GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
CHANGE A KID’S LIFE FOR ETERNITY!
July 15-19, we will take our young people to the Arise Youth Conference in Pigeon Forge, TN. This time will be a life-changing week for our youth. We need your help to cover the cost, which is $185 per child for registration, plus food and lodging expenses. Thank you for making this need a matter of prayer. Your support can make a lasting impact on their lives.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
2 Corinthians 3:18, “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.”
The need for spending time with the Lord is crucial for our transformation, as reflected in various biblical illustrations and practical applications.
When Moses descended from Mount Sinai, his face shone with God’s glory, not through his own effort but by being in God’s presence (Exodus 34:29-35).
This transformation was passive, demonstrating that it was God’s glory shining upon him that caused the change.
Similarly, during Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountain, His appearance changed as He radiated God’s glory, illustrating the passive nature of transformation (Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2).
Romans 12:2 emphasizes this passive aspect, urging believers to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
This indicates that transformation is not something we achieve through self-effort but something that happens TO us by God’s Spirit working within us.
Transformation in the New Testament is always portrayed in the passive voice, signifying that it is an action done to us, not BY us.
For instance, when we are beholding the glory of the Lord, we are being acted upon—we are being transformed by the Spirit of the Lord.
This process of transformation is spontaneous and automatic, the natural outcome of spending time in God’s presence.
There is no need for us to attempt to correct, improve, or change ourselves in a religious way.
Instead, it is essential to spend special time in the Lord’s presence, using our spirit to behold Him.
Just as a plant thrives by absorbing sunlight, we are transformed by continually exposing ourselves to God’s presence.
In practical terms, this means prioritizing time with God in our daily lives.
Engaging in prayer, worship, and meditating on His Word allows His Spirit to work within us, gradually changing us into the image of Christ.
By focusing on God rather than our own efforts, we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out.
This transformation empowers us to live with joy, peace, and purpose.
In our daily routines, let’s make it a habit to reflect on God’s glory, trusting that as we yield to Him, He will bring about lasting change in our hearts and minds.
This passive transformation underscores the importance of relying on God’s grace rather than our own strength, recognizing that true and lasting change comes from His Spirit working within us.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
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