APRIL – Resurrection Power: Living the RISEN Life
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
LIVING IN THE POWER AND PRESENCE OF THE SPIRIT
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
In these verses, the apostle Paul lists the beautiful characteristics that grow in us when we yield to the Holy Spirit. Each word—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance—paints a picture of the transformed life that God desires for us. These aren’t just traits to be admired from afar; they are the living expression of the Spirit’s presence in our hearts.
Consider the early Church. In the days following Christ’s ascension, believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and experienced an outpouring of divine power that defied all expectations. Despite facing severe persecution, these early Christians turned adversity into an opportunity to shine as beacons of hope. Miraculous signs, healing, and an overwhelming sense of unity marked their journey. Their lives were a testament to the transformative presence of God—demonstrating that a heart surrendered to the Spirit can change not only oneself but also uplift an entire community.
Today, we are invited to open our hearts to the life-changing presence of the Holy Spirit. This means letting go of our endless reliance on ourselves and inviting God to work within us. When we choose to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our daily lives, even amidst the chaos and challenges we face, we begin to see our inner world transform. Our thoughts, attitudes, and actions start to mirror the qualities of love, joy, peace, and the other fruits mentioned in Galatians. As we surrender more fully to God, our soul becomes a fertile ground where His grace can flourish, and our life becomes an ever-growing testimony to His power and mercy.
Imagine a barren garden in the early morning—a place where nothing seems to grow, and the soil appears dry and lifeless. Then imagine a gentle rain beginning to fall. Each drop of rain is like the touch of the Holy Spirit, nurturing seeds hidden deep within the earth. With time, those once-sleeping seeds begin to sprout, and soon, the garden is transformed into a vibrant, blooming paradise. In the same way, the Holy Spirit works in our lives. He takes those dry, neglected parts of our hearts and waters them with His love, causing the seeds of faith and righteousness to burst forth into beautiful, flourishing blossoms.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, breathe life into every corner of my being. Fill me with the love, joy, and peace that only You can bestow. Help me to surrender my own ways and embrace Your guidance in every moment. Transform my heart into a garden of divine grace—a testament to Your wondrous power and unending mercy. May my life bear the fruit of Your presence so abundantly that it brings hope, healing, and a glimpse of heaven to everyone I encounter. In Jesus Name, Amen.
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Robbie Edwards – Funeral Saturday At Church At 11:00 AM
Debbie Foskey
Mike, Gwen, Michael Rice Family – Friends of Blount’s – Car Accident
Beth – A Friend Of Amy Garners – Much Better
Ann Stanley – Surgery today
Danny Jarrard
Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Darlene Wiggins
David Newby
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle 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
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Marynell Ford
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scarlett – Marynell’s Granddaughter
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher