JUNE THEME – SET Free To LIVE Free – Embracing Liberty Through Christ
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
RECKON SIN DEAD, LIVE LOVED
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed… ”
Rom 6:6
Paul reminds us that when Jesus died and rose again, our “old self” died with Him. Sin’s power was broken at the cross, and we are now free to live in the new life He purchased.
Before his dramatic conversion, Saul (later called Paul) was the fiercest enemy of the early church—breathing threats and seeking to imprison believers (Acts 9:1–2). Yet on the road to Damascus, Jesus confronted him in blinding glory. Saul’s former identity was shattered; he counted his zeal and persecution of Christ as loss (Philippians 3:7). In Acts 9:19–22, we see Saul immediately begin to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.” Galatians 1:23–24 goes on to say that “all they which were in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus… and fear fell on them all.” By faith, Saul reckoned his old, sinful self dead—and he walked forward in the authority and love of Christ, becoming the apostle to the Gentiles.
Imagine planting a seed in dry, hard-packed soil. Day after day, nothing happens until you break through that tough outer shell. Once the shell cracks, a tiny sprout emerges, thirsting for sun and rain. Reckoning sin dead is like cracking that shell of hardness around our hearts. Scripture has already broken sin’s hold over us at the cross; now, by faith, we must break the shell of defeat and allow Christ’s new life to sprout within us.
Name It and Replace It
- Identify One Recurring Sin: Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal a sin pattern that still troubles you—perhaps gossip, anger, envy, or secret lust. Acknowledge it honestly.
- Reckon That Sin Dead: In a quiet prayer, say, “By faith I reckon this sin crucified with Christ on the cross. Its power over me is broken in Jesus’ name.” This isn’t empty affirmation; it’s an act of belief based on God’s Word (Romans 6:6).
- Replace Immediately with Life:
- Pray a Short Prayer: “Jesus, fill me with Your Spirit and Your love.”
- Read a Countering Verse: Choose a Scripture that speaks God’s truth over that lie, such as 1 Corinthians 10:13 (“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man…”) or 2 Corinthians 5:17 (“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”)
- Call a Friend for Accountability: Send a text or make a quick call: “I just named __________ as dead with Christ. Would you pray for me and check in later?” Having someone walk alongside you reinforces your faith and obedience.
By taking these three steps—naming, reckoning, and replacing—you actively choose to live in the new reality Christ purchased, rather than lingering under sin’s old reign.
Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank You for breaking sin’s power over me at the cross. I choose today to count my old self as crucified with You, that the body of sin might be destroyed. Fill me with Your Spirit and Your love, that I may walk in newness of life. Whenever temptation comes, remind me that I am dead to sin and alive in You. In Your name I pray, Amen.
When temptation hits today—whether in a fleeting thought or a moment of weakness—pause and declare out loud, “That sin has no claim on me; it was crucified with Christ.” Right afterward, take one positive step:
- Begin a short prayer: “Father, thank You for Your grace.”
- Turn on a praise song and worship for a minute.
- Speak a kind word to someone else, shifting your focus outward.
By doing this each time you’re tempted, you train your spirit to rely on the fact that your old self is dead with Christ, and you embrace the new life of love He freely gives.
As you practice these steps, you will discover that each act of faith cracks the shell of your old self, allowing the new, resurrected life of Christ to flourish within you. Walk in this freedom today—reckon sin dead, and live loved, because of Jesus.
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Sadie Almand & Unborn Baby
Paula Ferus – Cataract Surgery 6/3
Ann Stanley – Transferred to Piedmont Atlanta
Doug Stephens
Mary Williams – Rehab
Jill Haines
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
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 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