GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
THE URGENCY OF SALVATION
2 Corinthians 6:2, “For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
In Acts 24:24-27, Governor Felix had the opportunity to hear Paul preach about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come.
Felix was deeply troubled by what he heard—he even trembled under conviction—but instead of responding in faith, he told Paul, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.”
Felix postponed the most important decision of his life, and Scripture never mentions him calling for Paul again or accepting salvation.
This story reminds us that delaying the decision to follow Christ is risky and dangerous because no one knows how many opportunities they will have.
In our lives, it’s easy to think that we can always get serious about our relationship with God later.
We may feel the Holy Spirit prompting us to repent or make a decision for Christ, but we often rationalize that there’s plenty of time.
But time is not promised.
Every day brings uncertainties, and our lives can change in an instant.
The Bible says, “now is the accepted time” and “now is the day of salvation” because today is the only moment we truly have.
If you have not yet chosen to follow Christ, the time is now.
Don’t wait until tomorrow, because tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Imagine yourself standing at the edge of a cliff that is slowly crumbling beneath your feet.
A rescue worker is holding a rope just inches away, calling out to you, ready to save you.
As the ground beneath you weakens, you feel the urgency to reach out and grab hold of the lifeline.
In that moment, would you hesitate?
Would you look for a more “convenient” time?
Jesus is that lifeline.
He’s extending His hand, offering you salvation today.
The ground of life can give way at any moment—don’t wait until it’s too late.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I realize that I cannot delay the most important decision of my life. I know that time is fleeting, and tomorrow is not promised. Please help me to act on the urgency of salvation and not delay in following You. If I have already accepted You as my Savior, I pray that You would open my heart to those who are still waiting. Give me the courage to share Your truth with them and encourage them to choose You today. In Jesus Name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
If you haven’t accepted Christ, take the time today to make that decision.
Talk to God, confess your sins, and invite Him to be Lord of your life.
There’s no better moment than now to receive the gift of eternal life.
If you are already a believer, pray for someone in your life who hasn’t yet made the decision to follow Christ.
Ask God to give you the opportunity to share the gospel with them and the boldness to encourage them to act without delay.
By recognizing the urgency of salvation and understanding that the moment for decision is now, we acknowledge the reality that life is fragile, and God’s call should not be ignored.
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
James Parker
Kim McClain
June Davis
Danny Jarrard
Amy Garner’s Mom
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
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 Parker
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
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’s Family
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher