JULY THEME – “Armed for Battle: Winning the War You Can’t See”
This Sunday at 10:30 AM — Join us for a powerful Freedom Celebration Service as we honor the true freedom we have in Christ and the blessings we enjoy as Americans! Our choir will present Sweet Freedom’s Song and the Spirit of God will meet us in a mighty way. No Sunday School—we’ll all gather together in one service. Bring a friend and come ready to worship the Lord who sets us free!
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
A Special Fourth of July Reflection – “THE PRICE OF OUR FREEDOM”
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” — Galatians 5:1
Freedom is never free. Every liberty we enjoy—whether as Americans or as believers—has been bought with blood. The fireworks, parades, and picnics are only possible today because someone once knelt in prayer, marched into battle, or laid down their life. The price tag of our freedom is written in sacrifice—both human and divine.
When we reflect on the birth of our nation, we remember the patriots who endured bitter cold at Valley Forge, who signed the Declaration of Independence knowing it was likely their death sentence, and who fought in fields stained red with the cost of liberty. Likewise, our spiritual freedom was bought on another battlefield—Calvary—where the sinless Son of God bore the full wrath of sin so that we might live free.
Paul reminds the Galatian believers: “Stand fast.” Don’t take for granted the liberty Christ has purchased. Freedom doesn’t mean lawlessness or indulgence. It means we are no longer slaves to sin, but servants of righteousness. And just as American soldiers stood for truth at the cost of their lives, we are called to stand firm in the truth of the gospel, no matter the cost.
- Moses stood before Pharaoh, demanding liberty for God’s people—not so they could be reckless, but so they could worship (Exodus 8:1).
- David fought Goliath not just to defeat a giant, but to defend the honor of God and the freedom of Israel (1 Samuel 17).
- Paul and Silas sang at midnight in a prison cell—not because they were free physically, but because they were free spiritually (Acts 16:25).
Freedom often looks like chains to the world—but it is obedience to God that brings true liberty.
A little boy once stood at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with his grandfather. The boy asked, “Why are there so many names on this wall?” The grandfather, with tears in his eyes, replied, “Because every name here is someone who loved freedom more than their own life.”
In a much deeper way, when we look at the Cross, we are reminded: There is only one name who bore the weight of every sin, every chain, every failure. Jesus Christ loved our freedom more than His own life.
Prayer:Lord, today we pause to give thanks—not only for the freedoms we enjoy in this nation but for the ultimate freedom we have in Christ. Help us never to forget the blood that was shed, both on the battlefield and on the Cross, that we might live free. Let us not waste the liberty we’ve been given. Stir in us a holy boldness to stand for truth, to live with purpose, and to honor the sacrifice of those who’ve gone before us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Challenge:As we celebrate Independence Day, ask yourself: Am I living a life worthy of the sacrifice that secured my freedom? Whether it’s the sacrifice of a soldier or the suffering of the Savior, may we live not in comfort, but in commitment. Stand fast in the liberty Christ has given you—and use your freedom to serve, to speak truth, and to shine light in a dark world.
Let freedom ring—not just in our nation, but in our hearts.
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Sadie Almand – Home
Linda Mays – Piedmont Atlanta
Ann Stanley – Home
Doug Stephens
Lynn Garner’s Daughter
Mary Williams – Rehab
Sarah Parker
Jason Parker – James & Sarah’s Son – stroke
Scotty Nix
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shellnutts
Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shellnutts
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
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
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