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Page 6A - The Lee County Ledger, Thursday, December 20,2001 What the Bible Teaches From A Pastor’s Heart By Frank Taylor Believers and unbelievers alike usually can identify Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus. That’s because, like so many other elements of the Christmas story, the setting is not incidental but essential to the story of Christmas. It was not by chance or happen stance but divine design that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The prophet, Micah, prophesied the joyful signifi cance for which Bethlehem would become permanently renown: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). Bethlehem was a town especially prepared for Jesus. God didn’t just look down from heaven at a map of the universe and put his finger down and say, “Let’s do it there.” Jesus was strategi cally bom in Bethlehem, a city of rather insignificant account, but the one selected by God according to His purposes and to fulfill the prophecies. Why Bethlehem? God may have deliberately chosen this village, consid ered the least of all cities, so that no one would ever feel so insignificant as to be unable to approach Him. He came down to us, to be one of us, and started out in humble beginnings in a humble town. A closer look magnifies Bethlehem from a footnote in the pages of history to true significance in the Bible. In fact, the references to this city throughout the pages of Scripture may be more prevalent than some would suspect. By dissecting the words that make up the name of this city one gets an even better sense of how this town figures into the Christmas story. Literally, the word “Bethlehem” means “the house of bread.” During His ministry, Jesus also identified Himself as “the Bread of Life.” The “Bread of Life” was torn from “the house of bread.” Jesus was born specifically in Bethlehem as a reminder to us that He is the One who will satisfy the longing hunger in the hearts of people forever. Bethlehem also has a second name, which you may have noticed in the text in Micah 5:2. The word Ephrathah means “fruitful ness.” Ephrath means “to be fruitful.” Jesus makes a striking correlation to this when He says in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” Our Savior was born to satisfy the hungry as the Bread of Life. He was born for the thirsty as the Vine of Life. He was born in this town of Bethlehem, at the moment foretold in prophecy, just so that today, two thousand years later, we might marvel over Godis intricate master plan. It is one that contrasts death with life, sorrow with joy. It manages to reconcile the two through the one person of Jesus Christ. For the Chris tian, Bethlehem is a constant source of joy wrapped up in this timeless message: “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). (John 14:1-4 KJV) "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. {2} In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to pre pare a place for you. {3} And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. {4} And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." The words Jesus spoke above are perhaps some of the most comforting words in the entire bible. God understands our hopes, desires, and dreams, and knows our fears, too. In a day in which we rarely hear anything good on the news programs, or read about something that is uplifting in the newspapers, God is encouraging us to face another day with ex pectancy of good things and hope for eternity. The whole world has been ef fected by the terrorist attacks on September 11. Many people have determined in their hearts to go on with their lives, while others have lost hope altogether. Jesus gave a very clear answer to those whose lives have been turned up side down by fear and terror - "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." Fear can immobilize us, but God can give us strength to over come. So many people are depressed during this time of year for one reason or another. Just take a good look at people's faces as they shop for that perfect gift. You see frus tration, fear, amazement, or ab solutely no joy at all. There is so much to do, and so many places to be, it's no wonder some find it difficult to maintain peace and joy. We all need to focus once again on the source of our joy. Jesus Christ, and begin praising Him for all He has done for us. Once we do that, depression, fear and dread will have to leave. Christmas should not be a time characterized by pretty lights and fancy parties. We have replaced the true meaning of Christmas with glitz and glitter, lights and rs ,)|Pi Ronald E. Parish manger scenes with Santa look ing at baby Jesus sleeping in His bed of hay. There's something wrong when you put more em phasis on a fable than you do on the Son of God. Please take time out of your busy schedules this Christmas to reflect on the place Christ has in your hearts. I am not trying to be a Scrooge, but I am suggesting we slow down, take a deep breath, and be still long enough to give glory and honor to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. By the way, we are still looking for a talented piano player to help us out in our music department. I am quite certain there are people sitting in a church somewhere in this community who desires to use the talent God gave them. Please don't let your talent go to waste. If you have any questions, sug gestions. or comments, please contact me at (229)888-2588 or e-mail to eacog@mindspring. com. You are most welcome to visit us at East Albany Church of God. 216 Pine Bluff Road. Al bany. Georgia. Drop by to see us on the web at one of the follow ing addresses: www.eacog.home.mindspring, com or www.forministry.com/ 31705eacog. RONALD E. PARISH Pastor. East Albany Church of God The “Word” For The Week By Dr. Dennis Prutow Pleasing God On the night of His birth, an angel appeared to shepherds out side Bethlehem to announce Jesus' arrival. "Today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). The Savior promised to Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:15) and believed in by Noah (Genesis 5:29), Abraham (Genesis 12:3), David (Psalm 32:1-2), and many oth ers was now born in Bethlehem. “And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased’” (Luke 2:13-14). An angelic choir gives praise to God for the birth of the Savior. The choir also brings a promise of peace. It is peace among those who please God. How do we please God? The Bible tells us forthrightly. “With out faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). We please God through faith in the prom ised Savior just as Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, and David did. God’s salvation is “not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but ac cording to His mercy” (Titus 3:5). "For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). He is the only “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). For a free audiotape on this subject, call 1-800-777-0389; e- mail free_tape@juno.com; or visit www.sterlingpulpit.org From The Bible God will redeem O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet. He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excel lency of Jacob whom he loved. God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a tram- pet. Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holi ness. The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holi ness. For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. By Jerry Kingery Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world: Both low and high, rich and poor, together. My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understand ing. I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark say ing upon the harp. But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is in creased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him. Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself. He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light. Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish, from Psalms 47 - 49 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 "inuntu nhurrh of Christ Kinchafoonee Rantist Leesbura Church of God Leesburg First Bapti 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 First Baptist - Leesburg 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 o&m Member FDIC 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 CraiegS£ Mathis Attorney At Law 124 Fourth Street 759-2243 jHatljetos: 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 Foi e 'XmfaM'Stem 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 *u 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