Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures in our congregation. Today, we honor the vital role fathers play in shaping their children’s lives through unwavering faith and guidance. Let’s remember the legacy of faith passed down through generations, inspiring us to live with integrity and devotion. This enduring faith guides us daily and shapes our values. Just as fathers lead their families, Christ leads us to victory. Even in the face of profound tragedy, steadfast faith and trust in God’s plan encourage us to find peace in trusting Him.
Today is not about criticizing dads or highlighting their shortcomings; it’s a day to encourage fathers and help them find ways to mend past mistakes so everyone can heal and move forward. For some, celebrating Father’s Day is easy because they had wonderful dads, while for others, it’s painful due to difficult relationships or absent fathers. Regardless of where you fall, remember that you don’t have to suffer because of someone else’s failures; you can be a victor because of grace. Fathers have a profound influence on their children, serving as their first role model, and the Bible provides numerous examples of fatherhood, both good and bad. The greatest gifts a father can give are living a life of integrity, being emotionally available, prioritizing family and spiritual leadership, encouraging potential, and demonstrating unconditional love. By applying these biblical principles and practical steps, fathers can build stronger, healthier relationships with their children, creating a legacy of love and faithfulness that will endure for generations.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to the Men’s Choir Sing.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Galatians 4:19, “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,”,
In this verses Paul expresses his deep concern for the believers, comparing his efforts to the pains of childbirth, desiring to see Christ formed in them.
Using the Greek aorist tense, Paul indicates that this formation of Christ happens at a specific moment in time, marking a definitive transformation rather than a gradual process.
The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 illustrates this well.
The son’s realization and return to his father, followed by immediate restoration, symbolize how Christ can be formed in us when we turn back to Him.
Paul warns the Galatians that by focusing on the law instead of Christ, they had fallen from grace, allowing the law and its rituals to overshadow their relationship with Christ.
This mirrors the risk we face today of letting religious rituals and self-imposed requirements take precedence over a living relationship with Christ.
To highlight this, consider the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42.
While Martha is distracted by many tasks, Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet, prioritizing His presence and words.
Jesus commends Mary for choosing the better part, emphasizing the importance of focusing on Christ.
Paul’s advice in Colossians 2:19, to hold fast to the Head, which is Christ, further underscores this point.
Instead of adhering to strict ordinances, we are to seize Christ, allowing His life to flow through us, leading to growth that comes from God.
This calls us to examine our hearts and let go of distractions, embracing a relationship with Christ through prayer, study of His word, and seeking His presence daily.
By doing so, we allow Christ to be formed in us, transforming every aspect of our lives and bringing about the fullness of God’s growth and blessing.
Paul’s desire for the Galatians—that Christ be fully formed in them—is a timeless call for us to prioritize our relationship with Christ, ensuring He lives and operates in us fully.
May we all strive to let Christ be formed in us, guiding and transforming our lives for His glory.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Kathryn Raines
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
John McClain’s Mother
Amy Garner’s Mom & Dad
Coly/Connor – Allison’s G’sons
Dan Haines
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
Joe Shelnutt
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scott Lanier
Tom Witcher