September Theme – The Mind of Christ: Breaking Free From Earthly Thinking to Embrace Christ’s Mind
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
The fiercest war you will ever face is not against people or armies but within your own mind, where past wounds, voices of rejection, and cycles of failure whisper lies that chain the heart. The enemy sows poison—“You’ll never change, you’re unworthy, God can’t use you”—and if left unchecked, those lies harden into fear, shame, and despair, for as Proverbs 23:7 says, “As he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Yet God has not left His children captive—He knows every thought before it forms (Psalm 139:2) and commands us to “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Victory is not found in willpower but in surrender, for the mind of Christ is a holy exchange: He takes confusion and gives clarity, pride and gives humility, torment and gives peace. When Christ rules your mind, fear is silenced, lies lose power, and hope takes root—the battle may rage in your thoughts, but the triumph belongs to the Lord.
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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Freedom Through Captivity
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36
The world defines freedom as doing whatever you want, whenever you want. But that kind of “freedom” often leads to chains far heavier than iron. Sin always promises liberty, yet delivers slavery. Pride promises control, but leaves you in bondage to insecurity. Pleasure promises satisfaction, but chains you with addiction.
Joseph discovered this truth firsthand. He was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and cast into prison. By the world’s standards, he had lost all freedom. Yet in that dark cell, Joseph experienced a deeper liberty—the freedom of a mind and spirit surrendered to God. No dungeon could shackle his destiny because his heart was anchored to the promises of the Lord.
A life anchored in Christ cannot be enslaved by bitterness, fear, or despair. True freedom is not the absence of chains—it is the presence of Christ in the middle of them.
Real freedom is not found in indulgence—it is found in surrender. The enemy whispers, “Break away from God’s Word and you’ll be free.” But sin’s path always ends in slavery. Every yes to God is a breaking of chains; every no to sin is a step into liberty.
Romans 6:22 — “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”
Freedom is not circumstantial—it is spiritual. Paul wrote letters of joy while chained in a Roman prison. Why? Because freedom is not about where your body is placed—it’s about who rules your mind. When Christ reigns, fear loses its authority and despair loses its grip.
2 Corinthians 3:17 — “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
Freedom is not independence—it is dependence. The greatest liberty you will ever know is found when you place your life fully in the hands of Jesus. Dependence on Him loosens the grip of self, silences the lies of the enemy, and opens the floodgates of peace.
Galatians 5:1 — “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
During World War II, Allied prisoners of war gathered secretly in their barracks with a smuggled New Testament. One soldier read aloud: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” Though barbed wire and armed guards surrounded them, those men stood taller and sang louder than ever before. Their bodies were captive, but their spirits soared free. The guards could not understand it—but the prisoners knew: Christ had set them free.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I confess that I have believed the lies of false freedom. Too often I have run after my own will, only to find myself enslaved to fear, sin, or despair. But today I declare that You alone are my liberty. Break the chains of pride, lust, bitterness, and unbelief in my life. Rule over my mind, and fill me with Your Spirit. Teach me that true freedom is found in surrender to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Challenge: Today, surrender one thought, habit, or attitude that has held you captive. Lay it before the Lord in prayer and declare: “Christ has made me free, and I will walk in His liberty.”
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Amy Garner’s Dad
Annette Ford
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shelnutt’s
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ann Stanley
Carol Lawhead – Park Place Rehab in Monroe
Danny Jarrard – Knee Surgery Soon
Darlene Wiggins
Debbie Foskey
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
Jessica Headrick
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Mays
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Ron And Johnnie Barry – Friends Of Ashton & Glenda Bateman
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scott Lanier
Scotty Nix
Sheila Simmons
Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shellnutts
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher