We want to commemorate and acknowledge a pivotal moment in our spiritual journeys: the death of our old selves and the beginning of our new lives in Christ. Just as every wedding marks the beginning of a new union and every birth celebrates the start of a new life, this service symbolizes a significant starting point in our Christian journey—the initial dying to self and the resurrection to walk in newness of life. The Apostle Paul describes this in Romans 6:4, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
This initial point of death to our old nature is crucial. It is the moment we acknowledge our need for a Savior, repent of our sins, and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord. However, this transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Paul also reminds us in Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Today, we symbolically lay to rest our old selves—the sinful nature, the selfish desires, and the ways that led us away from God’s will. We do this to fully embrace the new life Christ offers. As we journey through this service, let’s reflect on the significance of this initial dying and the continuous renewal that molds us more into the likeness of Christ. May this service remind us that in dying to ourselves daily, we truly find life—abundant and eternal in Jesus Christ.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
CHANGE A KID’S LIFE FOR ETERNITY!
What an amazing might at Arise Youth Conference. Dr. Kenny Baldwin spoke with God’s anointing upon him. Over 100 went forward for salvation, one from our group. Everyone in our group made decisions to seek God’s best for their lives. The invitation was amazing. Please, please continue to pray for each service.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” –
Our old emotions were often a battleground, filled with bitterness, anger, fear, and anxiety.
These feelings caused inner turmoil and strained our relationships with others.
In Christ, our emotions are transformed.
Where we once felt negative emotions, we now experience the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
David’s Psalms are a testament to the transformation of emotions.
In Psalm 51:10, David prays, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
His honest plea reflects the transformation of his emotions through God’s cleansing and renewal.
IDENTIFY AND ACKNOWLEDGE: Recognize and acknowledge your emotions.
Bring them before God in prayer and ask for His help in transforming them.
PRACTICE GRATITUDE: Keep a gratitude journal to focus on positive emotions.
Reflect on God’s blessings and how they impact your feelings.
SEEK THE HOLY SPIRIT: Daily invite the Holy Spirit to fill you and produce His fruit in your life.
Reflect on Galatians 5:22-23 and ask God to develop these attributes in you.
FORGIVE AND LET GO: Practice forgiveness towards those who have hurt you.
Holding onto bitterness and anger only harms you.
Follow Ephesians 4:31-32, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Transforming our emotions through Christ brings peace and joy that surpasses understanding.
By allowing the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in us, we build stronger relationships and experience inner peace.
PRAYER
Lord, transform my emotions through Your Holy Spirit. Help me to experience and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in all my interactions. Fill me with Your love, joy, and peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
Today, write down any negative emotions you are experiencing.
Pray over each one, asking God to transform them through His Spirit.
Then, list ways you can practice the fruit of the Spirit in your interactions with others this week.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Karen Lyles in passing of her mother
Joy Gilbert’s Family in her passing
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham
Gail Sparks
Ellen Boyd
Friend of Linda Hodge
Joy Gilbert
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
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
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
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher