GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
The sermon at the Arise Youth Conference on “Rising Up” passionately called the youth to awaken from spiritual complacency and take a stand for Christ in an increasingly hostile world. The speaker emphasized that this generation is uniquely positioned to make a significant impact for the Kingdom of God, but doing so requires courage, commitment, and a willingness to be set apart. Drawing from the stories of David, Esther, and Daniel, the sermon highlighted how God uses those who rise above their circumstances and trust in His power to accomplish great things. The youth were challenged to confront their fears, doubts, and worldly pressures, recognizing that their strength to RISE UP comes not from their abilities but from their reliance on God. The message underscored the urgency of the hour, reminding them that they are not just the future of the church but its present force, capable of transforming their communities and the world through their faith and actions.
The call to RISE UP was not just a call to action but also a call to deeper devotion, encouraging the youth to seek God earnestly, live out their faith boldly, and inspire others to do the same. Like Nehemiah and the people of Israel who faced the daunting task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, the youth and the congregation as a whole are called to RISE UP, strengthen their hands, and work together to restore and grow their church. By reflecting honestly on their situation, restoring unity, revitalizing worship, reaching out to others, and trusting in God’s plan, they can RISE UP and see their church thrive once again. God is calling each of them to be part of this important work, and the challenge is for every member, including themselves, to commit to these five actions, knowing that together, they can accomplish great things for God’s Kingdom.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
AWAKENING FROM SPIRITUAL COMPLACENCY
Romans 13:11, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”
In this verse, Paul emphasizes the urgency of waking up from spiritual complacency.
He reminds believers that the time of salvation is nearer than ever, urging them to awaken from their spiritual slumber and live with a renewed sense of purpose.
In a world that increasingly opposes Christian values, this call to awaken is more crucial than ever.
The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 serves as a powerful illustration of this awakening.
The son, who had strayed far from his father’s house, “came to himself” and realized the depth of his need to return.
His awakening led him back to his father’s embrace, symbolizing the restoration that occurs when we realign ourselves with God’s purpose.
Like the prodigal son, we are called to recognize where we have drifted, to “come to ourselves,” and return to the fervor and passion of our first love in Christ.
Take a moment to reflect on your own spiritual journey.
Are there areas where you’ve allowed complacency to settle in?
Perhaps you attend church regularly, but your heart isn’t fully engaged in worship or service.
Maybe your prayer life has become routine, or you’ve lost the zeal you once had for sharing the gospel.
This is a wake-up call to examine your life and recognize where you’ve become spiritually stagnant.
God is calling you to rekindle your passion for Him and to live each day with a sense of urgency and purpose.
Just as the prodigal son realized his need to return to his father, you too are invited to return to a vibrant, passionate relationship with God.
Imagine a fire that has been burning brightly but has slowly started to die down.
At first, it provided warmth, light, and comfort, but over time, as the fuel dwindled, the flames grew weaker, and the warmth began to fade.
To reignite this fire, you must add more fuel, stoke the embers, and give it the attention it needs to blaze again.
In the same way, your spiritual life may have started strong, filled with the warmth of God’s presence and the light of His Word, but over time, complacency has caused the fire to dwindle.
Just as you would tend to a fire, you must tend to your spiritual life—adding the fuel of God’s Word, the breath of prayer, and the action of service.
Only then can the fire of your faith burn brightly again, providing warmth and light not only for yourself but for those around you.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I confess that I’ve allowed complacency to creep into my spiritual life. I’ve become too comfortable, too routine in my relationship with You. But now, I hear Your call to awaken. Lord, wake me up from my spiritual slumber. Help me to see the urgency of the times we’re living in. Fill me with a renewed passion for You, a burning desire to know You more, and a deep commitment to live out my faith with purpose. Empower me to make a difference in the world, reflecting Your love and truth in everything I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
This week, identify one specific area of your spiritual life where you’ve become complacent.
Is it in your prayer life, Bible study, or perhaps in how you serve others?
Once you’ve identified this area, commit to making a change.
Set a specific goal, such as dedicating more time each day to prayer, studying a book of the Bible, or volunteering in a ministry with renewed enthusiasm.
Remember, small, consistent steps can reignite your spiritual fire and draw you closer to God.
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Sandra Graham – Much Prayer Needed
Amy Garner’s Mom
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
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
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Graham
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher