GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
WHICH CANDIDATES SHOULD I VOTE FOR?
As Christians, we are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts and responsibilities God has entrusted to us, and this includes the duty to vote. Voting is not just a right, but a responsibility that must be approached with prayer, wisdom, and a commitment to a biblical worldview. It is essential that our votes align with God’s principles on crucial matters such as the sanctity of life, ensuring the protection of the unborn; religious freedom, preserving the right to worship freely without government interference; and justice, advocating for fair treatment and protection of the vulnerable in society. We are also called to prioritize upholding traditional family structures, maintaining moral integrity in leadership, and practicing wise stewardship of resources—ensuring that policies promote responsible use of finances and care for creation. As we approach the upcoming elections, we must be mindful of the need to choose leaders who reflect these biblical values, balancing compassion with security on issues like immigration and ensuring education policies respect parental rights. I encourage you to not only vote but also challenge those who may not typically engage in the process to join in. Every vote has the potential to impact the direction of our nation, and we have the opportunity to honor God through our choices. Let’s be a voice for righteousness in these critical times, influencing our nation with biblical truth and integrity. Each vote matters, and we are called to be salt and light in every sphere of life, including the political arena.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
THE GIFT OF GRACE, NOT EFFORT
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.”
The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the early Christian churches about the importance of grace over works, especially in his letters to the Galatians.
The Galatian believers struggled with returning to legalistic practices, trying to earn righteousness through following the law rather than living in the freedom that Christ’s grace had given them.
Paul strongly emphasized that salvation comes by grace alone, not by anything we do, reminding them that human effort cannot achieve salvation—it is only a gift from God.
In our walk with Christ, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that doing more—whether through attending church services, serving in ministry, or practicing religious rituals—will somehow increase God’s love for us.
But the truth is, no amount of effort can make God love us more or less.
His grace is completely undeserved and freely given.
Are you living as though you need to earn God’s approval, or are you resting in the grace He has already provided?
Picture a child who tries to gain their parent’s approval by doing small chores around the house, thinking this will win their parent’s love.
But the reality is, the parent’s love is already unconditional—it doesn’t depend on the child’s actions.
This is how God’s love works.
We don’t have to strive to earn what He has already given us freely through grace.
Grace is a foundational element of the Christian faith, reminding us that salvation is a gift we cannot achieve on our own.
In the same way that Paul called out the Galatians for slipping back into a works-based mindset, we, too, must be careful not to fall into the habit of thinking that more effort will bring us closer to God.
God’s grace is not contingent upon our performance, and nothing we do—no matter how well-intentioned—can add to the completeness of what Christ has already done for us on the cross.
Our good works flow out of grace, not into it.
God’s love is already full and complete.
The more we rest in His grace, the more we experience the peace and freedom that come from knowing we are already fully accepted and loved by Him.
This truth gives us a new perspective on life, enabling us to serve others, love deeply, and live faithfully without the burden of trying to earn our salvation.
As you go through the day, remind yourself: Grace is the foundation, not the reward.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for Your incredible gift of grace. Help me to remember each day that Your love and salvation are not things I can earn through my own efforts. Teach me to rest in the truth that I am saved by Your grace and to live in the freedom that comes from trusting You. In Your Name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
Take some time to reflect on areas in your life where you may be striving to earn God’s approval instead of resting in His grace.
Write a prayer asking God to help you trust more fully in His grace and release any pressure you feel to earn His love.
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard – Piedmont Atlanta
James Parker
Jeff Brown
June Davis
Kim McClain
Linda Hodge
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Matt Barron’s Mother
Melba Torbich’s Family
Victims Of Storm And Chemical Fire
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