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Dear EBC Family,
1 Timothy 4:7b-8 says, “…train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
We all hope to live lives that bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ. Yet as Paul shows us here, this doesn’t happen automatically—it requires intentional training. Spiritual growth and gains in godliness happen through deliberate, strenuous effort. Paul says in 1 Timothy 4:10, "to this end we toil and strive". I wonder how many of us would use the words "toil" and "strive" to describe the way we live the Christian life.
Consider how athletes train. They must work hard to succeed in their sport, subjecting themselves to rigorous conditioning for what are ultimately temporary rewards. While there is genuine value in athletic training, Paul reminds us of something far greater: when we train and toil for godliness, we’re preparing for success that carries eternal reward.
The beautiful truth in this passage is that spiritual discipline benefits us both now and forever. Unlike a medal that tarnishes or a record that gets broken, godliness holds promise for “the present life and also for the life to come.” As you consider your life and what you are giving your time and energy to, I pray that more and more you would see the value in training for godliness.
Sunday Worship Guide
Sunday morning worship is a Saturday night decision! One of the best ways to get the most out of our time together in corporate worship is to come prepared, going to bed early on Saturday night, and by reviewing the sermon text, our song list, and our responsive readings. To help you prepare for Sunday worship, I've provided each element of our worship below for your review prior to Sunday.
- Sermon Text – Acts 4:23-31
- Song List)
- Responsive Reading
- Confession of Sin
- Leader: Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed,saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” (Psalm 2:1-3)
- All: You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. (Psalm 90:8)
- Assurance of Pardon
- Leader: Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. (Isaiah 1:18)
- All: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)
Announcements
- Wednesday Nights – Next Wednesday we will continue our study on the Ten Commandments. We will be looking at the 3rd commandment from Exodus 20:7.
- Theology for Breakfast – This is a men's discipleship group that meets on the 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month at 6:30 AM at The Coffee House South. We spend time sharing our struggles and prayer needs with one another, and then we spend the rest of our time discussing a book that we are reading together. If you are interested in joining, please let me know.
- Trail Life/American Heritage Girls – Trail Life and AHG meet at the church each Thursday night at 6:30 PM. If you are interested in serving as mentor/volunteer, please contact Tom or Michelle Ridley.
- Classical Conversations – The homeschool group, Classical Conversations, meets at our church on Tuesdays from 8:00 AM–3:30 PM.
- Bible Study Fellowship – The women's BSF group meets at our church on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM. If you would like to join the current study, visit bsfinternational.org, click "Find a Group," locate the Excell Baptist Church group, and click "Request to Join."
Upcoming Events
- October 24 – Lottie Moon Chili Cook Off & Missions Auction
- November 30 – 5th Sunday Fellowship during the Sunday School hour (9:00 AM)
- December 5 – International Missions Meal
- December 14 – Holiday Meal
In Christ,
Hunter Hanson
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