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
“WORDS THAT BUILD”
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” — Ephesians 4:29
Every day, our words carry power: they either sow tears or laughter, unity or division, hope or despair. The tongue is small, but its influence is vast. Corrupt communication—gossip, slander, cutting jokes—slowly wears away at the bonds of love in the Body of Christ. By contrast, words of grace and truth cement relationships, inspire service, and give courage to the fainthearted. Our speech can open hearts to God’s love or close doors on fellowship, so we must choose every word with eternal purpose. May our conversation consistently reflect the kindness and mercy of Christ, building His Kingdom one syllable at a time.
After John Mark abandoned the first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas disagreed so sharply that they parted ways (Acts 15:37–39). Yet Barnabas chose restoration: he “took him, and departed to Antioch” (Acts 15:39). Instead of condemning Mark, he spoke the language of grace, breathing life back into a struggling servant’s heart.
A few weeks ago, I saw one of our media team technicians looking discouraged after a service. During the post-service clean-up, I walked over and said, “Hey, I wanted you to know the way you adjusted the sound today made the sermon feel so much more alive—thank you for your attention to detail!” He paused, smiled, and replied, “Pastor, I really needed to hear that. I was worried my work was going unnoticed.”
Those few genuine words transformed his fatigue into fresh enthusiasm as he packed up his equipment.
- Guard Your Tongue: Before speaking, ask yourself: “Will this build up or tear down?”
- Speak Life: Look for opportunities—every conversation, every quick chat in the hall—to share genuine affirmations.
- Replace Critique with Grace: If you catch yourself criticizing a brother or sister, stop mid-thought and rephrase:
- Instead of “You messed that up,” say “I appreciate how you handled that—I’d love to learn from you.”
- Instead of “That idea won’t work,” say “What a creative thought—how might we adapt it to reach more people?”
- Who in the church family needs to hear: “I see God working through you”?
- What criticism have you whispered in your heart that could become a prayer for grace?
- How might your words today shift the spiritual temperature of someone’s heart?
Today, replace one sarcastic comment with a sincere compliment. Tonight, before you go to sleep, send a text or a handwritten note of encouragement to someone on the margins: an usher, a children’s teacher, a volunteer in the tech booth. Notice how God uses your words to build His Body.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, tame my tongue and fill me with Your Spirit. May every word I speak bring healing, hope, and unity. Teach me to minister grace through my conversation, so that Your Body may grow strong and steadfast in love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
WEDNESDAY’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
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