JANUARY “It’s Time to Go Deeper”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
The Family Devotion for Snow Sunday: It’s Time to Go Deeper encouraged believers to pursue a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus as they begin 2025. This messae emphasized the transformative power of the cross, where Jesus took on our sins to offer us a fresh start. It challenges us to go beyond surface-level faith by embracing daily practices like prayer, Bible reading, and acts of service, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our lives. By letting Jesus lead us, we can rise above challenges and live with hope, joy, and purpose. The message illustrates how living for Christ brings real change, freedom, and joy, as He works within us to shape our attitudes, actions, and decisions, making His presence evident in every aspect of our lives.
It also highlights the importance of community in the church, where believers grow together through worship, fellowship, and shared service. Being part of a church helps us center our lives on Christ and live out His purposes in unity with others. The message concludes with a focus on Jesus’ promised return, which inspires believers to live with eternal perspective, readiness, and boldness in their faith. This anticipation gives meaning to our daily lives and motivates us to reflect His love and grace as we prepare ourselves and others for His coming.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
GO DEEPER IN THE LOVE OF JESUS
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”— Ephesians 3:17-19
The Apostle Paul’s life exemplifies a profound, transformative relationship with Jesus.
Originally Saul, a zealous persecutor of the early church, Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus changed him completely.
Rooted in Christ’s love, Paul dedicated himself to spreading the gospel despite facing severe persecution.
His unwavering commitment and missionary work highlight the deep impact of being filled with God’s love and grace.
Last Sunday, we began our journey to “Go Deeper,” focusing on developing a more intimate relationship with Jesus.
We reflected on the significance of the cross, understanding that Jesus’ sacrifice is the foundation of our new life.
Through the cross, Jesus took our sins, offering us a fresh start and the ability to let go of our old ways.
This transformation is about embracing the new life Jesus provides, where death and life work together to bring renewal and freedom.
We also recognized that Jesus doesn’t just remove our sins but elevates our entire existence.
He lifts us when we feel stuck or inadequate, helping us rise above challenges like anger, fear, and selfishness.
This higher life is a daily journey of letting Jesus lead us, seeing the world through His eyes, and living with hope and joy even in difficult times.
By allowing Jesus to grow in us, He shapes our thoughts, feelings, and actions, bringing true freedom and joy.
Living in Christ means inviting Him into every moment, from big decisions to small daily tasks.
Jesus cares about everything we do and guides us through challenges, providing patience, wisdom, and peace.
Our personal relationship with Jesus means we don’t have to figure everything out alone; He guides us in both big and small decisions, leading to real freedom and joy.
The more we let Jesus live in us, the more His goodness and glory shine through our actions.
Churches play a vital role as communities where we share the life of Jesus and grow together.
In the church, we build deeper relationships with God and each other, learning, encouraging, and supporting one another on our spiritual journeys.
Being part of a church family helps our faith flourish through worship, fellowship, and service.
Together, we become part of something bigger, reflecting Jesus’ heart and spreading His love to the world.
Finally, we looked forward to Jesus’ return, the hope that keeps us motivated and excited.
Knowing that Jesus will come back inspires us to live with purpose and readiness, preparing ourselves and each other through love, service, and faith.
This anticipation gives our lives eternal meaning, encouraging us to live out our faith boldly and joyfully each day.
As we prepare for His return, we grow closer to Him and to one another, building a community that reflects His love and grace.
Practical Applications: Living Out Our Faith Together
Deepening Relationship: Dedicate time each day for personal Bible study and prayer. Meditate on the “breadth, length, depth, and height” of Christ’s love and reflect on its application in your life.
Acts of Service: Serve others in your community by volunteering at local charities, helping neighbors, or participating in church activities. Practical service helps us live out Jesus’ love.
Open to the Holy Spirit: Listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in daily decisions and actions. Allow Him to lead you in interactions and choices.
Letting Go of Distractions: Identify and let go of habits that hinder your spiritual growth, making space for God’s work in your life.
Family Worship Time: Set regular times for family worship, including singing, reading scriptures, and praying together, ensuring everyone is engaged.
Community Involvement: Participate in community service projects as a family, reflecting Christ’s love and fostering unity and purpose.
Imagine a mighty tree with deep roots that anchor it firmly, allowing it to withstand fierce storms.
Similarly, our faith relies on being deeply rooted in Christ’s love.
When we are rooted in Jesus, we gain the strength to endure life’s challenges, remain steadfast in our beliefs, and grow in understanding His love and purpose.
Without strong roots, our faith can falter under pressure, just as a tree would topple without deep roots.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to go deeper in Your love. Let our hearts be rooted and grounded in You so that we may stand firm, knowing the depth of Your care for us. Fill us with the fullness of Your presence and guide us to live lives that reflect Your love, wisdom, and purpose. Strengthen our family to support one another in this journey, and help us to grow closer to You each day. In Your precious name, Amen.
As we dedicate ourselves to “It’s Time to Go Deeper,” let us commit to seeking God with all our hearts, understanding that spiritual growth requires intentionality and sacrifice.
There is no neutral ground in our spiritual journey—either we advance or we fall behind.
By seeking deeper, higher, and wiser in our walk with our blessed Lord, we ensure that our faith remains dynamic and resilient, capable of withstanding the trials and tribulations that life inevitably brings.
Let this year be a testament to the incredible blessings that come from drawing nearer to Jesus, embracing the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, and living out our faith with renewed passion and purpose.
May 2025 be a year of spiritual depth, intimacy with God, and abundant blessings as we honor Him with every step we take.
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUEST
Michael Stanley
Mrs. Franklin
Greg Schriener
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Newby
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother-in-law
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
Jessica Headrick
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim McClain’s Sister
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Linda Lanier
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mike Bryan
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher