From the Pastor
A woman woke up one morning when the alarm clock went off and it seemed like she had just gone to sleep.... have you ever had one of those nights that passes just like that? You're sleeping soundly, seems like you just closed your eyes and the alarm clock goes off. I don't have them very often, in fact they are a rarity....this lady said,"It can't be six o'clock in the morning!" But she looked at the clock and it said six. She turned on the radio, and the six o'clock news was just commencing. She pulled back the curtains and the sun was up.... the radio said it was six....the clock said it was six....the sun in the sky said it was six. I think you would agree, it didn't really matter how she felt, all the reliable sources where telling it was six...and six it was.
When it comes to God's salvation, thank God, it does not depend on our impressions! It is not based on fickle emotions or how we feel when we get out of bed in the
morning. Rather it is based upon the finished work of Christ, and on the never failing promises of God.
I welcome you to another magazine of Ballee Baptist Church. These Sunday mornings we have been looking at the character of Joshua, and learning lessons from the battles Israel fought in Canaan. I would like to remind you of a verse in
Joshua 1:7.
"....TURN NOT FROM IT TO THE RIGHT HAND OR THE LEFT THAT THOU MAYEST PROSPER WHITHERSOEVER THOU
GOEST"
The "right" and "left" comparisons are found some 57 times in the Old Testament. Joshua was speaking of the children of Israel being strong and courageous in doing the written will of God. Many today much prefer to live in the "permissive" will of God, rather than living in the "perfect" will of God.
In the verse God is saying not to detour from the track, don't go right or left, but stay on a straight
path. Let me use the picture of a train to illustrate how we must live our lives in the will of God.
1.THERE IS A PATH TO FOLLOW.
As a train moves forward, it does not have to wonder where it is going. The "tracks" provide the right direction for it's planned destination. I rejoice that God's word can do the very same for us even when we pass through rough terrain, mountain passes, or steep climbs, we can keep moving forward for God and staying on the tracks of the word. While we stay on God's tracks we will be assured of His protection and safety.
2. THERE IS A POWER TO RELEASE.
The huge locomotive has great potential of power. It can pull many heavy box cars behind it, up hill, over hills and around curves. There is a mighty power available and accessible to the people of God. Zech.4:6 "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit saith the Lord of Hosts." There is power to stand, power to serve, and power to speak. How essential it is that we rely and lean on God's Almighty omnipotent power.
3. THERE ARE PASSENGERS TO WARN.
Not the unsaved of course...for they are not even on the train to Glory. The passengers of this train have all turned from sin, and trusted on the death of Christ on Calvary for salvation. But there are still saints to warn about the deceitfulness of sin, the designs of the devil, and the downward pull of the old nature inherited from Adam.
4. THERE IS A PERSON IN CHARGE.
The train company assigns some to oversee each compartment, some compartments think that the train only consists of them, but the carriages are many and varied. It is Christ that is in overall charge, and His authority is unquestioned.
5. THERE IS A PLACE WHERE WE ARE HEADING.
That destination is a glorious, gorgeous, and grand place called "Heaven." Are you coming? Are you on board? If not, board today by trusting the Saviour. For those onboard, don't allow the devil to derail you in your spiritual life...keep moving foward for God.
May this magazine be a blessing to your soul.
YPF Report
When writing this report another season of meetings for the Youth has finished. The Winter months are behind and we look forward to the summer programme. The meetings from March to May were varied in style, size and format. We set off twice to visit other Youth Fellowships. Our first was Ballycraigy when Ian had the responsibility of bringing the message which the Lord had laid on his heart. I know Ian was blessed and trust all who attended were too. The second outing took us over the Colin mountain to join Ballyclare for their Gospel service and Youth. We folk from Ballee had a relaxing night as Ballyclare took charge of the meeting.
Over the three months of Youth Fellowship we had the privilege of having Auldwyn Calderwood. Ken Brown and a group of four young men from
Donaghey Congregational. We are thankful that all who took part not only gave of their time but came to us with loyalty to the Word of God. So often meetings can be arranged to fill the programme, and not to seek the presence and meesage of God. Two of the major events in the Youth calendar were the Youth Rally and Youth Weekend.
Youth Rally- For the first time in a number of years the date changed from Autumn to Spring. Those who took part were: Laura MacDonald- soloist, Monteith Family- instrumental and singing, David Laverty- testimony and Rev.Trevor Baxter- speaker. The numbers were slightly down compared to other years, but thankfully it's not numbers that matter.
Youth Weekend- Some aspects of our weekend this year were different; namely location which was Childhaven in Millisle and the speaker William Moody, Assistant Minister of Wellington Street. On the other hand some were not so different; namely sleepless nights, banging doors, "loud" whispering and late night feasts of burgers, chips and Chineses. I'm sure all would agree that William and his wife Cherith really became part of us for the weekend, in sharing their fun, friendship and fellowship.
The closing meeting saw the new committee being elected. Those responsible for the leadership of Youth Fellowship in the coming year are: Noel Bell, Ian Calderwood, Geoffrey Kennedy, Pamela Livingstone, Richard Logan, Richard McCord and Karen Moore. May I take this opportunity to thank the outgoing members for their dedication and commitment.
On behalf of the outgoing committee may I thank everyone who has supported us both practically and prayerfully in the past year and trust that you continue to do so in the weeks and months ahead.
Neil Harkness.
The Good Shepherd
"And When He putteth Forth His Own Sheep, He Goeth Before Them, And The Sheep Follow Him: For They Know His Voice. (John 10 v 4)
Whilst in Israel I thought on a striking similarity between people and sheep. Watching the shepherds with their sheep I thought on how at night time sheep tend to stay close together in flocks. During daylight if sheep are left alone they will wander in all directions looking for greener pastures. As they wander far from the flock and shepherd they soon become lost, even some fall victim to other animals.
Whenever little lambs are born, the shepherd looks after them, keeping them from the cold, even placing a heat lamp nearby so as the lambs do not become chilled on a winters night.
Our Shepherd also cares for His sheep, extending His love and care to the young lambs, those who have recently come into His fold. When they begin to wander He lovingly brings them back into the fold showing them where the pleasant pastures can be found. In spite of all their wandering He loves them still.
Even though there are many needy lambs out in world so vast, reqiring to be brought into His fold, the Shepherd and Saviour of the world is still mindful of each individual sheep.
Are you still wandering, looking for new pastures each day or are you safe in the fold being cared for by The Shepherd.
Submitted by Albert Moore.
Whenever You Go
Wherever you go. I'll be there with you
Whenever you stumble. I will hold you up
Whenever you're hurting, I will fold my arms around you
I won't ever leave you.
I was there before the universe began
I am there with you now
I will be there all the days of your life
I won't ever leave you
Whatever you face, I'll face it with you
Whenever you speak, I will give my words to you
Whenever you're lonely, I wiII hold you cIose
I won't ever leave you
Nothing you could do would stop me loving you
Nothing you could say would change the way I feel about you
I will take care of everything you need
I won't ever leave you.
Because I love you
Submittted by Louise McAuley.
Testimony - Agnes Kelso
"Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."
John 6 v37.
I was brought up in a good home where I was sent every week to Sunday school and Church. I also went to the Gospel Hall Sunday School in the afternoon. I knew from an early age that I needed to be saved, as I sat under Godly teachers. I just kept putting it off, and thought some day when I'm older I'll come.
The years went past and although I didn't get deep into the things of the world I knew that I never had my sin dealt with and that I needed to be 'born again' if I was ever to get to heaven. When I was sixteen I was asked to go to a mission in Randalstown conducted by Mr Michael Perrott. That night the Holy Spirit convicted me of my sin, but I left the meeting without speaking to anyone. I went back the next night and again God spoke to me. and I knew that I must accept the Lord as my Saviour, because this could be the last time that God would speak. It says in His word. "My Spirit shall not always strive with man." As the last hymn was being sung which was 'Just as I am without one pIea, but that Thy blood was shed for me.' I just bowed my head and asked the Lord to come into my heart and take away my sin. That night the burden of my sin rolled away.
The Lord led me into nursing at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children where he undertook for me and helped me through some difficult days. I had met Winston some years earlier and we were married in 1968. You know God doesn't promise every thing will be rosy. We were only married a short time when Winston was diagnosed as Diabetic but God blessed us also, when some years later He gave us our son John. About 12 years ago after having tests done I was told I had Parkinsons Disease. This was a big blow to us but God has a plan for our lives and although we don't know what the future holds "we know who holds the future ." I not only thank God for saving me but for leading us into the Fellowship at Ballee where I have been spiritually blessed through the faithful ministry of the Pastor. I also thank God for the concern and the prayers of God's people for without them I couldn't go on.
Agnes Kelso.
Baptism Notice
The following were baptized on Sunday 4th June 2000 :-
Sarah Gardiner, Neil Harkness, John Jamieson, Deborah Kennedy. Melaine Kennedy, Linda McCord, Richard McCord, Paul McMahon, Stephen McMullan,
Alison Whann.
He Was One Of Us
He was born as little children are and lived as children do,
So remember that the Saviour was once a child like you,
And remember that He lived on earth in the midst of sinful men,
And the problems of the present existed even then;
He was ridiculed and laughed at in the same heartbreaking way
That we who fight for justice are ridiculed today;
He was tempted... He was hungry... He was lonely... He was sad...
There's no sorrowful experience that the Saviour has not had;
And in the end He was betrayed and even crucified.
For He was truly "One of Us" - He lived on earth and died;
So do not heed the skeptics who are often heard to say:
"What Does God Up In Heaven Know Of Things We Face Today"
For, our Father up in heaven is very much aware
Of our failures and shortcomings and the burdens that we bear;
So whenever you are troubled put your problems in God's Hand
For He has faced all problems and He will understand.
Submitted by Jeannie Craig.
Close At Hand
When you're feeling lost and lonely, all your friends have gone away,
Just remember God is waiting - Close at hand.
When you feel you' re getting older, and the crowd's not quite the same,
Just remember God is waiting - Close and hand.
When you feel you've lost the courage. Or the strength to follow through.
Just remember God is waiting - Close at hand.
When you feel the family kinship, has matured with passing years.
Just remember God is waiting - Close at hand.
When you feel you want to thank Him for the love that He displays.
Just remember God's been waiting for your hand.
By Thelma Montgomery.
The Devils Vision
The devil once said to his demons below.
Our work is progressing entirely too slow,
The holiness people stand in our way,
Since they don't believe in the show or the play,
They teach that the carnival. circus and dance,
The tavern and honkey- tonk with game of chance,
Drinking and smoking, these things are all wrong,
That Christians don't mix with the ungodly throng.
They're quick to condemn everything that we do.
To cause unbelievers to be not a few.
They claim that these things are all of the devil.
That Christian Folk live on a much higher level.
Now fellows. their theology while perfectly true.
Is blocking the work we are trying to do.
We'll hare to get busy and 6gure a plan.
That will change their standards as fast as we can.
Now I have a vision of what we can do,
Harken - I'll tell this deception to you.
Then find me a wise, but degenerate man,
Whom 1 can use to help work out this plan,
There's nothing so real as the thing you can see,
The eyes and the mind and heart will agree.
So what can be better than an object to view,
I say it will work and convince not a few.
The home is the place for the sinful device,
The people deceived will think it quite nice
The world will possess it, most Christians can't tell
That it's all of the devil and was plotted in Hell.
We'll sell them with pictures of the latest news,
And while they're still looking we'll advertise booze.
At the soul; -damning cigarette also they'll look,
Until they forget what God says in His book.
At first it will shock them. they'll seem in a daze,
But soon they'll be hardened and continue to gaze.
We'll give them some Gospel that is not too strong,
And a few sacred songs to string them along.
They'll take in the ads with the latest of fashions,
And soon watch the shows that stir evil passions.
Murder and lovemaking scenes they'll behold,
Until in their soul's they'll be bitterly cold.
The 'old family alter' which once held such charm,
Will soon lose its place without much alarm.
Praying in secret will also be lost,
As they look at the screen without counting the cost,
The compromise preachers who don't take their stand,
Will embrace this new vision and think it is grand.
They'll help fool the people and cause them to sin,
By seeking this evil and taking it in
Influence is great and this you can see,
Just look at my fall and you'll have to agree.
It won't take too long, my demons to tell.
That the vision of Satan will populate Hell.
Divorce will increase, sex crimes will abound,
Much innocent blood will be spilled on the ground.
The home will be damned in short order, 1 say
When this vision of mine comes in to stay.
Get busy, my cohorts. and put this thing out,
We'll see if the Church will continue to shout.
The holiness people who stand in our way
Will soon hush their crying against show and play
We'll cover the earth with this devil's vision,
Though we'll camouflage it with the name "Television."
The people will think they're getting a treat,
Till the Antichrist comes and takes over his seat,
He'll then rule the world while the viewers behold
The face of the Beast to whom they were sold,
We'll win through deception, this cannot fail,
Though some holy preachers against it will rail.
By John C Woodward.
Submitted by Marlene Gardiner.
Pokemon - Just Another Fad?
A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE?
How close can we get to the occult and still call it 'good social interaction and imagination stretching fun for kids?? Pokemon is a role-playing game like Dungeons and Dragons, MAGIC (another card game like Pokemon) and many other 'games' and cartoons that have occultic overtones. Listen Christians? we are in a battle! The enemy is subtle and is trying to influence our children's minds. Pokemon teaches all the basics of many false religion and occultic practices! Pokemon also indoctrinates children in evolutionary thought and pagan beliefs! It is not Pokemon that we fight - the Bible says: Ephesians 6: 12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." To read the information for yourself look up:
http://sureword.faithweb.com/pokemon.html
Only One Way
There is only one way into Heaven,
Though folk whom I know don't agree.
They think if they have a good life day by day,
They're sure to get in. don't you see.
Some think they'll get in for their good works.
Forgetting they' re still in their sin.
But there's only one way into Heaven-
Through the blood of the crucified one.
Some think if they go to church often,
And pray and sing praises to God.
When they die, they will go straight to Heaven,
But thei church cannot lead them to God.
Some think if their parents arc Christians
They feel they are certain to win
But there's only one way into Heaven-
It's by Faith in the crucified one.
There is only one way into Heaven,
That way is through God's only Son.
He died on the cross to redeem you
And to wipe the slate clean of your sin.
So come to the cross with your burden,
Find pardon and peace from your sin.
Some day you will reach Heaven's mansion-
Through the blood of the crucified one.
Composed by: Mrs. Rita, Watson (Kilrea)
Sad and Lonely Hearts
There are sad and lonely hearts to day in Ireland.
Hearts that need the cleansing blood of Calvary -
Come help us bring them to the feet of Jesus -
He alone can give them peace and liberty.
Composed by Noel Grant. Tune: Galway Bay.
Submitted by Maureen Robinson.
How To Manage Trouble
"HOW TO MANAGE TROURLE" Job 32-42.
"My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever." Psalm 73 v 26.
Why do Christians have trouble? The only way to answer that question is to remind ourselves that The Lord is far greater than we are.
In the last two issues of our magazine we have looked at Job and his troubles; -
Winter 2000 - Job 1 - Ch 2 v 10 "WHY HAVE I GOT TROUBLE"
Spring 2000 - Job Ch 2 v 11 - Ch 31. "EVERYONE'S AGAINST ME"
Job had plenty to complain about, he had a hard time. Financial disaster had overtook him. One day the sun rises upon him, the wealthiest man in all the East, when the sun sets it leaves him ruined and bankrupt. One morning he is a happy father rejoicing in the possession of sons and daughters, but before night he is childless and grieves the sudden deaths of those he loved. But that was not all. Personal affliction suddenly overtakes him. In sackcloth and ashes he lies upon the earth covered with sores, as poor and miserable an object as ever was seen in this world of sorrow and trouble. Twenty-four hours before he was a happy prosperous wealthy man, now he is a poor wretch. All has gone and as if that were not enough, he has a foolish wife to torment him and professed friends to mock and torture him. What appalling trouble. Many would exclaim; - 'and you say this was a just man, a believer in God, if that is what religion does for a man, 1 will have none of it.'
On one occasion an ungodly farmer was speaking to his godly neighbour. Said the unbeliever, I am as well off as you are; I don't serve your God, I don't pray; my cows are as healthy as yours; my crops are as good as yours and come March - end of the tax year; I will be as well off as you. That ungodly man thought he had said something very smart and lifted his head high with his remarks. The godly farmer quietly said, yes there is no doubt you have done well and all that is true but please remember this, God does not always settle the account in March.
And so when we talk about poor Job being so far down in the dust, be careful not to reckon too soon. God does not finish his work in March. God does not finish with Job in the dust. Job had plenty to complain about. Even when he reached the point where he wanted to die, deep down he still believed that God would finally deliver him. Job's three friends are finished and another new name comes on the scene. He is Elihu, a young man who lets Job's friends have their say. As he listened to them argue he became angry with Job for making out he was blameless and annoyed with the three friends about their advice. Elihu in the next six chapters answers all of Job's complaints.
Here are some examples; - Job's Complaint Ch 33 v 13 - Why do you complain that God does not give account of his actions.
Answer V 14 - 19. "For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man - perceiveth it not."
Job's Complaint Ch 34 v 19. It profiteth a man nothing, that he should delight himself with God." Answer v 10 - 12. "Be it far from God that he should do wickedness and from the Almighty that He should commit iniquity."
Job's Complaint Ch 35 v 1-2."My righteousness is more than God's, what am I profited more than if I had sinned." Answer Ch 36 v 1- 11. God is mighty, He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous but He sets them forever with Kings and they are exalted.
At this point God broke the silence and speaks to Job, recorded in the next two chapters - Ch 38 and 39. Dark clouds filled the sky. The Lord spoke to Job in the storm asking him question after question. Here are some of them: Who is this that darkeneth my counsel; Where wast thou when I laid the foundation of the earth; Hast thou commanded the morning since thy day and caused the dawn to know its peace; Have you explored the springs of the sea or walked on the recesses of deep; Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts or understanding to the mind. Who provides for the raven its prey, when its young ones cry to God and wander about for lack of food.
Job was overwhelmed by God's questions, he couldn't answer any of them. None of them referred to his troubles. Job suddenly realised that all he had been concerned about was his own problems. He had been full of self pity thinking of nobody but himself. Job realised his error and answered The Lord Ch 40 v 4 "Behold 1 am vile, what shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth, I have spoken but I will not reply again." God asked Job some more questions. Each one helped Job to take his eyes off his own problems and consider God's power. As he realised how great God is, Job knew he had no business telling God what to do. Job changed his attitude towards God and in Ch 42 v 2-6, he is ashamed of all he had said and repented of it.
Job's problems, which had dominated his thinking in an overwhelming way, were put in perspective by The Lord. God had asked Job questions which turned his mind away from his troubles to appreciate the greatness of the Lord. Job's attitude changed and he repented. God in His mercy, restored Job.
Only when we see the majesty of the Lord can we face our problems with a positive attitude. "My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Ps 73 V 26.
After dealing with Job, God was angry with the three friends for misleading Job with their comments. He ordered them to make a sacrifice for their sin and asked Job to pray for them. The men did what God asked them. Job prayed for his friends and the Lord accepted it.
Then the Lord did a remarkable thing. He made Job rich again. In fact God gave him twice as much as he had had before. He ended up with 14000 sheep, 6000 camels, 2000 head of cattle and 1000 donkeys. Job was also blessed with seven more sons and three beautiful daughters. He lived on for 140 years and became a great grandfather. God blessed Job much more after his trials than He did before.
Dear friends, the Christian life is not easy, the storms of life are difficult but never forget to take in the whole picture, don't look at part of it. We so often look at a part of the record and are led astray. You could point to Joseph in prison but I point you to Joseph in a palace. That dungeon was the school house which trained him to be Prime Minister of the land. The one was necessary for the other. God never makes a mistake, no one will ever loose out by serving God, God gives twice as much more. The dark threads are as needful in the skillful Master's hand.
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.
We must learn to walk with our Lord among the thorns and briars before we walk the golden streets. Suffering, disappointment, sorrow; loss are masters that teach us. The flowers smell sweetest after a shower. Job's beginning was good, his end is better and so it will be for us.
David Mitchell.
Ladies Fellowship Report
Another season's work drew to a close this April with a visit from Attracha Hanna. She is presently involved in a counseling ministry and told us of how vital and important this area of ministry is becoming. How often as Christians we look after "me and mine" and fail to realize that many others around us are crying out for someone to talk to, to listen to them, to have someone to spend a little time with them. It is amazing that as Christians we never seem to have time to be aware of how others are managing around us. Each of us went home challenged about a work that is all to often left to "professionals."
As usual we rounded our year off with an annual outing in April. This year we had almost a full bus as we headed off to Portadown. After the customary shopping expedition we ended the day with a visit to Ella's Barn. After some practical demonstrations we all enjoyed a delicious meal that as usual sent us home a few pounds heavier than when we left. A good day was had by all.
Although our missionary meetings have concluded until September please remember the prayer meetings, which continue throughout the holiday months. It has been thrilling to see new faces and very encouraging to hear new voices. Please come and join us if at all possible, as many will be away over the holiday period.
May I take this opportunity to thank all the ladies who have faithfully supported the ladies work during the year and may I encourage those who haven't yet been to the ladies meeting to come and join with us either at the prayer meetings or as we recommence our missionary class in September.
Lesley Kennedy
The Bread of Life
I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE: HE THAT COMETH TO ME SHALL NEVER HUNGER….JOHN 6 V 35.
Help me. 0 God,
To live the recipe
Before I give the recipe
Give me the kneading strength
To work the words into the doughy recesses of my life.
Help me not to fear the oven so it can bake
And grant that in the baking,
The world would be able to roll down its window
And savor the aroma of freshly baked bread.
Submitted by Audrey Johnston.
Don't be surprised if you find mistakes in our Church magazine. We try to print something for everyone, and some people are just looking for mistakes!!
Notices and Dates for Your Diary
Parents do you want a free morning for a week?
Kids do you want somewhere to go every morning for a week?
If yes read on.
Holiday Bible Club.
Monday 3rd July - Friday 7th July. 10:30 am -12:30 pm.
Quizzes, Choruses, Bible Stories, Games
Weddings
Friday 7th July 2000 Gareth Fleming & Diane Robinson.
Friday 21st July 2000 Ruth Coulter & Niall Oliver.
Sun. 6th August 2000 am & pm Mr. Robert McMaster.
Sun 13th August 2000 am Mr. Paul Bassett. (Melbourne Hall)
Sun 13th August 2000 pm Mr. William Kernohan.
Sun 20th August 2000 am & pm Mr. Auldwyn Calderwood.
Sun 27th August 2000 am & pm Mr. David Mitchell.
Bible Study recommencing on Tuesday 5th September 8:OOpm*
*Subject to be announced.
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Fri. 15th Sept. 2000 8:00pm SLAVIC GOSPEL ASSOCIATlON REGlONAL RALLY
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Congratulations to: -
Leslie & June Kirk on the birth of their son Daniel William. { 16.5.2000}
Geoffrey & Charlotte Anderson on the birth of their daughter
Hannah Linda {26.5.2000}
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The following were given the right hand of fellowship: -
Paul & Ann Hamill, Geoffrey & Charlotte Anderson {23.4.2000}
Joseph, Mary & Louise Smyth {30.4.2000}