September Theme – The Mind of Christ: Breaking Free From Earthly Thinking to Embrace Christ’s Mind
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
When God came to earth, He did not arrive with thunder, armies, or thrones. Instead, He came in humility—born in a manger, walking dirt roads, kneeling to wash feet, and finally dying on a cross. The eternal Son of God stooped so low that His disciples could hardly grasp it. He who commanded angel armies declared, “I am among you as He that serveth” (Luke 22:27). From Eden to Babel, pride has always been man’s downfall, but in Christ we see a better way: He humbled Himself, and God exalted Him. The crown always follows the cross, and the way up in the Kingdom is always down. This truth silences our pride and calls us to marvel at His love. It is not just a doctrine to study—it is a life to imitate. Christ shows us that true greatness is not measured by how high we climb, but by how far we are willing to descend in service.
This is the paradox of the Gospel: pride destroys, but humility saves. Pride says, “My needs first, my will, my rights,” while humility bows and prays, “Not my will, but Thine.” The mind of Christ calls us to surrender everything—our rights, our recognition, even our reputations—so His life may shine through us. In marriage, humility breaks bitterness; in church life, humility silences division; in daily walk, humility releases grace. James 4:6 promises, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” The question is not whether pride lives in us—it does—but whether we will crucify it. Humility is not weakness—it is strength under the control of the Spirit. To bow low is not to lose dignity but to gain heaven’s favor. When we humble ourselves, we step into the very mind of Christ and discover the power of His resurrection at work within us.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
The Danger of a Lingering Thought
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 10:5
The Seed of Sin
Every sin begins as a thought that was allowed to stay too long. The enemy seldom starts with full-grown rebellion; he plants a whisper, a suggestion, a passing imagination. James 1:15 reminds us, “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” A sinful thought entertained is like a seed buried in fertile soil—it may seem small, but given time, it grows roots. To keep your heart pure, you must recognize sin while it is still a seed in the mind, not after it has taken root in your actions.
From Thought to Stronghold
A thought entertained becomes a desire, a desire becomes an action, and an action repeated becomes a stronghold. That is why Paul urged believers to be “renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:23). What starts in the mind does not stay in the mind—it shapes your character and directs your destiny. David’s lingering look at Bathsheba was not just a moment of weakness; it was a thought that became a desire, a desire that became sin, and sin that brought devastating consequences (2 Samuel 11). The lesson is clear: unchecked thoughts have the power to enslave.
The Authority of the Believer
God has not left us defenseless. He gives us authority to seize every thought and make it bow to Christ. Philippians 4:8 calls us to deliberately redirect our minds: “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure…think on these things.” Taking thoughts captive is not passive—it requires a conscious act of surrender and resistance. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, empowering you to crush sinful imaginations before they ever become strongholds.
Like a spark in dry grass, one small thought can ignite a wildfire. If you crush the spark early, the fire never spreads. But if you leave it unattended, destruction is inevitable. Guarding your thought life is like stamping out sparks before they destroy your home.
Prayer: Lord, teach me to guard my mind diligently. When wrong thoughts come, give me discernment to recognize them and strength to take them captive. Replace every lie of the enemy with the truth of Your Word. Help me to think on things that are pure, holy, and pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Challenge: Identify one recurring negative or sinful thought that tempts you today. Do not entertain it—capture it. When it comes, stop and speak a verse of truth out loud to replace it. For example, declare 2 Corinthians 10:5 or Philippians 4:8 until peace returns to your heart.
MONDDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Amy Garner’s Dad
Annette Ford
Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shelnutt’s
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ann Stanley
Carol Lawhead – Park Place Rehab in Monroe
Danny Jarrard – Knee Surgery Soon
Darlene Wiggins
Debbie Foskey
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
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
Linda Mays
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Ron And Johnnie Barry – Friends Of Ashton & Glenda Bateman
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scott Lanier
Scotty Nix
Sheila Simmons
Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shellnutts
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher