September Theme – The Mind of Christ: Breaking Free From Earthly Thinking to Embrace Christ’s Mind
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
When the eternal God stepped into our world, He did not descend with lightning, legions, or golden thrones. He came clothed in humility—cradled in a feeding trough, treading dusty paths, stooping to wash the feet of men, and laying down His life on a rugged cross. The One who spoke galaxies into existence knelt before sinners. The Commander of angel armies declared, “I am among you as he that serveth” (Luke 22:27). From Eden’s fall to Babel’s tower, pride has been humanity’s ruin. Yet in Christ we see the opposite—He lowered Himself, and the Father lifted Him high. In God’s Kingdom the crown always comes after the cross, and the path upward is always downward. Such truth confronts our arrogance and compels us to wonder at His love. Holiness is not just a doctrine to admire but a pattern to follow. Jesus shows us that true greatness is never measured by how high we rise, but by how far we are willing to descend in love.
This is the paradox of the Gospel: pride corrodes, but humility redeems. Pride demands, “My will, my way, my rights.” Humility bows and whispers, “Not my will, but Thine.” The mind of Christ calls us to surrender—our pride, our position, even our reputation—so His life may shine through us. In marriage, humility heals resentment; in the church, humility disarms division; in daily life, humility opens the floodgates of grace. James 4:6 assures us: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Pride is always present in our flesh—but the cross calls us to crucify it. Humility is not weakness but Spirit-controlled strength. 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 taste the power of His resurrection pulsing through our lives.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
The Pride That Blinds
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” — Proverbs 16:18
Pride Rejects God’s Help
Pride whispers that we can make it on our own. It tells us we don’t need God’s wisdom, His Word, or His Spirit. Yet Jeremiah 10:23 reminds us: “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” The proud man insists he knows the way, but his independence leads only to dead ends. Humility bows before God and says, “Lord, I cannot walk without You.”
Pride Distorts Our Vision
Pride blinds us to our own weakness while magnifying the faults of others. Jesus said in Matthew 7:3, “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” A proud spirit critiques everyone else while excusing itself. Humility, however, allows the Holy Spirit to shine light on our own flaws, producing repentance instead of arrogance. Only then can we truly help others in love.
Humility Unlocks Grace
Pride slams the door shut on the very grace we desperately need, but humility opens it wide. James 4:6 declares: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” When we humble ourselves, God pours wisdom, mercy, and strength into our lives. Pride isolates; humility invites God’s presence. Pride builds walls; humility builds bridges. The way up in God’s Kingdom will always begin with bowing low.
A man driving lost refuses to stop and ask for directions. Pride keeps him circling the same roads, wasting fuel, time, and peace. Humility would have saved him the trouble. Spiritually, many live the same way—wandering in circles, refusing God’s correction. Only humility will lead them home.
Prayer: Father, I confess that pride too often blinds my eyes and hardens my heart. Remove it from me, Lord. Teach me to depend on You for every step, to see myself clearly, and to extend grace to others. Clothe me with the humility of Christ, who made Himself of no reputation and took on the form of a servant. I bow before You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Challenge: Today, identify one area where you normally resist correction or help—whether at work, in your marriage, or in your walk with God. Humble yourself and ask for guidance. It may be through prayer, Scripture, or wise counsel from another person. Each step of humility makes room for God’s grace to flow.
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Allysa Elliott
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