Praise the Lord for 3 decisions made yesterday in the service.
Salvation is not a checklist of religious duties or good works but a relationship with Jesus Christ. Many believe they can earn their way to heaven through moral behavior or fulfilling religious practices, but the Bible teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone. We are all just one heartbeat away from eternity, and where we spend it depends on our decision about Jesus. Life is fragile and brief, and we must prepare for eternity, not just focus on temporary, earthly concerns. Just like the rich young ruler who placed his faith in wealth and good deeds, we too must understand that salvation is about knowing Jesus personally, not merely following religious rules.
The book, One Heartbeat Away, emphasizes the urgency of making a decision for Christ, as none of us are promised tomorrow. Each heartbeat brings us closer to eternity, and delaying the choice to follow Jesus is like gambling with our eternal destiny. The Bible reminds us that today is the day of salvation, and we must respond to the gospel without delay. The lateness of the hour calls for urgency in serving God, as we are all just one heartbeat away from standing before Him. It’s time to live wholeheartedly for God, sharing the hope of salvation with others before it’s too late.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
SALVATION IS A GIFT, NOT EARNED
Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
In Luke 18:18-23, the rich young ruler approached Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life.
Despite his efforts to follow all the commandments, Jesus told him to sell all he had and follow Him.
The man left in sorrow because his faith was in his wealth and his good works, not in Jesus.
This story teaches us that salvation is not something we earn through our actions; it is found in a relationship with Christ alone.
It’s easy to fall into the mindset of thinking that being a good person, attending church regularly, or performing charitable acts can secure our place with God.
However, the Bible clearly teaches that salvation is a free gift, entirely based on God’s grace.
It’s not something we can achieve on our own merit.
Jesus invites us into a relationship with Him that is founded on grace.
Today, consider if you are truly resting in His gift of salvation or if you are trying to earn God’s favor through your actions.
Think of a person who receives an invitation to a grand banquet.
The host has paid for everything—there’s nothing the guest needs to contribute, except to accept the invitation and show up.
However, instead of accepting, the guest insists on bringing their own meal, thinking it will earn them a seat at the table.
But no matter how hard they try, their efforts can never match the banquet prepared. Salvation is like that banquet—God has already prepared the way through Jesus.
All we have to do is accept the invitation by faith, not try to earn it through our own efforts.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for the incredible gift of salvation. Help me to understand that I cannot earn it through my actions but that it is freely given by Your grace. Teach me to trust in Your finished work and to live in the freedom that comes from resting in You. Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
Take a few moments to reflect on areas where you might be trying to “earn” God’s love or approval.
Write these down and pray, asking God to help you surrender these areas and fully trust in His grace.
Recognize that His gift of salvation is freely given, not earned.
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Mary Wiliams – Fell – In Hospital
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
James Parker
Kim McClain
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 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’s Family
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher