Winter 2005

FROM THE PASTOR

The first thing that I must do is to wish all our Fellowship and readers a very blessed and peaceful New Year.

Probably you have been saying those words regularly over these past weeks so much that it becomes just a standard form of greeting. But as we enter a New Year with all its stresses, fears and uncertainties we can praise God that as Christians, we serve One who knows what 2005 will bring for us, and has promised to see us through even unto the end of the journey of life. 

The Psalmist said in Psalm 35:18

“I will give thanks in the great congregation: I will praise Thee among much people.”

You can be sure that the Bible encourages and indeed commands the people of God to give thanks to our blessed and glorious Lord. There is something about the grateful heart that brings pleasure and satisfaction to the heart of the Holy and Righteous God of Heaven. 1st Thess. 5:18 indicates that it is clearly the will of God that His chosen people give much thanks unto Him.

Today so many people want to grumble, groan, moan and gripe instead of giving thanks to God for what He has already given to them…Forgiveness, salvation, peace, joy, purpose, adoption, .. the list is almost endless! Rendering thanks to God is not to be an occasional act of God’s people, but rather a way of life.

But why is it so important that we give thanks unto the Lord?

1. It Pleases the Lord (1Thess.5:18)

The practice of giving thanks to the Lord is clearly His divine will. Rest assured that God is pleased when we do what He desires with regard to any matter. A look at 1Sam.15:22 would indicate that obedience and faithfulness to His Word bring more delight to the heart of God than the routine of sacrifice.

2. It Proclaims our Gratitude

You will remember the incident in Luke 17, when the Lord Jesus cleansed the ten lepers, but only one of them returned to thank the Lord for the miracle of his cleansing. We condemn the lepers, but they had family they had not been able to visit during their illness, business and work that had been abandoned when they were first diagnosed, to get up and going again, they had 2:10; possibly 20 years to catch up with. I am not condoning the lack of thankfulness, but I am wondering if the percentage of 10% thankful is any better among God’s people today?

3. It Provokes Others

I do not mean “provoke” in a bad sense. Heb.10:24 says we are to consider one another and to provoke one another to love and good works. The word “provoke” in this verse has the ides of inciting or stirring up others to do what is right. When you are thankful it is contagious: it will catch on and others will start to be thankful to.

4. It Produces Contentment

As we are thankful to God for what He has given us, we become more and more contented with what is already ours through and from Him, and the other things “will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.” The hymn of Charles Gabriel comes to mind:-

For all the Lord has done for me,

I never will cease to praise Him;

And for His grace so rich and free,

I never will cease to praise Him.

I never will cease to praise Him,

My Saviour, my Saviour!

I never will cease to praise Him,

He’s done so much for me.

He gives me strength for every day;

I never will cease to praise Him;

He leads and guides me all the way

I never will cease to praise Him.

Although the world His love neglect

I never will cease to praise Him;

I could not such a friend reject

I never will cease to praise Him.

He saves me every day and hour;

I never will cease to praise Him.

Just now I feel His cleansing power.

I never will cease to praise Him.

While on my journey here below,

I never will cease to praise Him.

And when to that bright world I go.

I never will cease to praise Him.

5. It Portrays Christ

As you read of the life of Christ, He was repeatedly thankful to His Father for His goodness. Luke10:21; John11:41. We never reflect the character of Christ as much as when we are thankful.

No doubt there will be things that annoy us in 2005. But may we all keep our eyes focused on the one who is not a disappointment. Enjoy the rest of the magazine.

The Master Is Coming

They said, “The Master is coming to honour the town today,

And none can tell to what house or home the Master will choose to stay.”

And I thought, while my heart beat wildly, What if He should come to mine?

How would I strive to honour and entertain the guest Divine?

And straightway I went to toiling, to make my home more neat.

I swept, and polished, and garnished, and decked it with blossoms sweet.

I was troubled for fear the Mater might come ere my task was done:

So I hastened and worked the faster, and watched the hurrying sun.

But right in the midst of my duties a woman came to my door;

She had come to tell me her sorrow, and my comfort and aid implore,

And I said, ”I cannot listen or help you any today;

I am looking for a greater and nobler guest,” and the woman went away.

But soon there came another, a cripple, old and gray,

And said, “Oh, let me rest awhile at your home, I pray,

I’ve traveled far since morning. I’m hungry, faint and weak.”

And I said, “I cannot listen, or help you any today;

I’m looking for a greater and nobler guest,” and the pleader went away.

And the day wore onward swiftly, and my task was nearly done,

And a prayer was ever in my heart that the Master yet might come.

And I thought I should spring to meet Him, and treat Him with the utmost care,

When a little child stood by me with a face so sweet and fair,

Sweet, but with marks of tear-drops, and his clothes were tattered and old;

A finger was bruised and bleeding, and his little bare feet were cold,

And I said, “I sorry for you; you are sorely in need of care,

But I cannot stop to give it, you must hasten elsewhere.”

And at these words a shadow swept o’er the blue-veined brow.

“Someone will clothe and feed you, dear, but I’m too busy now.”

At last the day was ended, my toil was over and done;

My house was swept and garnished, and I watched in the dusk alone.

Watched, but no footfall sounded, no one paused at my gate;

No one entered my cottage door-I could only pray and wait.

I waited till night had deepened, and the Master had not come;

“He has entered some other door,” I cried “and gladdened some other home.

My labour has been for nothing,” and I bowed my head and wept;

My heart was sore with longing, yet in spite of it all I slept.

Then the Master stood before me, and His face was grave and fair.

“Three times today I came to your door, and craved your pity and care;

Three times today you sent me onward, uncared for, unhelped.

And the blessing you might have received is lost, and your chance to serve is fled.

“The poor you have always with you; they are ever in need of a friend,

And as often as ye give them food to eat, those gifts to your Master you lend,

Whenever you give them cold water, or whatever their needs may be,

You’re aiding not only my little ones, but you’re also helping me.”

———————————————-

THE GLORY ROAD

I’ve flitted to a new address and I want you all to know,

It makes my glad heart leap for joy as on my way I go,

It’s far from Doubting Castle, far from my old abode,

And I’m glad we need no whiskey shops, along the Glory Road.

My house is Free Salvation, near Hallelujah Station,

Just a little bit along the Glory Road.

I used to live on the dark broad way, down by destruction street,

And there I stayed for many a day, until Jesus I did meet.

He took me away by the way of the Cross where he bore sins heavy load.

Then led me through Redemption Square right onto the Glory Road.

There’s music in my parlour and manna from on high,

And water from the Well of Life that never will run dry,

It’s far from Doubting Castle, far from my old abode,

And I’m glad we need no whiskey shops, along the Glory Road.

Unknown.

Submitted by Sam McMaster.

An Architects View Of The Bible.

The bible is like a magnificent palace constructed of precious stone, comprising 66 stately chambers. Each one of these rooms is different, and is perfect in its individual beauty, while together they form an edifice incomparable, majestic, glorious and sublime.

In the book of Genesis we enter the VESTIBULE where are introduced to the records of the mighty works of God in creation. This VESTIBULE gives access to the LAW COURTS, passing through which we come to the PICTURE GALLERY of the Historical Books. Here we find hung upon the walls, scenes of battles, heroic deeds, and portraits of valiant men of God. Beyond the PICTURE GALLERY we see the PHILOSOPHER’S CHAMBER—the book of Job– passing through which we enter the MUSIC ROOM, the book of Psalms, and here we linger, thrilled by the grandest harmonies that ever fell on human ears. Then we come to the BUSINESS OFFICE—the book of Proverbs—in the very centre of which stands the motto ‘Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people’ Leaving the BUSINESS OFFICE, we pass into the RESEARCH DEPARTMENT—Ecclesiastes– and thence into the CONSERVATORY—the Song of Solomon– where we are greeted by the fragrant aroma of choicest fruits and flowers, and the sweet singing of birds. We then reach the OBSERVATORY where the prophets with their telescopes are looking for the appearing of the ‘Bright and Morning Star,’ prior to the dawning of the Sun of Righteousness.

Crossing the courtyard, we come to the AUDIENCE CHAMBER OF THE KING—the gospels– where we find four life-like portraits of the King Himself, revealing the perfections of His infinite beauty. Next we enter the WORKROOM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT– the Acts—beyond that the CORRESPONDENCE ROOM– the Epistles—where we see Paul, Peter, James, John and Jude busy at their tables under the personal direction of the Spirit of Truth. Finally we enter the THRONE ROOM—the book of Revelation—where we are enraptured by the mighty volume of adoration and praise addressed to the enthroned King, which fills the vast chamber; while in the adjacent galleries and Judgement Hall, there are portrayed solemn scenes of judgement, and wondrous scenes of glory associated with the coming manifestation of the Son of God as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Luke 24. 27 & 44-45. John 5. 39.

Submitted by Wilson Burgess.

From the Memories Of passing Trains During Church Services.

THE LORD, THE CHURCH AND THE RAILWAY.

When you reach the pew as you often do

At the Baptist Church, Ballee

The railway track along the back

Brings thoughts of Gods Church to me.

When the train so fast goes rattling past

Taking folk to where they want to go

Like a preachers call when he brings to all

A message to warn of the foe.

The steel rail track it will not lack

To bear the train all the way

Like God’s people here who are held so dear

Who support the work, give and pray

The sleepers stay without a move all day

So idle they remain

Like some church folk, but if they took Gods yoke

It would be for all to gain.

Below the sleepers lies stone broken down to size

Which carries the railway above

Like the rock of our salvation crushed to save each nation

Because of God’s mercy and love.

Then the ground below where the stone does go

For the tracks between each station

Was what God planned when He used His hand

To make his great creation.

So when a train goes by and the preacher will try

To explain what Gods word will mention

Just give all you’ve got, time in your thought

And give Him your attention.

Written by Bertie McCord

24/10/04.

The Christians Going Home

How sweet to know when life is o’er

We have a home on yonder shore

Where there is neither grief nor pain

And we shall never die again.

No parallel on earth is found

Of joy so rich, so grand, profound

As going home to be with God

And be forever with our Lord.

Why should we hesitate and fear

To die and be with Christ so dear

Where we shall rest in joy and peace

And songs of gladness never cease

And kept by God’s Almighty pow’r

The solemn dissolution hour

Can only claim this house of clay

And then we sweetly pass away.

To die in Jesus is not death,

We only cease our mortal breath,

And then go sweeping through the skies

Where grandest pleasure never dies.

Death casts her gloomy shadows here

But cannot make Gods children fear;

‘Tis like a glorious restful sleep

To ‘wake in Heav’n no more to sleep.

When this frail tabernacle here

Shall pass away and disappear

With joy we then shall leave this clay

And enter into “that sweet day.”

Death to believers has no sting,

‘Twas conquered by Christ our King;

Therefore, we, too, when we shall die

Shall live again for e’er on high.

When we shall cease on earth to roam

‘Twill be a glorious going home

With Christ and loved ones then to dwell

With joy no mortal tongue can tell

There all our records will be clear

Washed in the Blood of Christ

When we shall walk in glory bright

In garments pure and spotless white.

Then should we tarry yet a while

Let’s cheer and brighten every mile

And lovingly our Christ obey

Until the grand Home-coming day

And may we every day and hour

Be filled with grace and saving pow’r

Until our tent is folded here

And up in Glory we appear.

How solemn are the words,

And yet to faith how plain,

Which Jesus uttered while on earth

“Ye must be born again”

“Ye must be born again!”

Or never enter Heaven;

‘Tis only blood-washed ones are there’

The ranssomed and forgiven.

  Submitted by Norman McKeown.

Submitted by Neil Harkness  

My Big Brother

When you read the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 v 11-32 perhaps what particularly appeals to you is either the love of the father in waiting for and constantly looking for the return of his younger son or the son himself, realising his condition, coming to his senses and wanting to return home. Whatever way you look at it, it’s a real situation with many parallels in our everyday lives.

Our opinion of the various characters in the story is perhaps shaped by our own experiences and when I read the passage I relate more to the other brother who stayed at home.

He was angry at his younger brother for returning and at his father for welcoming him. Where was the fatted calf for him to celebrate with his friends or the ring to reward him for his loyalty to his father? In his view there was an unfairness in the way they were treated and while he felt he deserved his fathers love, his younger brother did not.

Many years ago, I was in the same position as the brother who stayed at home and reacted much in the same way.

As a young teenager my older brother was always held up to me to be the perfect example of good behaviour. He was always better at school than me, better behaved than me, and successful at most things which I was not. As his successes increased, so did my disappointments and I withdrew further making the mistake of thinking that my parents loved him for his successes but disliked me for my failures. If you’re told you are a disappointment often enough, you begin to believe it and act accordingly.

One day all changed. My older brother unexpectedly ran away from home, stole a car with his friends and stripped our house of saleable items. I witnessed first hand the effect it had on my parents but as a selfish young teenager I was oblivious to their pain and took pleasure in his downfall. Over the next few weeks I can still remember having that self righteous smug feeling where, without saying a word of criticism against him, the thought of “what do you think of your precious son now”

Was always on my mind.

However 3 weeks later the police brought him back and I was stunned to find that he was welcomed back into the household.

I felt exactly like the older brother in the parable and could not understand why there was still a place for him in the family after what he had done.

It was a few years later, after I accepted the Lord as my personal Saviour, that I started to appreciate why the father felt  the way he did and I was very glad that our heavenly Father was prepared to welcome this prodigal son back.

Over the years I have learned a lot about family relationships from this parable and I value the lessons learned. Maybe if the prodigals father and indeed my parents had been able to express their love to the remaining son it would have made his experience less hurtful. Maybe we too readily assume that people know we love them without actually telling them. Maybe like the older brother, we are so busy that we fail to take time to appreciate the tremendous bond of unconditional love that our Father has for us. 

Maybe some of us think that somehow our service makes us worthy of his love while others don’t deserve it.

The main question which I am left with from this parable is, are we prepared to forgive and forget. If our heavenly Father has granted repentance to an individual, who are we to still hold something against them.

It’s a sad thought, but is it was the older brother who had seen the prodigal return and gone to meet him on the way, its pretty clear that the outcome would have been very different. He wasn’t wanted and wasn’t welcome and there would have been no opportunity given to him to rebuild the damaged family relationships and to serve the father again.

Let us be very careful of how we would deal with an individual who has gone away from the Lord and is seeking his/her way back. Perhaps they have hurt us or at least disappointed us but if we’re the first of the Lords family to meet them on the way, how warm would our welcome be?

Alex Kinghorn.

Caring Fruitfully?

Mark 4 :19 “And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word and it becometh unfruitful.”