Listooder Youth Fellowship

Rebecca shared how she had been taught the Scriptures from a very young age. She came to Christ early in life, realising that she was a sinner and needed to be saved. Understandably there was not a drastic change in her life, but as Rebecca puts it 'nothing was ever the same again'. Her name was written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Her name was forever written in heaven. Despite continuing in the teaching she had received, Rebecca soon found herself falling short in her communion with God, failing to read the Bible as she once did. It was at this time she came across Psalm 73, where verse 2 states: 'as for me, my feet were almost gone'. This resonated with her present state, but as she read on she came to verse 23: 'Nevertheless I am continually with thee'. This reminder was a help and a comfort to Rebecca as she sought to return to a closer relationship with the Lord. In doing so, she began to understand the great responsibility that God have given to her to live her life as a testimony for Him. Both am

Citing it as a subject that 'thrills his heart', Paul Foster began his study on the Heavenly Home by turning to Luke chapter 10, where we read of Christ telling his disciples to rejoice that their names were written in Heaven. Just as a sprinter, lining up to begin a race, keeps his eye solidly on the finish line. Regardless of how the race is progressing, whether we feel weak and tired, or positive and enthusiastic, we, as Believers, must continue looking towards the finish - setting our minds, our affections and our attention on Heaven.   So what is Heaven? Firstly, it is a physical 'place' (John 14:2). It is real. It is a place where God's presence, His holiness and His splendour are revealed without measure or limitation. Turning to Revelation 21, Paul then asked what is it like? If, as many believe, the passage outlines a physical city, then it is a perfect cube of 1,400 miles x 1,400 miles x 1,400 miles. In terms of the ground-surface area alone, that is greater than 23 times the surface area o

With the assistance of our own Ross Greer, kitted out head-to-toe in full Roman armour, Luke Barker introduced the topic by explaining the need for Christians to be equipped with the resources that God offers. One of those is the Armour of God. Luke began by asking the question: who is our enemy? The world is our enemy, distracting us from focusing our attention on God with the bright lights and entertainment it offers. We are our own enemy: our inner, sinful desires are not toward God, and so need to be overcome. The devil is our enemy: as the enemy of God, the devil will try to bring down anyone who sets out to live for Christ. The passage in Ephesians 6, which in detail cover the six parts of the armour of God (demonstrated throughout by Ross), also stresses the importance of watching (being constantly aware of the enemy) and praying (being in constant communication with God). There are only two sides which we can be on, and that is either the Army of God or the Army of Satan. All those who have p

Samuel Adams returned to Listooder to provide the young people with an update on the work of Revival Movement Association, formerly Every Home Crusade. With 5 tonnes of literature produced daily, just outside Kinallen in Northern Ireland, Revival Movement distributes Gospel literature across the world.  Distributing the literature to churches and Gospel workers entirely free of charge, the phenomenal output of the work could be summed up in the following statistics: 1,371 tonnes used last year75 million pieces of literature8.2 million copies of St. John's Gospel170 countries95 languages This week alone, shipments of literature were sent to Uganda, Nigeria, Belgium, Cameroon, Guyana, Sierra-Leone, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Samuel often travels himself to some of the countries to meet with the local workers and establish their literature needs. In a recent trip to the Philippines, Samuel visited schools, in conjunction with a Child Evangelism Fellowship worker in the area, and distributed Gospel litertaure and some

In an ever-changing world of technological advancements, young people are rarely ever 'offline'. The online world is exciting, engaging, educational and full of opportunities to connect with others - but it is a world that is fraught with danger. Colin Tinsley joins us at Listooder to raise awareness of Cyber-Bullying, looking specifically at what we can learn from the Scriptures. Turning to Psalm 36, Colin began by looking at the destructive influence of bullying, both in-person and online. Bullying destroys the lives of many people, both young and old. It is a demonstration of the grip the devil has on this world, and of the evil forces at work in the lives of those in darkness. Many young people, in despair and without hope, have taken their own lives as a result of bullying. But what does the Bible have to say about the matter? Many of the great characters of Scripture were subjected to bullying. David on the run from King Saul, Joseph sold into slavery by his own brothers, Paul who was bruised and beaten

A familiar face joined us for the opening meeting of 2016. Danny Roberts, formerly a regular attender of the meetings, began with a personal example of the challenges he experienced as a young Christian growing up in Liverpool. Danny, under pressure to be popular, conformed to the ways of his unsaved friends and found himself regularly involved in sinful activities. Looking back, Danny asked the question: what sort of Christian example was he to his Christian friends - what sort of example was he to anyone? Often, when sitting in church services, it is easy to presume that those speaking to us from the pulpit have everything 'sorted' in their lives. We build them up as 'perfect' Christians, with a standard that we can never attain to. The reality, however, is that we all sin, falling short of God's standard on a daily basis. It is on occasions when we look at others around us that we often forget this fact. Hearing of sins, among the people of God, that we regard to be severe, we are very quick to judge, deci

A good crowd gathered to welcome Philip Robinson, of Creation Outreach Ministries and Creation Ministries International, to Listooder for the first time. Introducing this fascinating topic, Philip encouraged the young people to "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15) Not all 'science' is considered to be the same. For example, unlike Operational Science, which is observable, testable and repeatable, the creation and evolution debate falls into Origin Science, where such events cannot and were not observed, tested or repeated. A fossil which exists in the present was formed in the past. Its formation was a one-off event, neither observable, testable or repeatable and so, the role of Origin Science is to attempt to explain how the fossil was formed and how we now have it. As we know, the Bible speaks much of moral and spiritual matters, but it also deals in matters of history and origin, such as the formation

We were delighted to welcome Samuel Hamilton once again to Listooder, bringing a challenge to the young people gathered in the hall. Reading from Matthew 18, Samuel brought lessons out of Christ's response to Peter who asked the Lord how often he should forgive. Everyone hurts. Words are spoken and things are done by others that will cause us hurt and pain. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, we have most likely caused significant pain to others with our choice of words and actions. Hurt causes division between people and a wedge between even the closest of friends. It also breeds revenge. Hurt leads to an unforgiving heart. We are called, in Scripture, to be kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another (Ephesians 4:32). Yet even Believers find it easier to hold on to bitterness than to give way to forgiveness. Bitterness leads to spite, back-biting, anger and hatred - feelings which should have no place in the church of God. It is a destructive force, destroying friendships, families and

Another special night at Listooder Youth Fellowship as we hosted our regular Amongst Ourselves evening, inviting the young people themselves to take part in the meeting. With Alison Ross on the piano, Ross Greer leading the singing and a great crowd gathered, the night got off to an excellent start. Ross then welcomed Abigail Emerson to the front to share how she came to be a Christian. Saved as a child, Abigail found little difficulty living as a Christian in Primary School. Secondary School was much more difficult, but she took encouragement from an opportunity to explain why she didn't swear or go out to places like others did. Abigail reminded us to always be true to our faith, and to take every chance to stand for Christ - for He is always faithful to us. Closing the meeting, David McCoubrey stepped forward to present a message from the Word of God. Reading from Jeremiah 17, David explained the plight of Jeremiah the Prophet, who had to carry a sobering message to the people of Israel from God Himself. F

Saved early in life, Abigail was encouraged by opportunities that God had given to her to explain that she was a Christian, reminding the young people of God's constant care and provision.

Maurice took up the fascinating subject of Angels and Demons.  Angels are mentioned in half of the books of the Bible, a total of 273 times. Starting from Revelation Chapter 12, he introduced the subject by reminding us that: -        Angels and demons are real -        Angels were created sometime before this world -        Angels were made perfect, but had the ability to sin Satan was one of the highest angels in heaven. He was filled with pride, sinned against God and was cast out of heaven, taking a third of the angels with him.  These are now often referred to as demons.   Looking at angels first, Maurice focused in on what they do in relation to us: 1)      Angels rejoice the day we are saved 2)      Angels generally guard the saved 3)      Angels bring answers to our prayers 4)      Angels encourage God’s children 5)      Angels observe us in church 6)      Angels guard the church   However, while we can look in wonder at angels and appreciate them, we must never worship angels.   He then turned

Kyle Boyd returned to Listooder to bring us the first of a series of meetings on the Men and Women of Faith in Hebrews 11. Choosing to explore the experiences of Noah in Genesis 6, Kyle first considered the world in which Noah found himself. It was a world of sin, a world that brought such pain to the heart of God that He repented the creation of it. Yet, despite all this there was one, Noah, who found grace in the sight of God. Was Noah aware of the condition of the world in which he lived? Of course he was. Did he know that the name of God was not loved by those around him? Yes, but Noah remained faithful to his God. Hebrews 11 explains that Noah, being warned by God of the things that were to come, by faith obeyed, and built the ark. This ark was to be for the salvation of mankind, and the preservation of God's creation. It was to be built to a very specific set of measurements and for a very specific purpose. It is fair to presume that Noah had never built a boat before, nor, for that matter, had anyone e

In our final meeting of the season, Thomas Murray brought a closing word of encouragement to the young Believers gathered at Listooder Mission Hall. Turning to the book of Genesis, chapters 11 and 12, Thomas introduced us to the character of Abram (Abraham). Featuring also in each of the Gospels and in much of the rest of the New Testament, Abraham is a significant figure throughout Scripture. We find him here in the land of the Chaldees. A land that, although advanced in many ways, although technological wise and scientifically able, it was a land that did not love or worship the true God. But it was from this land that God chose out Abraham, who was going to be the father of a nation, a new nation, that God would bless and take as His own. The Lord spoke to Abraham, exhorting him to get out of the place of idolatry and Godlessness. In showing his commitment to his Heavenly Father, Abraham had to turn his back on the sins, circumstances and influences of his old life. Likewise we, as Believers, must be willi

Samuel Jackson, speaking for the first time, brought a challenge to the young people at Listooder. The world around us knows little of the Christ whom we serve. It knows little of the one who loved us and gave Himself or us. It is therefore, as in the words of 1 Peter 3:15, with meekness and with fear that we make ourselves ready. Not ready so that we can judge the unsaved. Not ready so that we can demonstrate how much better we are than they. But ready to give a reason of the hope that lies within us. And what is that hope? It is the sure and certain knowledge that, despite our failings, despite our fallings, despite our shortcomings, we have redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ, and eternal pardon from all our sin and an everlasting home in heaven.  1 Peter 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Ross explains that, although he was saved at a very young age, he often lacked assurance of his salvation and it was only as he began to get involved in serving the Lord in church and Scripture Union activities that he really began to grow in his knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through his testimony Ross encouraged the other young people to keep their focus on Christ and on the Bible, seeking to live for God in a sinful and challenging world. 

Introducing himself to the young people, Roger Higginson, brought up in Lisburn and more recently of Coleraine, began by turning to Hebrews chapter 9. The types and shadows referred to in this chapter, and seen throughout the Old Testament in the sacrifice, the washing, the priestly office and the holy place, are all fulfilled in the person and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is through the shedding of His blood alone that we can be redeemed, bought back, from our sins. Verse 19 of the chapter refers back to Moses on Mount Sinai, as he received the 10 commandments. Once Moses had related the law to the people of God, the children of Israel, the blood of a sacrifice was taken and sprinkled about the book and upon all the people. This is significant as it speaks of the sprinkling of the blood of Christ. The Bible presents the doctrine of 'The Blood' from Genesis to Revelation, and the people of God are people that have been blood-sprinkled, we have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb. Taking the lett

In a format not seen at Listooder for several years, three experienced Christians were asked to come along and answer Bible-based questions posed by the members of the Youth Fellowship.  The questions had been gathered over the previous few months, and had been passed to the three men in advance to allow for adequate preparation. There were 16 questions in total, covering subjects such as predestination, female preachers, Creation science, Heaven and the dinosaurs. The men were given an average of 3 minutes to deal with each question.  It was a delight to have two former Listooder attendees on the panel, namely Sandy Boyd (now an elder in Crossgar Free Presbyterian Church) and Robin Fairbairn (recent Communications Officer for the Presbyterian Church Mission Board), and also to welcome frequent visiting speaker, Brian McCoubrey (an elder in Saintfield Baptist Church).  From the answers given by the men, it was clear that each had diligently researched their responses, basing each one on Scripture and seeking

We were delighted to welcome Trevor Matthews back to Listooder, and his topic was one of significance for all Believers, whether young or old. Trevor began by drawing us to the Word of God, advising the young people that it is the only source from which they can gain the tools required to resist temptation. He read from 1 John 2, James 1 and 1 Corinthians 10. Trevor began by reminding the young people that it is the experience of every Christian to be tempted. It is, in fact, healthy to be tempted as it assures us that we belong to Christ, and therefore we are a target for Satan. We were also reminded that the temptation is not, in itself, a sin, but rather the giving into the temptation is where we often fall as Christians. This is where prayer should play a vital role in our Christian lives. Daily prayer, requesting the help and strength of God to resist the evil thoughts that influence us, is a weapon of God to the pulling down of Satan's strongholds. And While there is no escape from the fact that we will

Former Listooder attendee, Matthew Cuffey, returned to the hall for the first time as a speaker. Before turning to the Word of God, he shared a little of what the Lord has done in his life since those days, coming along to the meetings as a young Believer. Matthew read from the words of Mark chapter 6, where the Lord Jesus appeared unto the disciples, walking upon the Sea of Galilee. This event occured immediately after the feeding of the five thousand, and the Lord had insisted that the disciples then get into their boat and make their way across the water to the other side. However, as the disciples made their way across, a huge storm arose. For many hours they toiled against the wind and the waves, failing to make any headway. The disciples found themselves in a difficult, life-threatening situation, and it was a position that was not of their own making. In fact, it was the Lord Himself who had led the disciples into that place of fear and struggles. It is often necessary, even in the will of God, to lead

David and Marina Reid joined us at Listooder to speak of their recently formed work for the Lord among the people of Myanmar. While rich in minerals, the country, formerly known as Burmah, is full of poverty with many families unable to afford food, water and basic medical care. Marina spoke with passion and enthusiasm for the work that the Lord had called her to. A work in which the light of the Gospel has been able to shine in a land of darkness, idolatry and superstition. Christians are few in Myanmar, yet God has been giving many opportunities to teach the truth of His Word among the Buddhists, Spirit Worshipers and even some Muslim people. The work of Senders' Mission Myanmar (SMM) is largely to assist local missionaries in their labours among the people. While Myanmar has been closed to the Gospel for many years, individual Christians have been seeking to carry on the missionary effort despite the obvious dangers involved. In the last few years churches have been built, house fellowships established and