GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.

If anyone needs gospel tracts to distribute, please call the church office and Sheila will mail them to you.

THE DIRE CONSEQUENCES OF OUR SILENCE

Ezekiel 33:8, “When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”

In Ezekiel’s time, the role of the watchman was a serious and solemn duty.

The watchman was stationed on the city walls to warn the inhabitants of impending danger.

If the watchman failed to sound the alarm, the blood of those who perished was on his hands.

The weight of that responsibility wasn’t just about physical danger but had deep spiritual implications as well.

This same responsibility rests on us today.

As believers, we are called to be spiritual watchmen, warning others of the consequences of sin and the impending judgment.

Consider your daily interactions—at work, in your community, or even within your family.

Are you more concerned with maintaining your comfort, your reputation, or avoiding awkward conversations than with the eternal destiny of those around you?

Our silence is not a neutral act; it has eternal consequences.

Imagine standing before God one day, realizing that someone you saw regularly—perhaps a neighbor, a coworker, or even a family member—is lost for eternity because you chose to remain silent.

We must take our role as spiritual watchmen seriously.

This isn’t just about sharing the gospel out of duty but out of a deep love and urgency for the souls of others.

When we speak out, we must do so with love, urgency, and passion, knowing that their eternity may hang in the balance.

Picture a watchman on the walls of a city.

He sees an enemy army approaching in the distance, yet he hesitates to sound the alarm.

Maybe he’s afraid of causing a panic, or perhaps he doubts whether the danger is real.

But as the enemy draws closer, the city remains unaware and unprepared.

The watchman’s silence leads to the city’s downfall.

In the same way, our spiritual silence can have devastating consequences.

If we fail to warn those around us about the reality of sin and the hope of salvation in Christ, we are, in a sense, allowing the enemy to advance unchecked.

PRAYER

Lord, forgive me for the times I have remained silent when I should have spoken. Fill my heart with compassion for the lost, and give me the courage to speak out, even when it’s uncomfortable. Help me to be faithful in sharing Your truth, no matter the cost, knowing that eternity is at stake. Let me be a watchman who is vigilant, caring, and bold in proclaiming Your message. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

ASSIGNMENT

This week, I challenge you to identify one person in your life who doesn’t know Christ and hasn’t heard the gospel from you.

Pray for them daily, asking God to soften their heart and give you an opportunity to share His truth with them.

Then, step out in faith and have that conversation.

It might be uncomfortable, and it might require courage, but remember—their eternal destiny could be influenced by your willingness to speak up.

After you’ve had that conversation, continue to pray for them, trusting that God will work in their heart and life.

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

James Burnette 

Joanie/Jeanie Mom

Jodi Bateman 

John McClain’s Mother

June Cronan’s Sister

June Cronan’s Sister 

Kailey Bateman

Kathryn Raines

Kim McClain’s Mother 

Krista Hilscher 

Larry Barker 

Lee Cronan

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 

Sandra Graham

Sarah Parker

Scott Lanier 

Steve Michaels

Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband) 

Tom Witcher