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
Hebrews 2:8-9: “Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”
These verses highlight two key points:
- “We do not yet see all things put under him”: There are aspects of our lives and the world that are not yet fully under Christ’s rule.
- “But we see Jesus”: Despite the unfinished state of things, our focus should be on Jesus.
Even when we observe areas in our lives not yet fully subjected to Christ, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. Our hearts should be positioned and focused on Him, trusting that He will bring every unruly aspect into submission.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18: “Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
These verses teach us that to behold the Lord with an unveiled face, we need a heart turned toward Him. Our hearts may be distracted by many things, but the essential task is to redirect our hearts toward the Lord.
Practical Applications
1. Turning Our Hearts to the Lord:
- Illustration – Peter Walking on Water: In Matthew 14:28-31, Peter walked on water toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind and waves, he became afraid and began to sink. Jesus saved him, saying, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” This story teaches us to keep our eyes on Jesus, not on the surrounding troubles.
- Application: When facing life’s storms, we should focus on Jesus rather than our problems. By doing so, we can walk through difficulties without sinking.
2. Maintaining a Focused Heart:
- Illustration – Mary and Martha: In Luke 10:38-42, Martha was distracted by her many tasks, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him. Jesus commended Mary for choosing the “good part,” which would not be taken from her.
- Application: Like Mary, we need to prioritize spending time with Jesus, especially when we feel overwhelmed by our responsibilities.
3. Trusting Jesus to Subdue All Things:
- Illustration – David and Goliath: In 1 Samuel 17, David faced the giant Goliath not by focusing on the giant’s size but by trusting in the Lord’s power. He declared, “The battle is the Lord’s.”
- Application: When we confront challenges, we should trust that Jesus will bring all things into subjection under His feet, just as David trusted God to defeat Goliath.
4. Reflecting the Lord’s Glory:
- Illustration – Moses’ Radiant Face: In Exodus 34:29-35, after spending time with God, Moses’ face shone with God’s glory. This radiance came from being in God’s presence.
- Application: By spending time with Jesus, we reflect His glory in our lives. As we behold Him, we are transformed into His image.
Conclusion
Our tendency is to focus on our problems and inadequacies, but the Bible urges us to turn our hearts toward the Lord. True transformation comes from focusing on Jesus, trusting Him to handle the unsubjected areas of our lives. As we behold Him, we are changed from glory to glory, reflecting His image and experiencing His peace and freedom. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus, no matter what, and allow His grace to work in and through us.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Sarah Parker – ICU Newton
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