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
“United Growth in Love”
“From whom the whole body fitly joined together… maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” — Ephesians 4:16
Paul’s picture of the church in Ephesians 4:16 reminds us that each of us—like bones, ligaments, and muscles—has a unique part to play. Yet it is only when every part is working in concert that the Body truly thrives. Your intercessions, your acts of service, your words of encouragement—these are the “joints and ligaments” that enable healthy movement. When we pray for one another, when we build each other up, and when we serve shoulder-to-shoulder, we don’t simply maintain a familiar routine; we spur one another toward deeper love and greater impact. Growth in love isn’t an automatic byproduct of individual effort, but the fruit of collective devotion to Christ and to one another.
In Acts 4:32–35, Luke records that the early church “had all things common,” selling property and laying the proceeds at the apostles’ feet so no one was in need. This radical generosity sprang from unity in the Spirit and a shared love for Christ. Their practical expressions of care created an open door for the gospel—and the result was exponential growth in both numbers and maturity. The church wasn’t just growing; it was being built up in love as each member served according to their gift.
- Partner Across Ministries: Reach out to a different ministry area—maybe the children’s team, the tech crew, or the prayer group—and set up a 15-minute prayer huddle.
- Plan a Joint Service Project: Choose one local need and co-design the project together.
- Celebrate Progress: After serving, take time to share what you learned and praise God for evidence of His Spirit moving through your teamwork.
- Which ministry area have you never served in, and what prevents you from stepping in?
- Recall a time when teamwork in your church led to unexpected spiritual fruit—what did you learn?
- How might your natural gifts enable you to strengthen another team?
Today, invite someone from a different ministry out for coffee. Ask three questions: their biggest ministry joy, their current need, and one dream they have for their area. Pray with them right there, then commit to one joint act of service next month—letting your love for Christ and each other be the mortar that holds His Body together.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the diversity of gifts You have given Your Church. Unite us in purpose and passion, that our service may not be disjointed but harmonious. Knit our hearts together in love, that in every act of ministry Your power would be displayed, and many would come to know the life of Christ through our unity. Amen.
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Mary Williams – Broken Hip
Jill Haines
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ann Stanley – Waiting On Heart Valve
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 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