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Page 6A - The Lee County Ledger, Thursday, November 1,2001 What the Bible Teaches By Frank Taylor The city of Jerusalem is the most embattled city in history- but her most dramatic days are yet to come. The eyes of the world will be focused on the words and works of two men who will call Jerusalem to account for her sinful ways. And the entire world will see what happens when they do. In the book of Revelation chap ter 11 we are introduced to two witnesses in verse 3 who, I be lieve, will come on the scene as soon as the Antichrist makes a covenant with Israel at the mid point of the seven year Tribula tion. They will preach the gos pel throughout the Jewish world. In verses 3, 6, and 10, “proph ecy” is mentioned. Prophecy doesn’t always mean telling the future (foretelling). Prophets also speak forth the Word and will of God (forthtelling). The fact that there are two of them raises the question of their iden tity since God often dispatched people in teams of two. Most commentators believe that one of the prophets is Elijah sent back to earth, for the follow ing reasons: 1. Malachi the prophet pre dicted that Elijah the prophet would come before the Second Coming to prepare the way of the Lord (Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6). The Passover service held Orthodox Jews today has a cup which is called Elijah’s cup. They know that Elijah must come before the Messiah comes. John the Bap tist came in a manner prefigur ing Elijah before Jesus’ first com ing, but he himself said he was not Elijah (John 1:21). There fore, Elijah is still to come. 2. Elijah did not experience death; he went to heaven in a whirlwind of fire (2Kings 2:9- 11). Therefore he could come back to earth and die since he never died physically. 3. One of the two witnesses! signs during the tribulation is they make it stop raining - the same thing Elijah did during the reign of king Ahab (1 Kings 17:1; Revela tion 11:6). 4. The period of drought i n Elijah’s day was the same duration as the time of the ministry of the two witnesses here in Revelation 11 (IKings 17:1; Revelation 11:3; Luke 4:25; James 5:17-18)- three-and-a-half years (42months, 1260 days; Revela tion 11:2-3). 5. This would not be the only time Elijah has appeared after he left earth. He appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfigu ration (Matthew 17:3). Much debate arises over who the other witness is. Here are some thoughts as to why I am persuaded that the other witness is Moses. 1. Moses and Elijah have al ready appeared together in min istry (Matthew 17:3) 2. While withholding rain is consistent with Elijahls former ministry, turning iwaters toObloodi is consistent with Moses! former ministry in Egypt (Revelation 11:6; Exodus 7:14- 24). 3. Moses was buried but no one knew where, possibly so that someday he could be restored to life and ministry in the Tribula tion (Deuteronomy 34:5-6). 4. Satan contended with Michael for the body of Moses (Jude 9). It’s possible that Satan knew of God’s future plan for Moses’ in the Tribulation, and he and the angel Michael got in a dispute over the disposition of Moses" body. 5. Moses and Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets. And for a period of time that is dis tinctly Jewish as the Great Tribu lation is (“the time of Jacob’s trouble”), it makes sense repre sentatives of the Law and the Prophets to appear to the Jews. From A (2 Pet 3:1-4 KJV) "This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: {2} That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: {3} Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts. {4} And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." I suppose the recent events have something to do with the state of my heart and mind, and for that I am grateful. Some would read that statement and think me to be an awful person. No, what has happened in New York. Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon has made me realize more than ever God's Word is true and He is still on the throne. God has not left us alone, and He is very concerned about the lives of people all over the world. There is a wonderful sense of patriotism in the air and I think that's just fine. Many voices are rising up after the terrible events of recent days, encour aged by the positive actions of our government. Please pray for our leaders so will be able to make the right decisions in these perilous times. They are not perfect and we must lift them up to heaven in endless prayer, fulfilling God's will in these last days. Some people are ever doubtful about even the existence of a loving God, going so far as to defame the name of Christ. There is always hope our country will turn to God, forsaking her sins and live as if Christ could come for His church at any time. The apostle Peter wrote to the believers who had attained like precious faith Pastor’s Heart Ronald E. Parish From The Bible in Christ, stirring up their minds to remember the sure promises of God as spoken by the prophets of old. The doubters and unbelievers constantly ask where the promises of God are. Peter encouraged the church to remember the great things God had already done. If you are reading this article today and you are filled with fear and doubt, let me assure you God is just a prayer away and wants desperately to help you. It is not God's desire for you to spend eternity apart from Him. Christ died and rose again on the third day so you could have eternal life. Please give God a chance to meet your need. Peter went on to write "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Pet 3:9 KJV) In other words, God is not through with us yet. He is more than able to keep His eternal Word. God is patient with humanity, not willing to lose anyone to Satan, but it is strictly left up to the individual to choose Christ or not. We should be thankful we don't get what we deserve. Christ died on the cross so we would have the opportunity to live forever with Him. Please take Him up on the offer. Ask Jesus into your life today before it is everlasting too late. Never give up, you soldiers of the Cross, Christ will keep the promise - He will come for His own. Two events of importance: on 4th of November our church will have a Homecoming celebration beginning at 10:00 for Sunday School and 11:00 morning worship. A former pastor, Brother Varney Aspinwall will be preaching. The second event will be held on the 9th of November. We are selling Sonny's BBQ plates. Ticket sales will end on the 4th. If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, please contact me at (229)888- 2588 or send e-mail to eacog@ mindspring.com. You are most welcome to visit us at East Albany Church of God. 216 Pine Bluff Road, Albany, Georgia. Drop by to see us on the web at the following address: www.eacog.home.mindspring.com Sincerely RONALD E. PARISH Pastor, East Albany Church of God My hiding place Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: neverthe less thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plen tifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. Blessed is he whose transgres sion is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. I ac knowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my trans gressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great wa ters they shall not come nigh By Jerry Kingery unto him. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sor rows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and re joice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. from Psalms 31 - 33 For a free Scripture packet, please write From the Bible, BIBLE FOUNDATION, PO Box 908, Newberg, Oregon 97132. email: bf@bf.org Attend The House of Worship of Your Choice This Sunday bounty ohurrh Of Christ Kinchafoonee BaDtist Leesbura Church of God Leesburg First Bapt Lee County Church Of Christ Maurice Johnson, Jr. Minister Bible Study 9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM Evening Worship 6:00 PM Mid-Week Bible Study 7:30 PM Smithville Baptist Lance Fendley, Pastor Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship.... 11:00 AM Evening Worship 7:00 PM Wed. Prayer Service. 7:00 PM Leesburg Presbyterian Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship.... 11:00 AM Women of the Ch 3:30 PM 3rd Sun & 3rd Wed .. 6:30 PM Union Wors. Service 7:30 PM Every 6 weeks Lords’s Supper 11:00 AM Philema Road Baptist Dan Harris, Pastor Sunday School 9:45 AM Morning Worship.... 11:00 AM Evening Worship 6:00 PM Wed Bible Study 7:00 AM Alpha Baptist Rev. Joe Jenkins Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship.... 11:00 AM Discipleship Training 6:00 PM Evening Worship 7:00 PM Wed. Prayer Service 7:30 PM Antioch Baptist Church Rev. Lem Wright 1st and 3rd Sunday Sunday School 9:00 AM 4th Sunday Worship Service 10:00 AM Zion Hope Baptist Rev. H. L. Holsey Sunday School 10:30 AM Sunday Worship 11:30 AM Phillip Grove Baptist Rev. Solomom Loud Jr. Highway 195 Leesburg Sunday School 10:30 AM 1st Sunday 12:00 PM Mt. Pleasant Baptist Pastor Levi Robinson Sunday School 10:00 AM Worship Service 11:15AM Tuesday Tuturial Service . 5:30-7:00pm Prayer and Bible Study 7-8 pm Kinchafoonee Baptist Rev. Charles (Chuck) Smith Sunday School 9:45 AM Morning Worship.... 11:00 AM Training Union 6:00 PM Evening Worship 7:00 PM Wed. Services 7:30 PM Smithville United Methodist Pastor - Randy Carnley Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Palmyra Baptist J. D. Bolden Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship .... 12:00 PM Bible Study (1st Sun) 5:00 PM Eve. Wor. (1st Sun) ..7:00 PM McAfee Grove Missionary Baptist Minister Robert Lewis Morgan First & Third Sundays Sunday School 10:30 AM Morning worship 11:30 AM Second & Fourth Sundays Sunday School 10:00 AM New Hope AME Rev. Alfreda Williams every 1st and third Sunday Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday Worship 11:00 AM Macadonia Baptist Church Sunday School 10:30 AM Wed. Bible Study 7:00 PM First Sunday Morning Worship.... 11:45 AM Third Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 PM Jordan Grove Baptist Rev. R. O. Calhoun Sunday School 9:45 AM Worship Service 11:00 AM Unity Church of Christianity Rev. Joanna Gabriel Dial-A-Prayer 435-7077 Corner of Ledo & Hugh Roads Morning Worship.... 11:00 AM Leesburg Church of Christ Leesburg Church Of Christ Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship.... 11:00 PM Evening Worship 6:00 PM Wednesday Evening 7:30 PM St. Stephen’s Episcopal Father Ron Davidson 298 Leslie Hwy 759-1506 Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship.... 11:00 AM Living Hope Fellowship Four Square Gospel Church Highway 19 S. Leesburg 1/2 mile north of 19 Bypass Worship Service 10:00 AM Evening Service 6:00 PM Wednesday Evening 7:00 PM Children Church during both Sunday Services New Piney Grove Baptist Pastor Henry L. Holsey Third Sunday Services Sunday School 11:30 AM Worship 12:30 PM First Sunday Sen/ices Sunday School 11:00 AM Mt. Hope Baptist Church Pastor: Rev. M. W. Willis Services 1st Sunday Sunday School 5:00 PM Church 6:00 PM Services 4th Sunday Sunday School 10:00 AM Church 11:00 AM For any corrections or additions to the Church Page, Contact The Lee County Ledger at 759-2413 Leesburg Church of God Rev. Sean Faircloth Sunday School 9:45 AM Morning Worship 10:40 AM Evening Worship 6:00 PM Wed. Fam. Training 7:00 PM Wooden Grove Baptist 1st & 3rd Sunday Services Worship 11:00 AM Weekly Sunday School 10:00 AM Tuesday Night Bible Study 7:00 PM Thundering Springs Baptist Church Sunday School 9.45 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM Church Training 5:00 PM Evening Worship 6:00 PM Wed. Prayer Services7:00 PM Leesburg United Methodist Church Pastor Russ Elkins Worship.... 8:45 and 11:00 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Adult Choir 5:30 PM Youth Fellowship 5:45 PM Evening Worship 7:00 PM Wed. Supper/Bible Study 6:00 Green Grove Baptist Smithville, GA Rev. H. Waters Sunday School 11:00 AM Every First Sunday Morning Worship 11:45 AM Kingdom Vision Christian Center Rev. Earl S. Harrison, Pastor 1027 N. Philema Road N. Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday Worship 11:15AM Wed. Bible Study 7:00 PM Lutherian Church of Our Savior Rev. Bill Behrend 101 Hickory Grove Road Sunday School 9:30 AM Worship 11:00 AM The Lee County Ledger Your Source of Local News 759-2414 CcfetHY Member EDIC located on Robert B. Lee Drive in Leesburg - 759-2800 and 2609 Ledo Rd 430-8080 Member FDIC The Future of Banking is Here. Clyde’s Auto Part Turner Field Industrial Park 1507 Rodgers Street Albany, Georgia 31705 Clyde Massey (912) 436-1502 We Buy Wrecked Cars CraiggSS 1 . Mathis Attorney At Law 124 Fourth Street 759-2243 Jllatfietog Funeral Home Crematory/Memorials Mike Mathews - Gary Mathews 3206 Gillionville Rd. Albany, GA 31707 435-5657 Leesburg Cemetery Jnmj/a£ut Hughes Hardware 1497 S. Hwy. 19 432-0037 Worrell Paint and Body Shop Would like to thank you for the support you have given us. U.S. 19 - South of Leesburg 439-1555 Jack; t-m FUNERAL DIRECTORS Crematory and Memorials Crown Hill Cemetery 1503 Dawson Road • P.O. Box 92 Albany, Georgia 31702-0092 Phone: (912) 883-4152 “Sevice Since 1880” BUMPER BUMPER 759-6561 759-6482 Walnut St., Leesburg Leesburg First Baptist Rev. Bobby Harrell Sunday School I 8:15 AM Worship I 9:30 AM Sunday School II 9:30 AM Worship II 11:00 AM Evening Worship 7:00 PM Wednesday Church Supper 5:30 PM AWANA 6:20 PM Prayer Meeting 6:30 PM Youth Meeting 7:00 PM Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Steven Youngblood, Pastor 121 Creekside Dr. - Lees. Morning Worship.... 10:30 AM Evening Worship 6:00 PM Wednesday Awana .. 6:30 PM Amazing Grace Baptist Church Pastor, Dr. Ron Baxley 2217 Ledo Rd., Albany Morning Worship & Sunday School ... 10:45 AM Evening Worship & Youth Choir 6:00 PM Wednesday 6:30 to (Youth only) 8:00 PM House Of God Saints In Christ Elder A.F. Caldwell, Pastor Sunday School 10:30 AM 1st, 2nd, & 4th Sundays Morning Worship.... 11:45 AM 2nd & 4th Sunday Evening Service 6:30 PM Wed. Bible Study 7:30 PM Fri. Sharing Ser 7:30 PM Piney Grove #3 Pastor W. G. Groover Every Sunday Sunday School 10:00 AM 2nd and 4th Sunday Worship 11:00 Noon Emmanuel Community Baptist Church Al Bryant, Pastor Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship.... 11:00 AM Every Wednesday Bible Study 6:30 PM Shady Grove Baptist Church Rev. Marcus Glass, Pastor 1st and 2nd Sunday Worship Service 11:00 AM Every Sunday Sunday School 9:50 AM Wed. Bible Study 7:00 PM Fourth Sunday Evening Service 6:00 PM Liberty Primitive Baptist Morning Worship.... 10:30 AM 2nd and 4th Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 PM IBANK An affiliate of Synovus Financial Corn. Member FD1C 430-5383 1531 U.S. 19 South Leesburg in front of Winn-Dixie