JULY THEME – “Armed for Battle: Winning the War You Can’t See”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
Spiritual warfare isn’t something to fear—it’s something every believer must understand, because the real battle is in the mind, where thoughts either prepare you for victory or leave you vulnerable to defeat. You’re not fighting for victory, but from the victory Jesus already secured, and every piece of God’s armor is designed to protect you when intentionally worn each day. Strongholds form slowly—lie by lie—but they break when truth is consistently applied and every thought is taken captive in obedience to Christ. This battle isn’t about survival—it’s about transformation, and now is the time to rise, renew your mind, and reclaim what the enemy tried to steal.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Victory Begins with Obedience
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7
Victory in spiritual warfare does not begin with shouting louder, praying longer, or knowing more scripture—it begins with simple, often overlooked obedience. Satan is not moved by your church attendance, your spiritual vocabulary, or even your ministry resume. What terrifies him is a believer who has died to self and submitted fully to God. A clean heart is more dangerous to hell than a busy schedule.
Too often, Christians try to resist the devil while still entertaining the very sins that give him access. We quote verses, sing praises, and post truth—yet hold on to unforgiveness, bitterness, hidden compromise, or unchecked pride. But the armor of God does not fasten over rebellion. It buckles over surrender. Until you bow your will, you will never walk in true authority. God will not empower what He cannot rule.
Remember—Saul knew God’s commands but chose partial obedience, and it cost him everything. He offered sacrifices without submission, and the presence departed. David, on the other hand, sinned greatly but repented deeply. His obedience wasn’t perfect, but his heart was yielded. That’s what keeps the covering in place—not performance, but posture.
When Jesus stood in the wilderness, under relentless temptation, He didn’t debate with Satan. He didn’t rely on emotion. He stood on the Word and obeyed it. That’s the path to victory: quiet, faithful obedience when no one else is watching.
Obedience is not weakness—it’s warfare. Every time you say “yes” to God and “no” to sin, you strike a blow against the enemy’s strategy. Every time you repent, forgive, or walk away from temptation, chains are broken. Obedience releases heaven’s power, confuses hell’s plans, and brings peace where chaos once ruled. The devil doesn’t flee from Bible readers alone. He flees from those who live the Word they read.
Prayer: Lord, I submit every part of me—my thoughts, my will, my emotions, and my deepest desires. I lay down pride, fear, and any area of compromise. I choose obedience, even when it’s hard. Teach me to walk in step with Your Spirit, not in resistance to it. May my surrender be the weapon that silences the enemy and opens the door for Your presence. I want victory—not just in theory, but in daily reality. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Challenge: Ask the Holy Spirit: “Is there anything I’ve been resisting that You’ve asked of me?” Write it down. Then obey—today. Sometimes your breakthrough doesn’t require more effort. It requires more surrender. Victory is often waiting on the other side of your “yes.”
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Linda Mays – Rehab
Debbie Foskey – Home
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shellnutts
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ann Stanley – Home
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
Doris Loyd
Doug Stephen’s Family
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
James Garner
Jason Parker – James & Sarah’s Son – stroke
Jessica Headrick – Beginning Treatments And Walking In Faith
John McClain’s Mother
John Parillo
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 Williams – Rehab
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sadie Almand
Scott Lanier
Scotty Nix
Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shellnutts
Steve Michaels
Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter
Tom Witcher