mr Robert Mc Master
Sunday 17th --- am & pm --- Mr Ernest Tuff
Sunday 24th --- am & pm --- Mr Eric Magee (Belfast)
Sunday 31st --- am & pm --- Mr Sherrard Mc Kay (P.T.S.)
September
Tuesday 2nd --- 8.00 --- Mr David Mitchell
Friday 5th --- 8.00 --- Mr Evan Williams (ACRE - Canary Island)
Sunday 7th --- am & pm --- Mr Aldwyn Calderwood
Tuesday 9th --- 8.00 --- Mr Derek Young (P.T.S.)
Friday 12th --- 8.00 --- Mr Ken Johnston (N.T.M.)
Sunday 14th --- am & pm --- Pastor Alan Hoey (Larne Mission Hall)
Tuesday 16th --- 8.00 --- Mr Derek Young (P.T.S)
Friday 19th --- 8.00 --- Mr Robert Mc Master
Sunday 21st --- am & pm --- Mr David Mitchell
Tuesday 23rd --- 8.00 --- Mr Jonathan Reid (C.E.F)
GUEST SINGERS
JULY ·
6th Hill Taggart ·
13th Desmond Shaw ·
20th Joe Nabney ·
27th Jonathon Logan
AUGUST
3rd Angela Mc Kee ·
10th Robert & Margaret Mc Master ·
17th Beverley Murray ·
24th William Warwick ·
31st Robert Mitchell
September
7th Joe Peden ·
14th Margaret Ball ·
21st Victor Hutchinson ·
28th Testimoney Meeting
Congratulations to : ·
William & Nicola Clark on the birth of Rebbeca Louise 28/4/97 ·
John McCaughy & Pamela Barr on their wedding 2/5/97