MAY THEME – CHURCH ALIVE: Living As His Body In A Broken World.
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
The heart of this message is a powerful reminder that being part of the Body of Christ is not a poetic metaphor—it is a living, holy reality. Christ is the Head, and we, His people, are His Body, uniquely formed and divinely placed together to represent Him in this broken world. As your pastor, I lovingly urge each of you to embrace this identity. You are not forgotten or replaceable. You are chosen, needed, and loved. From the foundation of the world, God called you into His family. This call is not based on merit, but on His mercy, grace, and glory. You belong—not in isolation but in deep, Spirit-formed connection to one another. Even in your weakness, He has assigned you a strength that someone else needs. You were not just saved FROM something—you were saved FOR something. Your life is not random; it is divinely orchestrated to touch others within this body. Don’t shrink back—lean in, because the church is incomplete without you.
As members of His Body, we are bound together not just by beliefs, but by the indwelling Holy Spirit who unites us across every line of difference. We are called to encourage, serve, and even correct one another in love, always aiming to build up—not tear down. Every member matters. Every gift counts. Whether you serve by teaching, praying, visiting, giving, or simply showing up with a willing heart—your contribution strengthens the whole. We grow best when we grow together. So let us walk in humility, love, truth, and joyful unity, compacted together in Christ to build a Church that is alive, surrendered, and radiant with His glory. This is not just about filling a seat—it’s about fulfilling a purpose. When we function as one, the world sees not us, but Jesus living through us. Our unity becomes a testimony, a living sermon preached without words. And our faithfulness today lays the foundation for revival tomorrow.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
YOU ARE PLACED WITH PURPOSE
“But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” 1 Corinthians 12:18
Paul is reminding us that every part of the body—every believer—is intentionally positioned by God. He isn’t speaking of chance or human preference, but of divine design. Just as a body needs eyes to see and ears to hear, the local church needs each of us in our unique roles. God’s pleasure in placing you emphasizes that your contribution, however hidden, is integral to the health and function of His body.
“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee…” — Jeremiah 1:5
When God called Jeremiah, He made it clear that Jeremiah’s ministry had been ordained far before he ever spoke a word. In the same way, your spiritual “address” within Christ’s body was determined before you ever heard the gospel. You weren’t an afterthought or a backup plan—you were set apart, known, and sanctified for a specific assignment in the body of Christ.
- Celebrate Your Placement. Today, take a quiet moment—perhaps during your morning coffee or on your commute—to thank God for where He has placed you.
- Resist Comparison. If you find yourself envying another’s role, gently remind your heart: “God made no mistakes in placing me here.”
- Serve with Confidence. Whether you participate in worship, teach a small group, hand out bulletins, pray in the prayer room, or clean the sanctuary, do so knowing your service builds up the whole body.
I once served alongside a brother who arrived before dawn each Sunday just to unlock the doors, adjust the thermostat, and pray silently in the empty sanctuary. He shunned any public recognition—he never spoke from a platform or greeted first-time guests. Yet countless people told me later, “I felt God’s peace when I walked in.” His hidden work paved the way for corporate worship to flourish. Every seat he warmed became a pulpit for someone else’s encounter with God.
- What role do you currently occupy in your church family? How might God be using that role to display His grace?
- When have you felt overlooked or “too small” in the body? How does 1 Corinthians 12:18 speak hope into that discouragement?
- In what areas of service do you sense God inviting you to step in, even if it feels outside your comfort zone?
Daily Challenge
• Actively Serve: Identify one “behind‑the‑scenes” task (e.g., setting up chairs, brewing coffee, wiping down a surface) and commit to doing it today as an act of worship.
• Encourage Another: Send a quick text or speak a word of appreciation to someone whose work in the church often goes unnoticed.
Prayer – Lord, thank You for the careful way You have placed me in Your body. I confess any doubts or envy that have whispered lies about my value. Today I choose to trust Your perfect design. Help me to embrace my portion, serve with joy, and speak encouragement to others. May my small acts of faithfulness reflect Your glorious purpose for Your church. In Jesus’ name, amen.
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Ann Stanley – Waiting On Heart Valve
Gail Sparks
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