WHY PULL DOWN THE OLD TO BUILD A NEW?

Bible Readings — 1 Chronicles 28:1-10,20; 22:11-19

In 2003 the Committee of the congregation had been considering seriously the expansion of our church premises for about a year, since the opening of our New Complex. A lot of consultation had taken place with the architect and various options looked at. Our Committee members were led in a very unanimous way throughout, and weighed up all the pros and cons before the Lord. There was much thought and prayer over this project.

In the making of our decision, the Lord gave oneness of mind and heart in the Committee, inasmuch that all were convinced that the way taken was the will of God.

After much deliberation and thought the Committee decided to provide accommodation for a 500-seating capacity in a main church auditorium. Provision was also made for the rest of the rooms and accommodation that were already in existence.

In this work there is a PHYSICAL SIDE, a FINANCIAL SIDE and a SPIRITUAL SIDE. Let me tell you about the SPIRITUAL SIDE of things, and how we came to make our decision.

FIRST — A CONSIDERATION of the PAST: The need for additional accommodation had already presented itself in what the Lord HAD BEEN DOING

The Lord has been pleased to give an increase over these past 54 years of our history. We acknowledge what He alone has done and give Him the glory due His Name. We know something about the history of our beginnings, and how the Lord has led over the years. From the barn to the new Cabra Church which had a seating capacity of 120. From Cabra to Ballymoney in 1972, to a building seating 280 people. When I came to Ballymoney nine years ago, the front four pews were empty on a Sabbath morning, and we were but half full at the evening service, but the Lord has seen fit to fill up the pews and many times exceed its pew capacity. So there has been steady growth over the years of our history.

SECOND — EXAMINATION of the PRESENT: The need for additional accommodation is presenting itself in what the Lord IS DOING

Some of our meetings in the old church had an attendance exceeding our capacity - Missionary Weekends, Family Nights, Children's Days, Harvest Services, even the Sabbath School Social. Often on a Sabbath Morning we had to put chairs in the aisles. By the way, this was a problem in itself, a good problem in one way, but also posing a difficulty, as seats in the aisles of public buildings are not in keeping with health and safety, and fire regulations. We felt that if the Church continued to grow and expand as it had been doing, we would soon run out of accommodation. So there was a present need.

THIRD — EXPECTATION for the FUTURE: The need for additional accommodation will continue to manifest itself in what the Lord is GOING TO DO

I have a VISION for the future. Our Committee members and many others share this vision. We are seeing a fulfilment of the promise given to Sandy McAuley 52 years ago: ‘Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.'

The Lord has many times confirmed in my own heart what He is going to do. I got a great promise from the Lord over two years ago from Joel's prophecy: ‘For the Lord will do great things'. I believe the text chosen in our Prayer Meeting Hall is true, ‘Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things...'

WITHOUT A VISION THE PEOPLE PERISH. Brethren and sisters we stand before you tonight convinced of the vision that the Lord has set before this Committee, and I'm sure of this congregation.

As I was praying on the first Sabbath of 2003, early in the morning, the Lord challenged and encouraged me through the words of 1 Chronicles 22:6,11,13,16,19

Let me refer to a very definite word from the Lord which I received in June of that year concerning what we now feel the Lord's will is concerning our future building. The following is an account that I wrote down at the time — “It's Wednesday night (4th), well actually Thursday morning (5th) and it's 1.15am. I've come to bed with much in mind. Prayed, ‘Lord, I need a word, a very definite word.' There were several things upon my mind - the sick, the blessing we so much need in Revival, but, just at that moment, first and foremost upon my heart, the building of a new church and the mammoth undertaking. I cried for a definite word. God gave a most amazing word and answer to prayer as I read the opening words for the 4th June — ‘The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, and in this place will I give peace.' ”

Before going on holiday that same year, I was encouraged through my daily readings in Isaiah. On 28th July - (Isaiah 54:2,3) ‘Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.'

The Lord will gather the people in. We believe He's going to work in the coming days, and I anticipate the future with a sense of excitement.

SUMMARY
I believe that what we are doing is in the will of the Lord. I am convinced for the following reasons:

1. The Lord has led me personally.
2. The Lord has led the Committee independently.
3. There are those in the congregation who have a similar burden.
4. Other ministers have expressed their thoughts.
5. The Lord is already blessing with increase.
6. We possess a burden and vision for the future.
7. Financial tokens for good have been forthcoming.
8. The proposal is achievable over a reasonable period of time without over-burdening our congregation financially.
9. I believe the Lord is going to work and send a breath of Revival to Ballymoney.

I believe that we are well able to put up this building to the GLORY OF GOD. The end is not yet and the best is yet to be.

Rev Park