Summer 2004
From the Pastor
Welcome to another fellowship magazine hot off the press. As a fellowship we are indebted to those who work at compiling and producing this quarterly production for the benefit of all who read it. As Pastor, I get the opportunity of making a regular contribution as the Lord leads, and this time I have a vital and timely lesson for us all.
By the time you are reading this magazine, we as a fellowship will be about to embark on our yearly outreach among the young people of our district, our Holiday Bible Club (5th – 9th July dv). Never has such an outreach been more vital and necessary, and now, as never before, we need every believer to be in support of this Gospel outreach to the children.
The text that I want to bring before you is Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish”. No age should be without vision, for without it, people lose an appreciation of God’s existence, they lose the reality and value of a soul, and lose sight of the reality of Eternity either in Heaven or in Hell. This materialistic age in which we live is so absorbed and enamoured with the visible, the material and the tangible. We are so concerned with prosperity and possessions, that we tend to ignore lost souls. Through our neglect and lack of vision, humanly speaking, many souls die without God and without hope. “Vision” means a spiritual enlightenment and insight into divine things. “Vision” can also refer to divine instruction.
I call on every member and every saved adherent of Ballee Baptist Church to catch a vision for the souls of the boys and girls coming to the Holiday Bible Club. It is not a form of baby sitting! It is not just to give mums a well earned break! It is first and foremost to reach boys and girls with the message of the Lord Jesus and His saving power.
1. We need a Vision of a Lost World. People without the Lord Jesus, of whatever age, are pictured in Ephesians 2 as being Dead(v1), Detoured(v2a), Disobedient(v2b), and Doomed(v3). People in that kind of shape badly need the grace and mercy of God at work in their lives. How easy it is to get careless and flippant about the fact that people are lost and will never see Heaven unless they trust Christ as Saviour. During this special week of evangelism, have a renewed vision of the needs of the young people in our care, and pray that the Gospel of Christ will have an impact in their lives for the Glory of God.
2. We need a Vision of a Lasting Hell. The place of torment is described as “everlasting fire”(Matt.25:41); “everlasting punishment”(Matt.25:46);and in Mark9:48 as a place where “the worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched”. Now we either find such truth hard to deal with and so ignore it, or we renew our vision and passion for reaching the lost, and reaching them before this world has got too tight a grip on their lives.
3. We need a Vision of a Loving Lord. What a joy to get a glimpse of God by faith through the eyes of Scripture. Isaiah got such a vision in chapter 6 of his prophecy.. he saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. And such a vision turned Isaiah into an evangelist v8 “Here am I: send me”. Peter reminds us in 2 Peter 3:9 that the Lord is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”.
If we understood the longing of the heart of God to save, the passion of His desire to forgive and redeem, we too would become evangelists
It
is not too late even now to come and be part of our Holiday Bible Club, to sit
among the boys and girls and love them for Christ’s sake. It is not too late
to take the H.B.C. upon your heart to pray for the leaders and workers. It is
not too late to be part of the blessing and to catch the vision for souls .. see
you there!
Ladies
Fellowship
Our
meetings finished for the season in April with a visit from the ladies of
Monkstown Baptist. We enjoyed fellowship together and their speaker told of how
her and her family were preparing to go to Papua New Guinea and work on the
mission field. Please pray for the Gray family as they plan to head
out there this summer.
Our
prayer meetings continue as usual throughout the summer months. Please plan to
attend if possible as many will be
away on holiday and it is always encouraging to see new faces at the prayer
meeting. Remember, “prayer changes things” and we have been encouraged in
our prayer meetings as we have seen how God has answered prayer. We have much to
praise and thank God for and much to still continue in prayer for. Feel free to
come and join with us at the place of prayer.
Our
Ladies outing took place on Saturday 8th May. We travelled to Londonderry for a
days shopping and then we finished the day off with a lovely meal at the
Radisson Hotel. Conversation was just a little quieter than the outward journey
as many ladies were too full or too tired to converse!! It was good to see some
new faces with us this year and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Please
pray as we plan for our meetings recommencing in September that God will bless
and direct as we book speakers. If you have never been to our missionary class
before we give you a warm welcome to meet us in September.
Lesley Kennedy
Little
Things
Next
time your morning seems to be going wrong, the children are slow getting
dressed, you can’t
seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don’t
get mad or frustrated; maybe God is at work watching over you. Doubtful? Think
about this:
After
September 11th, one company invited the remaining members of other companies who
had been decimated by the attack on the Twin Towers to share their available
office space. At a morning meeting, the head of security told stories of why
these people were alive...and all the stories were just ‘little’
things. The head of the company got in late that day because his son started
kindergarten.
Another
fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts. One woman was late
because her alarm clock didn’t
go off in time. One couldn’t get a taxi. One was late
because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike due to an accident. One missed the
bus. One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change. One’s
car wouldn’t start. One went back to answer the
telephone. One had a child that dawdled and didn’t get
ready as soon as he should have.
The
one that struck me most was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning,
took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a
blister on his foot, he stopped at a chemist to buy plasters. That is why he is
alive today.
Now
when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing
phone.. All the ‘little’
things that annoy me, I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to
be at this very moment.
May
God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you
remember their possible purpose.
Submitted by Billy McAuley
Youth
Report: March / April / May 2004
These
three months saw the conclusion of the Youth fellowship program for the season,
but in this period we can all rejoice in a very fruitful time. Most
significantly we can praise God for salvation amongst the Youth and already
tangible evidence of that fruit. This is what we long for in the Youth and we
thank God for answering prayer. Long may it continue.
The 7th March saw the Young People head down to Ballyclare
Baptist were we renewed fellowship with their Youth Group. Thanks to the Young
people who took part in the meeting and left the committee to relax and enjoy!
On the 21st March Dave Magill visited the Youth Group and gave
an encouraging rallying call to us, as a group of Christians, to stand firm in
our faith and to not accept compromise.
On the 4th April we were treated to a Bible study that was
called Missing Out during which we were challenged to realise the
fullness of what God can offer us if we fully commit to him, and the greatness
of His love in comparison to what the world can offer us.
Our Youth Weekend was the 16th-18th April and we
took over 50 people down to Castlewellan and it was a fantastic experience.
Stephen and Deborah Walker were the speakers and once again God used this couple
to teach the Youth so much. This weekend away was a time of great fruitfulness
and we thank God for making it possible.
On the 2nd May we had the Panel. Our thanks to Auldwyn
Calderwood, Lesley Kennedy and Neil Harkness for being brave enough to face the
questions asked by our own young people.
The 16th May had been earmarked as the date for Chris Killen
to speak to the Youth but after a last minute cancellation, we resorted to a
video night. The video (called Geronimo) was about a young Christian who after
bereavement began to backslide.
The last meeting of our season took place on the 30th May,
when the Pastor came and spoke to us about ensuring we get our spiritual
priorities right, and then build our lives around that foundation, rather than
trying to squeeze in our devotional times in at the end of the day. The last
meeting also saw the election of a new committee. The Committee as of this
meeting for the next year is: Noel Bell, Ian and Claire Calderwood, Sarah
Cotton, Geoffrey Kennedy and Pamela Livingstone. Our thanks to Peter Bankhead
who chose not to stand again for re-election but offered his continued support
for the committee in the coming season.
Preliminary
Summer schedule: (announcements will be made closer to the time)
Ramore
Head – Sat 26th June
Treasure
Hunt and BBQ – Sat 7th Aug– open to WHOLE CHURCH
Laser-quest – Sat 28th Aug – open to those who hope to start the Youth in September
TAKING
THINGS AT GOD’S PACE!
Exodus
33:13
Now
therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight,
shew
me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find
grace
in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.
Hudson
Taylor, a missionary of the 19th Century, was the man whom God used to found the
China Inland Mission, now Overseas Missionary Fellowship. Taylor was saved at
15; and only a few months after his conversion, he dared to seek God’s will
for his life! “I besought Him to give me some work to do for
Him...something with which He would be pleased, and that I might do for Him who
had done so much for me.”
In
this verse, we read of Moses asking God to let Him in on the plans which God had
for his life. Like Hudson Taylor, Moses wanted to serve God. God had chosen
Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt where they were slaves. God had chosen
Hudson to lead the Chinese people out of another kind of slavery, the slavery to
the sinful life. God wanted both men to lead His people.
But
Moses was unsure of God’s plans. He didn’t know how God was going to help
him deliver the Israelites out of Egypt, or who He would be sending to help him.
Many of us are like Moses, we don’t want to do things God’s way because
we’re so usually mess them up. The lesson we must learn is not to do things
our way, but to seek God’s will for our life and do it His way. God’s way is
the best way. It was God’s way that delivered the Israelites from Egypt. It
was God’s way that helped Taylor minister to the Chinese people.
Hudson
Taylor died in China on June 3, 1905. Among his last words were: “God is
great, and we should trust Him fully.” Ley’s learn from Moses and Hudson
Taylor to take things at God’s pace!
Joel Hutchinson
The
Precious Word of God’
“And that from a child thou hast known the Holy
Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which
is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine , for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all
good works” 2nd Tim Ch 3
v15/17.
We cannot do without the Word of God. Neglect it at our peril. The psalmist said, Blessed, and happy is the man whose delight is in the word of God. He shall be like a tree planted by the river of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season, his leaf also shall not wither and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. What a blessed position and what a result. The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind bloweth away.
First I see from these three verses that it is the Word of God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” The Bible is a unique book, different from any other book that has ever been written. When we read the Bible we are getting in touch with the thoughts of God and we are enabling God to speak to us. When this is so how necessary it is that we should read it and study it . What a mistake to neglect in our lives the one book in which God has given us a revelation of Himself. If we are to be strong, happy and useful Christians, we must study and know the Bible. There is a story told of a man who sold Bibles in the Market place and had these words on his stall. “The devil trembles when he sees Bibles sold as cheap as these” An no wonder, for the Bible is the sword of the Spirit. The Old Testament was the Word of God which our Lord Himself used as His one weapon in temptation in the wilderness.
Second,
this Word is the wisdom of God. “Which
are able to make thee wise”
I am glad that a Christian need not be foolish. There are plenty of fools in the world, without our adding to their number. The Christian can be wise, although the world may not count him so, but the world is not right, and there is a big difference between being a fool and seeming to be one. There was a young man from Scotland who went out to a very remote part of the world and bought a farm of land. Everybody said, how foolish, the land is bare and barren and for nothing. But is a few short years a silver mine was in operation and when he returned to Scotland he was hailed a the ‘Silver King’ He was not the fool that people thought. Being a fool, or a seeming one are two different things. No doubt Noah was considered a fool in his day when he built the Ark on dry land with no chance of launching it into the sea. But he was a wise man, why, for he acted on the work that God had given to him. What does it matter what the world says or thinks of us , God’s word is able to make us wise, with a wisdom that is eternal. Science is continually changing its views, the wisdom of man lasts but for a few years, when new theories take over, so much so, that a great American scientist said, “we do not know a millionth part of one per cent about anything” What a shame. But in
the Bible we have a wisdom that is from above, a revelation from God that is able to give us a wisdom that will stand for ever.
Third. This Word shows us the way to God. “unto Salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” We would never have discovered the Way to God except from this precious book. Human knowledge would never have known God’s plan, but the moment we begin to read this book we discover that salvation is through faith in the Lord Jesus. What a discovery that is, a living vital faith in the Person that this book reveals. Faith is not merely believing what God has said, but venturing out on His Word and acting on it. There is nothing in nature that could have
Forth. This Word teaches us the Will of God. “Profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect” How much we learn when we read the Word of God. It is very difficult and hard work to be efficient with this study. The devil will make sure we have a hundred reason to stay away from it, but we must spend time in it if we are to know His will and be effective for The Master. Spurgeon said, “I would as soon expect to grow prize roses in my coal bunker, as to see a man become holy who neglects the Word of God. It was our Lord Himself who said, “Sanctify them through Thy Truth, The Word is truth” In the busy rush of life we neglect this book and life can never be holy apart from spending time daily with our Lord and reading His Word. As we read, we shall learn the will of God, we will receive instruction and correction, and lay hold of the promises of God, which will enable us to live to His glory.
Finally. This word fits us for the work of God. “Throughly furnished unto all good works” A Christian worker must know his Bible. We must appropriate the truth to ourselves first before we can impart it to others. How can we point men and woman to Christ if we ourselves are not acquainted with the word of God. While some other books inform and some even reform but this one book will transform. This great book is carrying light and salvation wherever its message is made known. The world may burn it, many ridicule and criticise it but they can never remove the light of God from the lives of God’s dear people.
The miracles wrought by this word are the most thrilling stories ever recorded in the pages of history. Let me tell you of one. One day on the steps of St’ Thomas’s hospital, London there lay what appeared to be a bundle of rags. It was picked up by a nurse and within the rags she found a little baby boy. He seemed to belong to nobody and nobody belonged to him so he was taken into the hospital and cared for. He became the little pet of all the nurses but they did not know what to call him. They named him Thomas because he was nourished and cared for there. But a boy must have two names so they called him Bridges because of the two bridges which spanned the river Thames on either side of the hospital. Thomas Bridges grew up to be a sturdy boy and the a fine young man. Best of all he learnt to love his Bible and trust the Saviour who is revealed therein. At that time the famous his Bible and trust the Saviour who is revealed therein. At that time the famous Charles Darwin returned from a visit to Tierra del Fuego and reported that the people of that land were the most degraded and hopeless people in the world, and he declared, “I would rather try to civilize the dogs in the street than those people” Tom Bridges heard
what Darwin had said and he thought to himself. “I know what will uplift and civilize these people. I know of a book that has transformed my life and told me of a Saviour who can save to the uttermost” God called him to this seemingly impossible task. He offered himself as a missionary to Terra del Fuego and was accepted. He went to live and work among the lowest humanity on the face of the earth with one treasured possession – his Bible. The book that fitted him for God’s service and a weapon whereby he could slay the powers of darkness. Twelve years after his first visit Darwin went again to that Land. When he landed he heard a strange sound, it was the call to morning worship ringing through the village, and as he looked he saw little groups of men and woman coming down the valleys to meet in the little Church. Men clothed and living in harmony, gathering to hear the word of God and to worship the God of all grace. God used Tom Bridges, a man with the love of God in his heart and the Word of God in his hand to bring about that miracle. The bible is the Book of Books. Its message will cleanse our hearts, transform our lives and fit us for the work of God. The Psalmist said, Before I was afflicted I went astray but now I keep thy word and give heed to thy statutes. Afflictions come to teach us to turn to and rely on the Word of God. Oh that my life would be governed by the principles of the Word of God and know that my problem and difficulties can all be resolved there.
D. Mitchell
30
Million people but Only One Saviour
It
is now just over a month to when I will be flying out with the rest of the team
to Mexico. This outreach opportunity was organised by the Washbasin in Ahoghill
and is supported by the OMS International missionary society.
A
little about the trip
When
we arrive we will be working alongside missionaries Jonathan and Lupita Morton.
In the first two weeks we will be based mainly at La Loma church in the
Naucalpan region in North West Mexico City. Here a typical day will involve
rising at 6am travelling the short distance from where we are staying to La Loma
church. This journey takes a considerable time because of horrendous rush hour
traffic. On week days we will work each morning helping out and taking part in
Children’s Camps. On Saturdays this takes the form of a Saturday morning
Breakfast Club. This work along with the medical clinic outlines the main
outreach opportunity to the people in this area. These people live in slum areas
of very basic makeshift housing; many children live and sleep on the street and
in some cases even in the very sewers.
Even
though there is real poverty in this area, drugs and alcohol still represent a
huge problem. The work provides for the physical needs of the people for free.
An ungodly man can understand if you want to sell him something, he can
understand if you want to steal from him (although he wont like it), but when
you give him something for nothing it speaks volumes. This demonstrates the love
of Christ in action and is very much at the centre of much of the work in Mexico
City. During the afternoons we will all be involved in a building project again
to aid the people in a practical way, but again costing them nothing. The
details of this project are still being worked on at present.
In
the third week we will be working with the Renaciento church in Acapulco 200
miles from Mexico City. This area is very immoral because of the tourist
industry and has many needs, at present Jonathan Morton is pastoring at this
church.
Thanks
are in order
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Ballee so much for the support which I have received over the past number of weeks. I speak mainly of the terrific amount of prayer support which is so important, but also of the overwhelming financial support given by God’s people toward my missionary trip this summer. This money has far outweighed my expenses for the trip and I will ensure that the remainder will go direct to God’s work in Mexico.
Prayer
needs to consider
Please
continue to remember this endeavour in prayer and specifically please remember
the following:
Jonathan
and Lupita Morton who have an extremely busy schedule
La
Loma Church in Mexico City which has much opposition and gets
taken to court on a weekly basis
Renaciento
church in Acapulco
The
team as we try to get spiritually ready and get the final preparations
in order
Safe
air travel and that luggage allowances will not be closely monitored
Pray
that the pollution and altitude of Mexico City and the extreme heat
of Acapulco will not hinder our work for the Master
Divine
appointments in Mexico
Souls -that many will be brought into the kingdom
Please
contact me by email if you wish to receive information by email while we are out
in Mexico from July 16th to August 7th.
Richard
McCord
Colossians 4v2
Whenever
the Lord calls you to do a work, He really compels you to carry out that work.
The following lines try to explain this thought, and considers some of the works
at Ballee Baptist Church Fellowship. “But be ye doers of the word” James 1 v
22.
Can’t
Let It Go
1. When we take a look inside God’s book a message we’ll receive
As we seek His will, He our hearts will fill, His word we must believe
When He gives to you a work to do, conviction you will know
Other thoughts depart as Gods work you start,
and
you just can’t let it go.
2. When we others reach as God’s word we preach and we try to warn the lost
We want each nation to know salvation, we cannot count the cost,
If we warn unsaved of their soul depraved which brings eternal woe
We really feel a compelling zeal,
And
we just can’t let it go.
3. When in Sunday School to teach God’s rule to children is our aim
Before satan starts to win their heart, and their soul he will claim
Or we give a tract with the greatest fact that ever name can know
This work steadfast will always last,
And
we just can’t let it go.
4. When God’s word goes free by air or sea to lands across the earth
And we take God’s best to east and west to reduce the awful dearth
When of heaven and hell we want to tell in Brazil or Mexico
Or we light God’s lamp in a children’s camp,
We just can’t let it go.
5. So if God wants you his work to do whatever that may be.
He’ll shape your heart right from the start with His Spirit running free
With Him to reign we’ll always gain and joy will freely flow
If His work you do to reach many or few,
And
you just can’t let it go.
Written by Bertie McCord
Brazil Team 2004
On 5th July 2004 at 5.25pm, a team from Ballee Baptist will leave the green fields of Ballymena and travel to Brazil. We will be travelling for about 19 hours – arriving at 1.00pm on 6th July.
For three weeks we will be working alongside Billy and Agnes Jones in Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte in the North East region of Brazil. Our work will be specifically carried out in the Pariaso area, with some time spent in neighbouring areas.
So far our timetable is hectic, with Bible studies, prayer meetings, men’s and ladies meetings, children’s clubs, open airs and visitations throughout the area. Our role during these meetings will vary – and we could be called on at any time to sing or testify. We will be responsible for both meetings on the two Sundays – with Stephen and Noel taking charge of God’s Word both morning and evening. Some of our mornings will be spent carrying out practical work including painting and building while Julie Irons will be working in the local hospital.
This year, for the first, the team will be visiting the local school to assist with assembly, we see this as a great opportunity, as Billy and Agnes will be able to follow-up this work after we leave. This year we have been invited to take part in the local radio programme again and we count this a privilege, as the gospel will be clearly expounded to a wide audience.
Over the past number of weeks we have been meeting as a team for Bible study, prayer and team business. Throughout these times we have known God’s help and we continue to look to Him for wisdom and direction during our time in Brazil.
Throughout
our three weeks in Brazil we will be planting the precious seed of the gospel
into the hearts of the people, it will be watered, and God will bring forth the
harvest in accordance to His will.
We, as a team, would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your financial assistance and we trust that you will continue to uphold us in the place of prayer.
PATIENCE
James 5:9-10
I read about this monk that joined a monastery and took a vow of silence. After the first ten years, his superior called him in and asked him if he had anything to say, but instructed him that he must limit himself to two words. The monk said, “Food bad.” Ten more years went by and the monk was once again called before his superior and asked if he had anything to say, once again reminding him that he must limit what he said to two words. The monk said, “Bed hard.” Another ten years went by and once again he was called before his superior and asked if he had anything to say. The monk said, “I quit.” His superior looked at him and said, “Well, it doesn’t surprise me. All you have done since you’ve been here is complain.”
In these verses we come to the second example of patience in chapter five. In verses 7-11, James gives us three examples of patience:
(Vs.7-8) The patience of the farmer
(Vs.9-10) The patience of the prophets
(Vs.11) The patience of Job
In
(Vs.9-10)
We see the patience of the prophets. James uses the patience of the
prophets to teach us important lessons about complaining. Let’s notice these
two verses.
1. THE BEHAVIOR THAT IS CONSIDERED!
In verse 9, we read, “Grudge not one against another, brethren.” The word “grudge” speaks of complaining and grumbling. The word literally speaks of “sighing” or “groaning” because of undesirable circumstances that the individual suffers. It describes an inner feeling of dissatisfaction that involves a feeling of criticism and faultfinding. In simple words, James is speaking of grumbling or complaining.
It would appear there were some who were complaining and grumbling about the things that were happening in their lives. What was happening in their lives? In verse 10, James spoke of the prophets as “suffering affliction.” The two words in our English Bible are actually one word that comes from a compound word that speaks of suffering that comes from hardship or misfortune.
Throughout the book of James, life was not easy for these believers. Being a Christian had thrust them into many different kinds of trials, hardships, and afflictions. Not all of these believers were taking these hardships patiently. There were some that were complaining and grumbling about what they were going through.
Notice a couple of further details about their complaining.
How
Their Complaining Was Directed
Notice carefully what James says in verse 9, “Grudge not (complain or grumble not) one against another, brethren.” They were venting their feelings against each other; against their brothers and sisters in the Lord.
James Blanchard in his commentary on James describes their conduct: “Here were Christians under sever pressure and beginning to fray at the edges. Soon they would begin to grumble at their circumstances and then, tragically,
they would begin to grumble at their circumstances and then, tragically, start directing their grumbling at each other.
How often when we are under pressure or going through a hard time, we vent our feelings in the direction of people that have nothing to do with what we are going through. A husband snaps his wife’s head off because he has had a hard day a work. The wife jumps down the husband’s throat because she has had a terrible day.
I think of a husband that was talking with a companion at work who was telling him of how he was always taking his wife roses. This husband decided that he would surprise his wife and take her home a dozen roses. When he got home that afternoon, instead of just walking in, he decided that he would ring the doorbell. He thought, “She is really going to be surprise when she opens the door and finds me standing here with these roses.” When the wife opened the door, she went berserk. She screamed out, “This is the last straw. The washing machine broke down this morning; Johnny fell at school and broke his arm, I had to sit in the casualty for three hours, and when I got home the dog had ran riot all over the house. And now, you come home drunk.”
The same idea is found in Hebrews 12:15, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” The writer of Hebrews not only speaks of bitterness troubling the one that is bitter, but others are defiled as well. He is describing how if we are bitter, we often vent our bitterness toward others.
These believers were experiencing and encountering many difficult things. The problem was, some were venting their frustration and irritation towards those who were not responsible.
B. How Their Complaining Was Denounced
James says in verse 9, “Grudge not one against the another, brethren.” The grammatical structure of his words indicates that such grumbling was taking place and must be stopped. James fully understands what they are going through and is not unsympathetic toward their circumstances, but firmly states that venting their feelings toward their brethren cannot be tolerated or allowed. It has to be stopped. It is bad enough that people on the outside are trying to destroy them, but even worse when they engage in behaviour that threatens to destroy their fellowship and relationship with one another.
James is encouraging them and he is seeking to develop their fellowship and protect it from anything that could cause division. He says, “Stop your grumbling against the brethren. They are not the source of your suffering.”
2. THE BEHAVIOR THAT IS CONDEMNED!
James not only denounces their behaviour, but further states that it is a behaviour that will be condemned. He tells them to stop their complaining, “lest ye be condemned.” What do we see in these words?
A. The Judgment That Is Awaiting
The word “condemned” means, “to sentence or judge.” James is reminding them that they are facing a day of judgement. He is referring to the hour when every believer will stand before God and give an account of him or herself
The bible says in Romans 14:12. “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Also, we read in 2 Cor 5 : 10, “For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”.
Each of us will one day stand before the Lord to give an account of our life. The words of James tell us that even our complaining, specifically; how we treat others, will be one of the subjects that will be judged.
I read about a lady that entered a department store and was startled when a band began to play and a dignified executive pinned a rose on her dress and handed her a crisp fifty pound note. She was the stores millionth customer. Television cameras were focused on her and reporters began interviewing. “Tell me,” one asked, “just what did you come her for today?” The lady hesitated for a minute, and then answered, “I’m on my way to the complaint department.”
James reminds us that we are on our way, to a place and a time, when our complaints will be dealt with.
The
judgement That is Approaching.
We read in verse 9, “Behold, the Judge standeth before the door,” The Judge is of course the Lord Himself. He is the only rightful Judge and it is the Lord Himself, the One that knows everything about us, that will do the judging.
James describes the Lord as standing before the door. The picture is of someone standing before a door and getting ready to push open the door and come inside. James is speaking of the impending and imminent return of the Lord. He described the Lord as standing at the door and could come through the door at any moment.
As believers, we should live our lives in light of the Lord’s coming. We should view the nearness of our Lord’s return as if He were standing at the door, ready to come.
We read in Revelation 22:12, “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” The Lord’s coming should be viewed as sure and soon. He will come and may come today. We should also consider the Lord’s coming as both a time of reward and review.
Why should we stop complaining? It is because we will one day be judged for complaining and any day we face that judgment.
3. THE BEHAVIOR THAT IS COMMENDED!
After speaking to these believers directly about their behaviour, James draws their attention to the prophets and their behaviour. James says in verse 10, “Take my brethren, the prophets…for an example.” The word “example” speaks of a model or a pattern. The word “Take” is emphatic, which calls for a definite act on their part. They are to hold before themselves the behaviour of the Old Testament prophets as their model and example. What kind of example or model were they?
A. They
Are A Model Of What To Expect
James speaks of these prophets as those, “who have spoken in the name of the LORD.” These prophets were the communicators of God’s Word. They delivered “What Thus Saith The Lord.” They were men called by God and committed to God.
Yet, they were not immune from suffering. Earlier in the book, the words “suffering affliction” speaks of hardships and misfortune. These were men sold out to God, but their dedication to God did not shelter them from these hardships.
James, as he does throughout the book, reminds them that being a Christian does not sheltered one from hardship. Look at how he began the book? Notice 1:2, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” It is not a case of “if” but “when.”
Just as the prophets suffered, we will suffer. Trials and hardships are to be expected in the life of the believer.
B. They
Are A Model Of How To Endure
James tells us in verse 10 that these prophets faced their suffering with “patience.” verses 7-8 show that that the word “patience” literally speaks of being longsuffering. It speaks of an attitude of self-restraint the enables one to refrain from retaliation in the face of provocation.
Here is the point that James is making. Did the prophets retaliate when persecuted? No! Did they vent out their bottled up frustrations and irritations at fellow prophets or other believers? No! They sailed many a stormy sea and faced many a dark storm, yet they endured them all with patience. Their patience is a model to how we are to face the trials and hardships of life.
A man was walking through a supermarket with a screaming baby in the shopping cart. A woman nearby noticed that time and again the man would calmly say: “Keep calm, Albert. Keep calm, Albert.” Finally, in admiration for the man’s patience as the child continued to wail, the woman walked up to him and said: “Sir, I must commend you for your patience with baby Albert.” To which the man replied, drawing himself up: “Madam, I am Albert!”
As believers we will experience and encounter situations that will test our patience, yet like the prophets we are to endure with patience.
Like the prophets before us, may we be known for our patience.
John Boyd
Are
You On Board - Genesis 6 + 7
The
days we live in are like the days of Noah, the hearts of the people were
extremely hard, Noah preached righteousness to the people throughout his
generation, but what I realized was, that God was interested in Noah and Noah
did what God commanded him to do. There might have been dry land all around but
there was no dry land in Noah’s
life, he gave God first place. Secondly God said to Noah to come on board, God
was already in the ark, God did not say go, God said come. Do we come to God
with all our needs, Noah needed many things when he was on board the ark, he
needed food, it was all provided in the ark, the same way we need spiritual food
from the Word of God, do we come to scriptures each day? The ark also had
protection, there was pitch on the outside and also on the inside, just as we
have the armour to put on each day. Eph 6 v 11 -17. The ark battled against the
elements and was protected, and so the armour of God will protect us and we can
be eternally secure through the Blood of Christ, which cleanses us from all sin.
The waters from the great deep and the waters above the firmament came upon the
earth in judgement, this was the same waters that lifted Noah up in the ark. The
Lord can lift us up when there is dry ground in our lives, if we look to Him to
direct our paths . John 4 v 13. But whosoever drinketh of the waters that I
shall give him, shall never thirst, but the waters that I shall give him shall
be in him, a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Will you come
just like Noah, take the step of faith and come into the good of it?.
Submitted by Brian Moore
Tell
Jesus
When
burdened with a load of care,
Life’s
problems, more than you can bear;
With
trouble round you everywhere’
Tell
Jesus.
When
watching one you love in pain,
And
all you do seems but in vain,
You
feel you’ll crack beneath the strain;
Tell
Jesus.
He’s
not so very far away,
He
walks beside you every day,
Knows
how you feel, hears when you pray,
Tell
Jesus.
When
all alone, with no one near,
He
know your heart, He sees each tear,
O
how He cares for you my dear,
Tell
Jesus.
When
shadows round your poor heart steal,
Your
trembling heart the Lord can feel,
Remember
this, His love is real,
Tell
Jesus.
Jim
Harvey.
Submitted by Sam McMaster
It is with deep regret that we record the home call of Annie McMullan on 30th April 2004 and we commend the whole family circle to the God of all comfort and grace. To son Mervyn and his wife Joan and their daughters Naomi and Joanna, to son Harold and daughter May
This
Is The True God
The Maker of the universe
As Man for man was made a curse;
The claims of law which He had made
Unto the uttermost He paid.
His holy fingers mad the bough
Which grew the thorns that crowned His brow;
The nails which pierced His hands were mined
In secret places He designed.
He made the forest whence there sprung
The tree on which His body hung;
He died upon a cross of wood,
Yet made the hill on which it stood.
The sky that darkened o’er His head
By Him above the earth was spread;
The sun that hid Him his face
By His decree was poised in space.
The spear which spilled His precious blood
Was tempered in the fires of God;
The grave in which His form was laid
Was hewn in rocks His hands had made.
The throne on which He now appears
Was His from everlasting years;
But a new glory crowns His brow,
And every knee to Him shall bow.
**********************************
So
lift up your heart to the heavens;
There’s
a loving and kind Father there
Who
offers release and comfort and peace
In
the silent communion of prayer.
Instead of trying to twist God’s arm, put yourself in His hands
Dates
for your diary
NO
PRAYER MEETING ON TUESDAY 13TH JULY
Sun
25th July am
& pm
Mr Auldwyn Calderwood
Tues
7th September 8:00pm
David Lounge (AWM)
New
Members
The right hand of fellowship was given to
the following believers :
John & Rhonda McCalmont 18/4/04
Alex & Isobel Kinghorn, Ashley & Gillian Cotton, May Rainey 9/5/04
Samuel & Sylvia Millar & Agnes McCalmont 30/5/04
Leonard & Catherine Graham, John Wylie & Sarah Cotton 27/6/04
New
Additions
Geoffrey & Charlotte Anderson on the birth of their daughter Charlotte Martha on 24/5/04.
Richard & Heather Logan on the birth of their daughter Megan Rachel on 20/6/04.