Winter 1997
From the Pastor
I trust, as
you lift this magazine, that while the tree, tinsel, and carols of Christmas may
be gone for another year. ... you still know the abiding presence of the
“Saviour, Christ the Lord”.
May I, on
behalf of the oversight at Ballee Baptist wish all our readers a very happy and
blessed 1997 D.V. For some, the New Year is confronted with a resigned fatalism,
worried about what might be in store, but for the child of God our attitude
should be more in keeping with Paul’s perspective in 1 Cor. 16: 8 & 9.
“But I will
tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is open unto
me, and there are many adversaries.”
The poet
Parkington spoke for most of us when he
I wish
that there were some wonderful place
What might be
the doors of opportunity for us in
1997 D.V.
(a) The Door
of Salvation:- This is open to all who will repent of sin and who will trust and
receive the Lord Jesus Christ as the Saviour from sin. Jn 1: 12 “But as many
as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them
that believe on his name”
Maybe for you
this has been a neglected door, hinges are rusty and corroded because of unuse!
What a resolution for this New Year to
make often, daily use of the door of opportunity into the throne-room of God by
the place of prayer.
“Could a
mariner sit idle if he heard a drowning cry! Could a doctor sit in comfort and
just let his patients die?
Could a
fireman sit idle, let men burn and give no hand?
Could you
sit at ease in Zion with the world around you DAMNED?”
He
is the door to forgiveness He is the door into new life He is the
door to new spiritual power and energy, He is the door into a glorious
future in 1997 of faith, prayer and witnessing, and one day He will be the door
into the eternal home prepared for us.
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COME
UNTO ME
I WILL GIVE YOU REST.
Grant
0’ Lord us erring men
That
brought us first to Calvary
Life
to - day is filled
with fuss
Of
all our joy of thy salvation
Teach
us Lord to number days
Tomorrows
strife is not ours yet
And
as we walk our path unknown
For
every shadow disappears
When
we bring them one by one
And
clearer dawns a brand new day
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CONTENTMENT.
Humility is the mother of contentment,
The deeper your self - abhorrence the easier is self - resignation.
They that deserve nothing should be content with anything.
Bless God for what you have and trust God for what you want.
We must commit our souls to God's keeping and submit ourselves to God's disposing.
We should obey his revealed will and then be resigned to his providential will.
It we cannot bring our condition to our mind we must labour to bring our mind to our condition.
Neither contentment nor discontentment arises from the outward condition but from the inward disposition.
If a man is not content in the state he is in he will not be content in any state he would be in.
ETERNITY.
Look backwards and time was when souls were not,
Look forwards and our souls will be when time shall not.
Who would not deny himself for a time that he may enjoy himself for ever.
What is the world to them that are in the grave where
Our bodies must shortly be or to them that are in eternity
Where our souls must shortly be.
Remember you are at the door of eternity and have other work to do
Than to trifle away time, those hours which you spend,
In your secret room are the golden spots of all your time.
And will have the sweetest influence upon your last hours.
Our life is a passage to eternity it ought to be a meditation of eternity and preparation for eternity.
THE MEANING OF WORSHIP.
To worship is to
Quicken the conscience by
The Holiness of God
Feed the mind with the
Truth of God
Purge the imagination with
The Beauty of God,
Devote the will to
The purpose of God.
by Robert McMaster.
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HEAVEN
Where all is new, and never shall be old
For time is not, nor age, nor slow decay
No dying eyes, no hearts grown strange and cold
All pain, all death, all sighing fled away.
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Text of Letter sent to Pastor and Mrs Kennedy on behalf of the fellowship
Pastor and Mrs Kennedy
17 Ballee Road West
Ballymena BT 42 2JU
28th November 1996
Dear Brother and Sister
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
On behalf of the Assembly of God's people I write to convey to you both our sincere appreciation for all your continued faithful and dedicated service.
Lord's Day 1st December will be your eighth anniversary at Ballee and we thank you for all the Faithful teaching of the Scriptures and preaching of the Gospel. We appreciate that shepherding the flock of God can be a demanding and difficult task but we praise God for all your energy and labour. We realise that demands on your time are multiplied and this can hinder your family life.
Thank you for the blessing you have been to Ballee. Your devotion and high ideals in the service of the Master is an example to us all. We acknowledge our gratitude to the Lord that you have steered the fellowship in away that both reflect your commitment to Biblical truth and displaying a warm pastoral heart .
Please be assured you are in our daily prayers.
May God's richest blessing, His unfailing protection, His divine guidance and wisdom continue to attend your every endeavour for HIM.
Warmly in Christ on behalf of the fellowship
David Mitchell
Sectretary
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"REJO1CE BECAUSE YOUR NAMES ARE WRITTEN 1N HEAVEN"
LUKE 10 V 20.
In Luke Ch 10 the Lord sent forth seventy others in addition to the twelve These had a more limited commission to go from city to city before His final rejection by the people of Galilee. He sent them out two by two for fellowship as He contemplated the problems of the multitudes as sheep without a shepherd. He saw the seventy as lambs among wolves but they were to depend upon HIM and trust in the power of God to sustain them.
These cities tad been blessed by the personal presence of the Lord and whose people had seen His face; heard the wonderful words that proceeded out of His mouth and beheld His mighty acts, yet they turned coldly away and scornfully refused to acknowledge him as King and Lord.
Today Chorazin V 13, is in ruins; Bethsaida is a poor little fishing village - possibly without a Christian. Capernaum V 15, where so much of the Lords work was done, also rejected Him and years ago the remains of that city were discovered.
To refuse to accept the message of One who comes bearing the message of Christ is the same as refusing Him The Lord Jesus said, "He that heareth you heareth me and he that despiseth you despiseth me and lie that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me"' v16, It is a terrible thing to trifle with the message of God. The good word also says " Be not deceived God is not mocked, or whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap)? These words are as true for cities and nations as of individuals.
Then we read of the return of the seventy v 17; they were exuberant, they had experienced a good time in spite of the indifference of many to their message. The lord had given them - power over serpents and power over the enemy that nothing could hurt them. We remember the power Paul had on the Island of Melita in this connection when the snake came out of the fire and caught him by the hand. Paul was able to shake it off without injury, Acts 28 v 3-5. In their jubilation and excitement the seventy heard the Lord re-direct their attention to a far more blessed experience, to the fact that their names are written down in heaven. The knowledge that one is right with God; that our citizenship is in heaven is the experience that far exceeds all other. This is true of all who trust the Lord Jesus Christ for themselves. All such have their names written in the Lamb's Book of life, never to be erased but will remain for all eternity.
In the Christian life and in the life of our Fellowship at Ballee we have much to rejoice in as we see how God cares for us and takes us on day by day One thing however above all other stands supreme - Our names are written in Heaven. What an encouragement if we get tired on the journey. Our names are inscribed on heavens roll with the indelible ink of the precious blood of our Saviour, The Lord Jesus Christ
ASSURANCE Think of the assurance it gives, no matter what happens in this life our future is secure. our seat is reserved for us in heaven.
AUTHORITY. Think of the authority of the giver, this assurance is not the words of a well meaning friend in a time of distress. NO the infallible word of The Lord the God that cannot lie.
ADORATION. These words cannot fail to provoke a response in the heart of the saints that love the Lord. Our hearts swell up in praise and worship for the ONE we love as we think of these words
When we consider the amount of data which is recorded in heaven -
The l3ook of creation - Ps 139 V 16.
The Book of our Sins - Rev 20 V 12.
The Book o four Service - I Cor. ch 4.
The Book of our Sufferings - Ps 56 v8.
the Book of our Security - Rev 21 V 27.
The Book of our Salvation - Luke 10v20.
We praise God our name is there in the Lamb's Book of life. Let our praise and our walk be worthy of Him who has done so much for us and given us what no-one else could ever give
Is your name written there?
In those pages bright and fair.
Is your name written in the Book of Life
lf you want to be up there,
Then down here you must prepare
Or your name won't be in the Book of Life.
Get down on your knees and pray,
You from sin must turn away,
Or your name won't be in the Book of Life,
If you turn to Jesus now
At His feet just humbly bow,
Then your name wilt be in The Book of Life.
David Mitchell
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SEEK YE THE LORD AND HIS STRENGTH. SEEK HIS FACE CONTINUALLY.
I CHRONICLES 16 V 1
The other day I saw a little card with this poem on it, I'd like to share it with you.
I got up early one morning and rushed into the day, I had so much to accomplish that I didn't have time to pray. Problems just tumbled about me and heavier came each task, Why doesn't God help me I wondered he answered You didn't ask. I wanted to see joy and beauty but the day toiled grey and bleak, wondered why God didn't show me, he said "You didn't seek. I tried to come into God's presence,' used all of my keys on the lock; God gently and lovingly chided, "My child you didn't knock. I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day. I had so much to accomplish that "I had to take time to p ray" .
P. McBride.
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My name is written in heaven
Forever indelibly penned.
In the lamb's Book of life it is written,
Forever and ever, amen.
My name is mentioned in heaven.
The accuser gloats when I've failed.
My Saviour says It's been dealt with,
When on the cross was nailed.'
My name will be changed in heaven.
A new name inscribed on my brow.
And throughout the endless ages
I'll say I belong to him now.
Praise God, my name's written in heaven
Never to be erased,
And He who supplied my salvation
shall forever be praised.
Is your name written in heaven?
Do you know that name above all?
That wonderful person of Jesus,
At his feet I implore you to fall.
There's a wonderful name in heaven
Which you may not care for now
But one day soon it will happen,
Every knee everywhere shall bow
The beautiful name of Jesus
Just cannot be ignored.
One day every tongue will confess
That Jesus Christ is Lord.
My name is written in heaven
Hallelujah, Praise God it is true.
By simply trusting in Jesus
You can have your name there too
Jeremy Whann
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LADIES FELLOWSHIP.
The Ladies Fellowship began ifs new seasons work in September with a visit from Margaret Russell from D.C.F. Slides were enjoyed by all of the new D.C. F. home in Newcastle and while time passed by far too quickly we were enthralled by the testimony of another Margaret who was a converted Jehovah's Witness. I think we could have listened another hour to both of them as they spoke of what God had done and was doing in their lives on a personal level as well as in the work of D.C.F.
We had no meeting in October due to the mission but we resumed in November with a visit from Tony Wallace from A.T.M. Again a good time was had by all ladies as they listened to Tony and saw through a slide presentation of the work of A.I.M.
There have been many visitors to the church from June and may I take this opportunity to welcome any new ladies that have joined us in the past few months and may I also encourage any other ladies who are thinking of joining us to come and meet with us in January 1997 as we look forward to a visit from the ladies of Lanntara Baptist It is a wonderful opportunity not only to broaden our missionary vision but to meet and mix with other ladies of the fellowship over a cup of tea and enjoy a chat.
Our prayer meetings have continued as usual throughout the season and again it is encouraging to see some new faces. As always there is room for more! Please plan to attend if at all possible as the meeting is always a great source of blessing to those who are faithful. It is always encouraging to hear periodically a new voice raised in prayer.
May I take this opportunity to wish all our ladies a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year and we look forward to seeing you all in 1997
Lesley Kennedy.
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SHAMGAR had an OXGOAD,
DAVID had a SLING,
DORCAS had a NEEDLE,
RAHAB had some STRING,
SAMSON had a JAW BONE,
AARON had a ROD,
MARY had some OINTMENT,
ALL WERE USED FOR GOD
SUBMITTED BY R.L. CAMERON
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KEEP WORKING FOR THE LORD: THE PAY ISN'T MUCH, BUT THE RETIREMENT PLAN
IS OUT OF THIS WORLD.
Nobody ever graduates from Bible study until they meet the author face to face
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THE GIFT
The Bible teaches that
God loves EVERYONE and wants hen to have a personal relationship with Him. But everyone is separated from God and all His love. Mankind is separated because of SIN. Sin is basically living for yourself and not for God. People try to "bridge the gap of separation by living a good life, going to church, all these lead to certain judgment.
This Christmas time why not solve this problem and admit to God that you have been living in rebellion to Him, turn away from your selfish ways and trust that Jesus Christ has "bridged the gap of separation by His death on the cross. He did this because of Gods love for you.
If you realize that you have sinned, lien you can pray to God, which simply means talking to God, and agree that you have sinned and that you want to serve God for the rest of your life. You can be assured this Christmas time if you put your Inst in Jesus, repent of sin, He will forgive. As well as forgiveness you will have received the gift of eternal life. What gift will you give my Saviour?
Albert Moore
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WANTED A WORKER.
So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them -2 Chron. 24 v 13.
God never goes to the lazy or the idle when He needs men for His service. When God wants a worker, He calls for a worker, when he has work to be done, He goes to those who are already working. When God wants a great servant, He calls a busy person, one whom most would consider no time doing any more.
Moses was busy with his flocks at Horeb.
Gideon was busy threshing wheat by the press.
Saul was busy searching for his fathers lost beasts
David was busy caring for his fathers sheep.
Elisha was busy ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen.
Amos was busy following the flock.
Nehemiah was busy bearing the Kings cup
Peter was busy casting a net into the sea.
John was busy mending his fishing nets.
Matthew was busy collecting taxes.
Saul was busy persecuting the feeble church.
William Carey was busy mending shoes.
Livingstone was busy at a weavers loon.
by Golden Grain Almanac.
SUBMITTED BY W. NESBITT.
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TO TRUST IN?
When I sit alone at night and pray, and think on all the things to say.
I thank the Lord for being true, and showing me just what to do.
So if you have a troubled mind, speak out your prayers to the Lord Divine, for,
He alone can help you through, and, just like me he can help you too.
So remember to trust in ? THE LORD OUR SAVIOUR.
STRENGTH IS GAINED THROUGH PRAYER.
Bob Dwyer.
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Amazing Grace
My name is Stewart Megaw. I was born on 3rd February 1966, the fourth of six children. I was brought up to go to church and Sunday School but due to my lack of interest I can't remember much of what was said or taught I just didn't show any interest.
My Father died when I was ten and my Mother struggled to bring us up going to work and looking after s ix children wasn't very easy for her, and I was no great help, but Praise be to God we were always well clothed, well feed and always loved.
I attended Buick Memorial Primary and Cullybackey High School and my attitude was the same as Church and Sunday School. I remember more about the fights I had at school than what I was taught. While still at school I worked part-time in an electrical shop on Mill Street, Ballymena. I started to take calculators from the shop to sell them on
After leaving school I got a job in Beggs and Partners. Thankfully my stealing never progressed. My relationship with my brothers was never great and I seemed to be fighting with them quite a lot. Since starting in Beggs and Partners, I started too get into the things of the world more. I started smoking, drinking and many others things I wouldn't want to mention, and my Church attending declined. When I was about 18 I started keeping different company and my drinking just got worse. I started riding motor hikes, but due to my drinking habits I soon was spending all my money on alcohol. When drinking heavily I fought a lot - with friends, brothers anyone. My Mother never knew when she would see me next, or what shape I would be in when she did. At work I wasn't very happy, and by the age of 24 my drinking habit had expanded to7 nights a week. (sad to say).
In 1991, Jill Harkness got a job in Beggs and Partners. I did not know she was a Christian but she always had a smile when we met and she always made me smile. Two years later on 13th May 1993 I asked Jill out and she accepted. Jill was different in her ways, in that she didn't go to the pubs and clubs as I did. I started drinking less as I was seeing Jill most nights. So it was a good change for me, because other girl friends had just went to the pubs with me. Jill talked tome about God and her faith. It interested me, but didn't seem to move me until one Monday night 2nd August 1993. I came home from the pub sober. I was in bed before twelve but just couldn't get to sleep. So in the early hours of 3rd August 1993 I got out of bed and got down on my knees and asked The Lord Jesus Christ into my heart, and just then I felt a huge burden lifted from off my shoulders. I knew I was saved from hell and all my sins. (Praise God.) When I saw Jill on the Friday night I told her that I had got saved and we both cried tears of joy. Jill parents. Sid and Pearl rejoiced and shed tears also when they heard.
Now Satan wasn't letting me go easy- giving up the drink was no problem at all, but I was still smoking, not openly as before but sneaking around corners and at night. I knew it was wong but I just could not stop, not on my own anyway. By praying to God for help He gave me the strength and helped me stop. Luke Ch lv 37 brought encouragement " For with God nothing shall be impossible".
Shortly after getting saved I left Beggs & Partners and I thank God for providing me with new employment. The Lord has blessed me in so many way by saving Neil, Jills brother also my brother George has returned to the lord and many more people I know have got saved. He has given me a new life and something worth living for.
May all the Praise and Glory be to God
AMEN
Amazing Grace how sweet the sound,
that saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost but now I'm found,
Was blind but now I see.
Stewart Megaw
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YOUNG PEOPLES FELLOWSHIP REPORT.
On the 22nd September we had a visit from Agnes Jones, one of our own missionaries in Brazil. Agnes was home for the birth of her second child, but she still accepted an invitation to come and share with us a little of her new life with husband Billy and daughter Sarah-Jane in Brazil.
The annual Feba Radio Sponsored ten-Pin blowing Competition was held in Ballymena Sportsbowl on Saturday 5th October. The total amount raised was three hundred and fifty three pounds. Our congratulations to Bill Cull for winning the competition two years in a row.
After having a little rest from the bowling, we had to cope with the Bankhead Duet on the 6th October. Ivan and Barbara this time brought to us the subject of television. Through the discussion we came to realise how much of a hold the television set had on our lives.
A great night was had by all on Saturday I 9th October at our Youth Rally The speaker on the occasion was Ivan Thompson and the musical items were handled by our own Young People. Praise can only go to God for the wonderful night we had. Thankss to everyone who helped in anyway with the Youth Rally.
From one Belfast man to another, of course we could not see the mission pass and not have a word from Uel. Indeed a very challenging message was brought, but unfortunately due to a heavy cold Uel had to leave early.
The 3rd November was a very relaxed meeting, as we put together a tape which would be sent to the missionaries connected with the church. The later part of the evening was spent learning a number of new choruses.
Sun 1st December saw the last meeting of the season end. As the first one began with discussion groups. The topic on this occasion was "Making Time .
THE CHOIR.
Only one word would describe the choir in the past four months, HECTIC .
the first engagement was on the 20th September at an Acre Prayer Meeting in the home of Tom and Francis Smith. It was then to Lame Mission Hall hr the last night of their mission on the 29th S eptember.
October, saw us singing twice at BaIIee. Saturday 19th October at the Youth Rally and Sunday 27th on the last night of the mission.
Hill Street Baptist invited us to take charge of their Youth Fellowship on Saturday 9th November. A great night of fun and fellowship was had by all.
Due to the frosty conditions a cautious journey was made to Glenarm Baptist on 17th November as we were singing at their gospel service.
At the time of writing we are looking forward to singing both, to the old folk of the fellowship and those of orangemore Residential home. We also hope to have an enjoyable night on the 21st December at our Christmas Dinner in Hazelbank
As 1996 draws to a close, we would like to thank the oversight and fellowship for all their players and support over the past year.
We hope you all had a blessed Christmas and wish you God's richest blessing for 1997
NEIL HARKNESS
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THE CHRISTIAN LIFE UNDER CAPITAL "L".
LOVING - "We love Him because He first loved us I John 4 v 19.
LIVING - "We live unto Him which died and rose again 2 Cor. 5 v 15
LOOKING - "We look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ Phil. 3 V 20
LONGING "We long for Him even so come Lord Jesus Rev 22 v 20
Submitted by David Mitchell.
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SPECIAL DATES
Monday 6th Friday 10th January 997 Week of Prayer 8:00pm.
Friday 3 1st January. 8:00pm WaIler Burrell (Cork)
Sunday 2nd February. 1130am & 6:30 Pastor Alan Hoey (Lame Mission Hall)
Friday 7th February 8:00pm-Mr. Frank Eberhardt (U.S.A.) Former trainee R.C. Priest.
Thursday 13th February 730 pm Annual General Meeting (Members only)
Sunday 23rd February 11:30am & 6:30pm Pastor Victor Maxwell (Brazil Acre)
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Missionary Weekend.
Friday 28th February 8:00pm Brian McFarland (Slavic Gospel Assoc.)
Saturday 1st March 8:00pm Roy Gamble (S.l.M.)
Sunday 2nd March 11:30am & 6:30pm Trevor Morrow (Baptist Missions)
Tuesday 4th March 8.00pm. Billy Swami (D.C M - Dublin)
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Guest Singers.
Jan 97. Feb. 97
5th Jean Lucas 2nd Jonathan Logan
12th Heather Campbell 9th Stauros Foundation
19th Elizabeth Steele 16th Ballymena Gospel M.V. Choir
26th Mr. & Mrs. Matchett. 23rd Testimony Meeting
28th Redemption Male Quartet
Mar 97
1st Ballee Youth Fellowship Choir
2nd Margaret Herron
9th Anna Irons
16th Hugh Moore
23rd Beverly Murray
30th Amy Roberts
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New Members.
The follwing believers were brought into fellowship on Sunday 24th october 1 996:
MrsWray, Bob & Sadie Dwyer, Elaine Elder.
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Congratulations
To Fergie & Ann Mc Kelvey on the birth of their son Andrew James. 2\l 2\96
To Paul & Suzanne Dickson on the birth of their daughter Karys. 3\l2\96
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