Winter 1986

FROM PASTOR GEOFFREY WARD

Dear Friends,

Greetings in the Saviour’s Precious Name.

Another year has come and gone so quickly. Many have remarked to me recently about the swiftness of the passing of time. How right James [4 v 14] was when he said, “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

As we look back over 1985 we, who are the people of God, can always praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy towards us. But as we look at the world in which we live it certainly has not got any better in the past year. Many terrible things happened in 1985. There were terrible air disasters; there was a terrible earthquake in Mexico; the terrible volcanic eruption of Africa; there is the unrest in South Africa; the riots of the street of British cities; and of course we are never forgetful of the troubles in our own beloved Ulster. What a world! What a mess!

As we enter into this new year of 1986, what can you and I as Christians do to make this world a better place? What does the Lord Jesus Christ want us to do?

In the Sermon on the Mount Christ explained to His disciples that they were the light of the world, “Ye are the light of the world”  Matthew 5 v 14. The purpose of a light is to shine in the darkness. This is what Christ wants you and me to do; “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father Which is in Heaven”  [Matthew 5 v 16].

In the Bible Class we have been going through the Book of Revelation. In chapter 14 John saw a Lamb standing upon Mount Sion. He also saw with the Lamb an 144,000 having His Father’s Name written in their foreheads. He saw the REDEEMER and REMNANT. This remnant of God’s people were singing, “And they sung as it were a new song of Heaven on earth” [Revelation 14 v 3]. They were singing a new song. They were singing the new song of Heaven. They are singing the new song of Heaven on earth. The new song is, of course as elsewhere, the song of Redemption. This remnant of God’s people is bringing something of Heaven to earth. I wonder how we measure up to this standard? If we in our lives can bring a little bit of Heaven to earth then we will be doing something that is worth while. We live in a dark and sinful world; let us bring a little bit of Heaven to earth.

How can we bring Heaven to earth?

[1]        By loving one another more. It’s easy to find fault, it’s so easy to criticise, it’s so easy to let bitterness build up within you. Dear Friends, let’s put these things away from us and have more love and compassion for one another.

[2]        By letting the joy of the Lord fill our souls. Heaven is a place of happiness. Let’s bring this happiness with us wherever we go.

[3]            “Peace”. When our Saviour came into this world He brought peace. The Heavenly choir sang, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men”.

[4]        “Christ”. The Lord Jesus Christ is in Heaven. It is His presence that makes Heaven the place it is. But He is also living in you and me by His Spirit. This world needs to see Christ in me. If is does it will be a little bit better for it.

As we enter into 1986 let your light shine and may we all bring a little bit of Heaven into this dark world of sin.

Every blessing for 1986.

oOo

PEACE BEGINS IN THE HOME AND IN THE HEART

Adeline Larkin

Peace is not something you fight for

With bombs and missiles that kill,

Nor can it be won in a “Battle of words”

Man fashions by scheming and skill …

For men who are greedy and warlike,

Whose avarice for power cannot cease,

Can never contribute in helping

To bring this world nearer to peace …

For in seeking Peace for all People

There is only one place to begin -

And this is in each Home and Heart -

For the Fortress of Peace is within!

“Peace I leave with you,

My peace I give unto you;

Not as the world giveth

Give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled

Neither let is be afraid”

John 14 v 27

oOo

THE NINETY AND NINE

Joan Shaw

There are ninety and nine that safely lie

In the shelter of the fold.

While millions are left outside to die

For the ninety and nine are cold.

Away in sin’s delusive snare,

Hastening to death and deep despair,

Hastening to death, and none to care.

“Lord, Thou hast here Thy well-fed sheep.

Are they not enough for Thee?”

But the Shepherd made answer “Millions sleep

On the brink of Eternity,

And these of My sheep within the fold

Care not for the dying in sin’s strong hold,

Care not for the dying outside the fold”.

But none of the ransomed ever knew

How the heart of the Shepherd did yearn,

Not the travail of soul that He passed through

For His sheep without concern.

For no other way had He to reach

The millions of earth, His way to teach,

The millions of earth except through each.

Oh, ninety and nine dost thou hear His voice,

Forth then to the work so great.

Beyond life’s span there is no choice

For those outside the gate.

If they’re brought at all it must be now.

Then ninety and nine don’t question how

“Oh, sheep of mine go quickly thou.”

Then all through the Churches apostate riven

And up from the world’s rough steep,

There’ll arise a glad cry to the gate of Heaven,

“Rejoice, I am finding My sheep”.

And the angels shall echo it round the throne,

“Rejoice for the dying the way are shown,

Rejoice for the Lord brings back His own!”

oOo

LADIES’ FELLOWSHIP

Mrs F Smyth

Our title is all that it intimates - fellowship together with the ladies and most of all fellowship with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. September was a trying time for our family when my brother lay dangerously ill, but as we prayed we experienced something of the fellowship of God’s people labouring together in prayer. Much has been accomplished since then but much has still to be done. Please pray on.

September 11^th was the occasion of Mrs Carol Herron’s visit from UFM when she spoke of the different valleys we may pass through, and we still all pass through valleys sometime. We need not go alone; our Lord can undertake even in the deepest valley. Mrs Ward was our speaker on 25^th September and Matthew 6 v 24-34 was our reading, particular attention being drawn to the phrase “your Heavenly Father knoweth”. When we considered just what He knows we were much encouraged and blessed. He Who cares for the sparrow cares far more for His children.

We had a visit from Mrs Audrey Maxwell, ACRE Gospel Mission, on October 9^th when she spoke of the work and showed slides. October 23^rd was taken by Mrs Penney. Then on November 13^th we had the ladies of Monkstown to visit when we had a varied programme. Our speaker on this occasion was Mrs Campbell who spoke of a busy day in the life of Christ and His example in prayer from Mark 1. Mrs Simpson led our prayer time on 27^th November when we were once again touched by the sincerity of the message and the humility of the speaker.

II Chronicles 7 v 14 says, “If My people which are called by My Name shall humble themselves and pray and seek My Face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land”. Can you see a positive note in this verse on God’s part? We must be positive on our part. If you don’t already come to our fellowship and prayer times, can I give you a hearty invitation. Come and know something of our fellowship together in Christ.

oOo

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SAVED?

Diane Alexander

To be saved in Jesus Christ is a life-changing experience, for we who were dead in trespasses and sins were made spiritually alive in Christ. When we receive new life in Christ, behold old things are passed away and all things become new. If we receive new life in the Lord, it not only makes a difference in our witnessing, but it makes a change in our living.

The message of the Gospel does not spoil our lives; it saves our lives; it does not take away our liberty; it sets us free!

When we hear the words “Prepare to meet they God”, does it not let us know there is only one way to prepare? II Timothy 2 v 5 says, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus… but the cry of our hearts is …

“Oh  where shall peace be found? - The Scripture’s answer … He is our peace.

“How can we be assured of life? - The Lord answers … “I am the Life”.

But still we walk on in darkness. Let us remember that the things which the Lord has provided are for those who will receive them. What advantage would it be if the Lamb of God took all the sins of the world away except YOURS? Hebrews 7 v 25 says; “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” When Jesus died He not only died for you, He died for all. His death at Calvary was even for the most vile offensive person. In the light of this do our lives bring glory to God? Do others rejoice in our evidence of the ‘Christ-life’ in us? Are we the only ones who deserve this knowledge? Was His death for any such person? NO! His death was for everyone, even the wickedest of sinners. Luke 19 v 10 says, “For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost”.  Romans 5 v 8 says: “But God commendeth His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”. Psalm 100 v 3 says “Know ye that the Lord, He is God; it is He that hath made us and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture”.

When Jesus whispers softly

“Come unto Me today”

I wonder will your heart respond,

Will you His voice obey?

He took my place and suffered so

That I might live anew.

I can’t refuse His love for me,

And let me ask CAN YOU?

oOo

THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP

Adeline Larkin

Friendship is a priceless gift

That cannot be bought or sold,

But its value is far greater

Than a mountain made of gold -

For gold is cold and lifeless,

It can neither see nor hear,

And in the time of trouble

It is powerless to cheer -

It has no ears to listen,

No heart to understand,

It cannot bring you comfort

Or reach out a helping hand -

So when you ask God for a gift,

Be thankful if He sends

Not diamonds, pearls or riches,

But the love of real true friends.

[Ecclesiastes 4 v 9-10]

oOo

SPEAKING PERSONALLY … BARBARA BANKHEAD

“My grace is sufficient for thee”  II Corinthians 12 v 9

I was not brought up in a Christian home although I was sent regularly to Sunday School as a child.

Just over four years ago, I sought the Lord’s help to cope with the problems I was facing at that particular time. It had become increasingly obvious to me that to try to come through the various trials of this life alone was impossible. I had seen people resort to other means, such as alcohol, and drugs like Valium, and they had failed miserably.

There is no particular date that I can say I got saved. In fact I prayed the same prayer on quite a few occasions, at times in despair as to why I was not feeling any different after asking the Lord to come into my heart and to forgive me for my sins. Initially I did not confess my faith. My idea of a Christian was one who was a perfect example and I knew that that wasn’t me; I felt I would be letting God down. It was only when my sister announced that she had got saved, in the summer of 1982, that I came forward and said that I too was saved.

I wasn’t connected to any Church at this time but God provided me with the help I needed to grow in faith through a friend at work. Gradually I came to realise that my life was changing, my prayers were being answered. When I experienced that power of God’s Spirit working in my life I felt very excited. I had prayed that my husband would get saved and that we could belong to a Church as a family [something we had never done]. It all happened quicker than I could have dreamt possible.

I still make the mistake of worrying about situations, but praise God now I can take my worries and leave them with Him. I have the comforting assurance that the Lord answers prayer and whatever may happen in my life is under His control. When I consider the love I have for my children and how precious they are to me, I realise how much God must have loved me to have allowed His Son to suffer and die for my sins.

There’s a peace in my heart that the world never gave

A peace it cannot take away

Though the trials of life may surround like a cloud

I’ve a peace that has come there to stay.

oOo

YOUNG PEOPLE’S FELLOWSHIP

Martin Campbell

Ecclesiastes 12 v 1

Since the writing of the last report the discussion planned for 21^st October has passed. We had a really good turnout at this meeting and everyone there took part in the discussion. We were so pleased with the way the meeting went and such a good time of fellowship was had by all those present that another meeting has been planned for the New Year DV.

On November 16^th we held our Youth for Christ Rally in the Church. The speakers at this meeting were the Mayor of Ballymena, Alderman Sandy Spence, who spoke on “Why the youth of today needs Christ”, and the Rev. Tom Shaw from Ballycraigy. The singers were the Abbott’s Cross Choir. Again we had a really good turnout at this meeting and again a blessed time of fellowship was had together in the presence of God. On Monday following this meeting we had our quiz where a team of young people from the Young People’s  Fellowship battled it out against a team of not so young people from the Church. After a very close contest indeed the team from Church just managed to scrape through at the finish, but as an unbiased observer I have to say the best team lost!

Dates to remember for the New Year are January 13^th, film called “The Shepherd”. This film comes highly recommended and we would encourage all the young people to come along and bring an unsaved friend with them. January 27^th, visit to Dunsevrick. Again we would like to see as many young people as possible at this meeting. February 3^rd will take the form of a discussion, the topic of which has not yet been decided. March 10^th, Pastor Chambers from Hill Street Baptist will take the meeting. March 24^th, we will have a visit from the Grange Baptist YPF. All the dates are made subject to the Will of the Lord and we would ask you to remember these meetings in your prayers.

oOo

MISSIONARY NEWS

Desmond Shaw

He was not willing that any should perish ………. Am I?

It is my great privilege once again to be able to share with you some news from the different “Missions Fields” of the world. Some of this news is good news, encouraging us to pray on; some which should give us a burden to pray more for God’s servants struggling under much opposition and with very little to encourage them - let us not fail them.

Can I first of all share with you a little snippet from a missionary letter from SIM. It really struck me as I read through it;

“A speaker at a recent SIM gathering drew attention to the centrality of the Cross in Christian mission. “If you understand the Cross,” he said, “you understand Mission.” Drawing from Isaiah 52, 53 and 54 he showed that between the messenger of good tidings publishing salvation [Isaiah 52 v 7-8] and the command to lengthen the cords and strengthen the stakes [Isaiah 54 v 2] there stands the amazing truth of One Who was led as a Lamb to the slaughter and Who bore the sins of many [Isaiah 53]. As we enter into a deeper understanding of Isaiah 53 the implications begin to dawn on us. In Christ we are made free but are not free to opt out of outreach to others. Another implication is that we are not free to side-step the message of the Cross. Today’s missionary may find himself far removed from a pulpit. Nevertheless the message of the Cross burns in his heart and in his daily contacts, meeting human physical need. He will be looking for the right work and the right moment to speak of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I think this should be so of us.”

I had a lovely letter from our brother Walter Burrell saying how much he had enjoyed the meeting in the Church. He wrote “It was like awaking to a new morning after the visit to the Church; it has really refreshed my confidence in Christ to keep going on.” He says a big thank you for the gift he received.

I had letter from our dear friends James and Dorrie Gunning from AGM. They have settled into their new sphere of service. They have been able to buy a house and James is doing some necessary alterations. They went primarily to help Pastor John Marinho and his wife in seeking to evangelise his large family in the North East of Brazil. Sadly John Marinho’s wife was called home suddenly a few weeks ago; remember him in your prayers; also the other ACRE workers.

There are so many prayer letters from different missionaries all bringing their own challenge that I hardly know just what to write. Slavic Gospel Association has an ever increasing message of rebuke and challenge to my own life. One paragraph states -“Eastern European Christians know what it is to be ‘in the boat with Jesus’“. The situation in communist countries is such that no-one can be hovering between the shore and the ship. When a person becomes a believer he knows what this step is going to cost him. Total commitment to God and His work means persecution, harassment, sometimes loss of job or for a young person denial of higher education. But Christians in Eastern Europe give that total commitment despite the many pressures.

Remember our brother Rev. John Doherty labouring for Christ in England [Northern Counties]; recently he had equipment stolen up to the value of £1000, yet this dear brother seeks to ‘press on’. His wife, Cathy, is much better now and hopes to return home soon.

Remember our ‘own missionaries’, doing a worthwhile job here in the homeland - Sam and Anna Irons at Sandes Home, Palace Barracks, Holywood, faithfully and lovingly labouring amongst these soldier lads seeking to win them for Christ. James and Audrey McKeown, SGM, doing a great work distributing the Word of God here, there and yonder - let us not fail them.

Thanks again for your continued generous giving.

oOo

NOTICE BOARD

WEEK OF PRAYER

The dates set aside for our week of prayer this year are Monday 6^th - Friday 10^th January.

WHY PRAY?

God declares it - Luke 18 v 1, Psalm 27

Growth demands it - James 4 v 2

THE RESULT

God answers it!

Join us as we seek together to do real business with God - in prayer.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The date of our annual business meeting this year is Monday 10^th February. Members keep this date free and plan to attend.

MISSIONARY WEEKEND

This year again we plan to have our annual missionary weekend on the last weekend in February 23^rd - 25^th. Those expected to take part are:

Sunday - Mr & Mrs Tom Geddis [ACRE]

Monday - Joe & Ruby Black [OMS]

Tuesday - Vera Smyth [IEB]

Make a date with us and pray that God will indeed bless our weekend together.

BIBLE READINGS

God willing we plan to have a week of Bible Readings 16^th - 23^rd March.

Speaker - Mr Ivan Thompson, Belfast

Subject - To be announced

Pray for our brother as he travels and that God will visit us with His blessing.

BAPTISMAL SERVICE

On Sunday 24^th November 1985, upon confession of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, the following persons were baptised:

Lilly Graham, William Knowles, Paul Dickson, Mervyn McMullan and Alan Hoey.

NEW MEMBERS

Since our last magazine Mr & Mrs Sid Harkness have been received into fellowship.

FROM THE EDITOR

We would like to thank those who took the trouble to respond to our announcement regarding items for the magazine. It makes the job of compiling the magazine more interesting - so if you have any item, no matter how small or large, don’t hesitate to pass it on. [Stephen and Linda Irons].

SPECIAL MEETING

By now I am sure all of you know that our young brother Geoffrey McGrath has felt the call of God to full time service and has been accepted by the New Tribes Mission Bible College in Matlock, Derbyshire. A special service will be held DV on Tuesday 14^th January to say farewell [meantime] to our brother and assure him of our support as he steps out in faith to seek the Lord’s will in this field. Plan to attend and encourage him by your presence.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

SINGERS EXPECTED

            January

 5^th        Mrs Jean Wilson

12^th       Alan and Connie Foster

19^th       Mrs Joan Herron

26^th       The Warwick Sisters

            February

 2^nd            Margaret Herron

 9^th            Ballymena Gospel Choir

16^th       Robert and Margaret McMaster

23^rd       Mrs Elizabeth Alexander

            March

 2^nd       Mr Charles Steede

 9^th        Helen and Sandra

16^th       Mr Tom Laverty

23^rd       Mrs Irene Bradley

30^th            Women’s Fellowship Choir

ooOoo

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