December 2, 2007
Volume XXVI - Number 48  

Do You GET ENOUGH
EXERCISE?
ROBERT HATFIELD

Webster defines exercise as "bodily exertion for the sake of developing and maintaining physical fitness." Health and nutrition experts continually encourage people today toward activity as a means to stay healthy. While routine health issues are certainly worth considering, the Bible sheds light toward true priorities in life:

"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come" (2 Tim. 4:8).

Paul's point of view extended beyond the realms of physical life, which is evident to his reference to the life "which is to come." The idea is that bodily exercise will only last for a brief moment (James observed the brevity of life, James 4:14), but godliness is profitable in every respect.

The word godliness is parallel to the word pious. The Greek word actually comes from two words meaning "well" and "devout, reverent." So the word simply denotes qualities of reverence and holiness; these are actions of one who is fully devoted to God. Such qualities require diligent attention and care, and are able to develop over time through persistence and maintenance.

Can you imagine how different the world would be if each person began to exercise himself or herself unto godliness?! How would the world change if people began to meditate day and night on the word of God (Psa. 1:2)? What if every soul attended each assembly with God's people to worship Him and to be encouraged from one another (Heb. 10:25)? What if each person treated other folks the way they should be treated (Matt. 7:12), with tenderheartedness and forgiveness even as Christ forgave sinners (Eph. 4:32)? Would there be a different air about each person if he or she was constantly aware of the fact that "all things work together for good to them that love the Lord" (Rom. 8:28)? A righteous world would begin to take shape with enough godly exercise.

Godly exercise keeps the eternal spirit healthy, and it may help one's physical life as well. The man who seeks godliness first will worry less (Phil. 4:6-7). This man will pray more for those who are sick and bereaved (James 5:16). When priorities are right, everything else falls into place (Matt. 6:33b).

Are you ready to enjoy "the good life" (1 Peter 3:10)? Are you ready to share with others the secret of true happiness and peace? Then why not consider increasing your amount of godly exercise? - Prepare to see great results.

 


AM SERMON:
"Three Characteristics Of A Strong Congregation"
(Philippians 1:3-11)
PM SERMON:
"When Is A Person Justified By God?"
(1 Corinthians 6:1-11)

PM Youth Fellowship
The monthly teen group fellowship and devotional is scheduled for this evening (Sunday) after the PM worship. For further details see Matt Faneuf.

Placed Membership
Jack Pinckert placed membership with the congregation here at Orange Street this past Wednesday evening. We welcome Jack to our number. His contact info is already listed in our directory along with his wife Gina.

Ladies' Night Out
The ladies of the congregation are having a "Night Out" this coming Tuesday night (4th). This month's event is being catered in the annex and will begin at 6:30 p.m.. We have been asked to remind all those who will be attending to bring an unwrapped ornament.

Senior Dinner
Just a reminder that the annual Senior Dinner is scheduled for NEXT Sunday (9th), at noon, following the morning services. Everyone is asked to attend and give honor to those whom honor is due.

Men's Breakfast
The monthly Men's Breakfast will be hosted here at Orange street on Saturday, December 15th, in the annex. We need men to bring certain items and to help with the preparation of the breakfast. Please sign-up on the list posted in the foyer.

2008 Duty Schedule
Some of the duties of the congregation are assigned by the month at the beginning of the year. Please check the schedule posted in the foyer and see if the assignments are compatible with your proposed schedule for the coming year. If not-make any necessary changes on the posted schedule. Remove your name (cross it out) if you are scheduled to do a task that you do not want to do. Please don't just ignore it when that time comes. If your name is not on the list and you would like to participate - add your name anywhere on the list. If during the year, you are unable to keep your assignment, please let someone know so that other arrangements can be made.

Thanks Gaylon,
Brother Gaylon West has had to resign his office of elder here at Orange Street, because of some serious health issues. We are saddened at this announcement but understand the reasons behind it. We would like to thank Gaylon for his years of service and pray that his health problems might be resolved and that God would grant him many more years of service in His kingdom.
 

Jeff Copeland, Gladys Wagner,
Charles Copeland, Juanita Hilborn,
Ann Johnson, Wanda Greene,
Cindy Chambers, Luther Pendergrass,
Zach Mathis, Wilda Cox, Brian Green,
Pete Peeples, Pansy Sims, Brice Oliver,
Frances Kidwell, Gina Dupree
– Shut Ins –
Ken Skinner, Robert Cox,
Frances Black, Jason Powell,
Mattie Hughs
– In The Nursing Homes –
Robert Pearson (Tandem)