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
FORGIVEN, NOT FORGOTTEN
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” — Psalm 103:12
God’s forgiveness is not a half-measure; it is infinite in scope and permanent in effect. When the Lord removes our transgressions, He casts them into a sea so deep that their memory is swallowed up forever. He does not merely pardon us—He uproots our guilt, straightens our paths, and rewrites our story. In Christ, we move from shame to sonship, no longer chained by past failures but embraced as beloved heirs of grace.
Peter’s denials could have been his defining moment: three times he swore he didn’t know Jesus, then wept bitterly (Luke 22:54–62). But after the Resurrection, Jesus sought Peter out, not to condemn but to restore. Three times He asked, “Lovest thou me?” and three times Peter affirmed his devotion; then Jesus said, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15–17). In that moment, Peter went from broken denier to fearless apostle—proof that our worst mistakes become the platform for God’s greatest purposes.
Practical Application:
- Own Your Story: Write down one past failure you’ve tried to hide. Read it aloud, then tear the paper in two—symbolizing God’s removal of your sin.
- Declare Your Forgiveness: Each morning, speak Psalm 103:12 over yourself: “God has removed my transgressions from me.” Let your lips confess His pardon before you begin your day.
- Step into Purpose: Identify one area where guilt has paralyzed you. Ask the Holy Spirit for one small step—perhaps volunteering, sharing your testimony, or mentoring someone—and do it this week.
- Accountability Partner: Invite a trusted brother or sister in Christ to remind you of God’s grace when shame creeps in. Encourage each other to walk in freedom.
Picture a broken mirror scattered on the floor. Its pieces reflect nothing but darkness. Yet in the hands of a master craftsman, each piece is skillfully joined with gold filigree binding the cracks. The repaired mirror doesn’t hide its flaws; it celebrates them, reflecting light more brilliantly than before. So it is with lives restored by God’s grace: our broken places, once our shame, become channels through which His glory shines.
- Which past mistake do you still carry as a burden?
- How does knowing God “remembers your sins no more” shift your confidence in Christ today?
- In what ways can your restoration serve as an encouragement to someone else?
Today, reach out to someone who feels trapped by guilt—send an encouraging text, share your own story of forgiveness, or pray for them by name. Let your restored life be a living sermon.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your mercy that not only forgives but restores. You have cast my sins away and clothed me in righteousness. Help me to walk free of shame, to believe Your removal of my transgressions is complete, and to step boldly into the purpose You’ve ordained. Use my story of grace to bring hope to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Ann Stanley – Heart Stent Today
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Beth – A Friend Of Amy Garners
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Newby
Debbie Foskey
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
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
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
Mike, Gwen, Michael Rice Family – Friends of Blount’s – Car Accident
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scarlett – Marynell’s Granddaughter
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter
Tom Witcher