MAY THEME – CHURCH ALIVE: Living As His Body In A Broken World.
What God is doing in our church is nothing short of miraculous. He is taking faithful, devoted Christians—many of whom have walked with Jesus for years but were never taught these deep truths—and awakening them to a fresh understanding of what it truly means to be The Church Alive.
This is not just another message series. It is a Spirit-led movement—a divine shift. We are learning that the Church is not just a place we go, but a Body we belong to. We are being called to function, not just to fill a seat. To minister, not just to observe. To carry His heart into our homes, our communities, and beyond.
God is breathing life into His people. He’s reviving purpose, restoring identity, and calling each of us to walk in unity, power, and love. And best of all—this is just the beginning.
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
“CELEBRATING DIVERSITY OF GIFTS”
“For the body is not one member, but many… God hath set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” — 1 Corinthians 12:14, 18
God delights in a kaleidoscope of gifts—He never meant His Church to be a uniform gathering of look-alike parts. Just as our physical bodies depend on both sight and hearing to function fully, so the Body of Christ thrives when each believer contributes the unique gifting God has woven into their spirit. Prophets bring fresh revelation, teachers illuminate truth, servers provide practical care, and encouragers bolster weary hearts. Together, these diverse expressions of grace weave a tapestry that reflects the infinite wisdom and creativity of our Lord.
When we honor the variety among us, we move from simply coexisting to truly collaborating. No gift is too small and no role insignificant—every ministry, from prayer warriors to planners, plays a vital part in painting the full portrait of Christ’s love. As each member steps into her God-given function, the Church pulses with strength, unity, and purpose, showcasing not only what we can do but Whom we represent. In this celebration of diversity, we discover that our differences are not obstacles but opportunities to magnify God’s manifold glory.
- Barnabas: Acts 11:23 tells us he “exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” His gift of encouragement strengthened new believers merely by standing alongside them in their trials.
- Aquila and Priscilla: In Acts 18:26, this tent-making couple took Apollos aside and “expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” Their teaching gift complemented Aquila’s hospitality and Priscilla’s wisdom, equipping a powerful team for greater service.
In our Ladies Spring Fellowship, when last-minute needs arose, sisters stepped up—some arranged tables, others organized materials, and a few gathered in prayer—working seamlessly together to bring everything into place. That spirit of collaboration reminded us that each act of service, though different in form, is equally vital in creating a warm, welcoming environment where Christ’s love shines.
Identify Two Gifts: Write down one spiritual gift (e.g., teaching, mercy, evangelism) and one practical gift (e.g., organization, hospitality, craftsmanship) God has entrusted to you.
- Seek Activation: Review upcoming ministries or events—children’s ministry, kitchen teams, outreach teams, prayer groups—and choose one context where your gifts can make an impact this week.
- Plan Your Contribution: Schedule a time to volunteer, invite a friend to join you, or coordinate with the ministry leader to serve effectively.
Challenge: This week, serve in the area you’ve chosen:
- If hospitality is your gift, bring fresh coffee and homemade treats to your Sunday School Class.
- If mercy is your gift, identify someone facing hardship—illness, loneliness, financial strain—and spend an afternoon visiting, praying with, or running errands for them.
Then journal how that service impacted both you and those you served.
Prayer: “Holy Spirit, shine light on the unique gifts You’ve placed within me. Guide me to opportunities where those gifts can glorify Jesus and build up His Body. Help me to honor and celebrate the gifts of others, valuing our diversity as a beautiful display of Your manifold grace. Amen.”
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ann Stanley – Waiting On Heart Valve
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
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Garner
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
Roy Loyd
Scarlett – Marynell’s Granddaughter
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter
Tom Witcher