Praise the Lord! We’ve been blessed to see someone come to salvation every week for the past six weeks. Sunday, Natalie Garner came forward to place her trust in Christ as her personal Savior, leaving behind years of relying on a false profession.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
FINALLY
Today is critical for every eligible voter who has not yet cast their ballot to take action and make their voice heard. So much is weighing on this election, and each vote contributes to shaping:
- The Future of Our Local Communities: Decisions on public safety, infrastructure, education, and local services all hinge on elected officials and measures that this election will determine.
- Healthcare Accessibility and Affordability: Our healthcare policies are influenced by those we put into office and the funding we approve, impacting care quality, insurance costs, and access.
- Environmental Protection and Sustainability Efforts: Policies on energy use, conservation, and climate initiatives directly affect our environment and our responsibility to future generations.
- Education and Opportunities for the Next Generation: From school funding to curriculum guidelines, every decision influences the quality and direction of education.
- Economic Stability and Job Growth: Leadership choices shape policies that affect local economies, job creation, and wage standards.
- Protection of Rights and Freedoms: Every vote contributes to ensuring that our fundamental rights are defended and our voices are heard on issues of justice and equality.
Today is our chance to be active participants in democracy. By casting our ballots, we contribute to the decisions that shape our lives, our families, our churches and our future. It’s not just a right—it’s a responsibility. Let’s make it count.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
EMBRACING YOUR NEW IDENTITY IN CHRIST
2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Paul’s transformation from a persecutor of Christians to an apostle of Christ exemplifies the power of a new identity in Christ (Acts 9:1-20).
Once defined by his actions and driven by his misguided zeal, Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, changing his life forever.
No longer was he defined by his violent past; his identity was now centered in Christ’s mission and message.
His story reminds us that no past is too dark or broken for God’s transformative love.
Just as Paul was no longer defined by his past mistakes or failures, neither are you.
In Christ, you are a new creation, free from the labels the world or your past may have placed on you.
Embrace the freedom of your new identity.
You are no longer confined by guilt, shame, or fear—God sees you as His beloved child, forgiven and deeply loved.
Lean into this truth daily, and live out of the freedom it brings.
Imagine carrying a backpack filled with heavy rocks, each one labeled with regrets, failures, and old habits.
The weight of this burden keeps you from walking freely.
Christ stands before you with open arms, inviting you to set down the backpack and walk with Him, free of those burdens.
The journey is no longer marked by shame or regret but by love, purpose, and freedom in your new life with Him.
Christ’s love is not just about a single moment of forgiveness; it’s an invitation to live every day as a new creation.
Embrace this new identity wholeheartedly.
Recognize that in Christ, your worth, purpose, and potential are no longer limited by who you once were.
As you walk in this truth, may you find joy, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose, living out the unique calling God has for you.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me a new identity in Christ. Help me release the old labels and burdens that weigh me down. Remind me of Your love and forgiveness each day as I walk in this new life You’ve given me. Let my life reflect the change You’ve made in me. Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
Take a moment to write down any old labels, past mistakes, or burdens that still affect you.
List each one honestly, acknowledging any weight they may carry.
Then, pray over this list, one by one, asking God to help you release them and replace them with the truth of your new identity in Christ.
Allow His peace to fill the space those labels once occupied.
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Danny Jarrard – Riverside In Covington
Dale Lake
David Newby
Amy Garner’s Mom
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Darlene Wiggins
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
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
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain
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
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Marynell Ford
Matt Barron’s Mother
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher