September Theme – The Mind of Christ: Breaking Free From Earthly Thinking to Embrace Christ’s Mind
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
The natural mind is bound by human reasoning, pride, and temporary concerns, making it resistant to God’s authority and blind to His truth. Scripture calls it “enmity against God,” because it cannot see beyond fear, confusion, and self-interest. By contrast, the mind of Christ is shaped by the Spirit, centered on the Father’s will, humble, obedient, and at peace because it views life from eternity’s perspective. Jesus lived with a holy singleness of mind—from the manger to the cross His focus never wavered. Just as angels ceaselessly cry “Holy, holy, holy,” believers are called to reflect God’s holiness not only in worship but in daily living. The greatest battlefield is not our circumstances but our thoughts, for every sin, fear, and doubt begins in the mind. When we fail to guard our thinking, we invite defeat before the battle even begins. But when our thoughts are brought captive to Christ, we step into clarity, purpose, and victory that the world cannot give.
Holiness, then, is not a matter of stronger willpower but a renewed way of thinking. The pattern of Christ’s mind is flawless and single, the practice of holiness is seen in surrendered choices and clean motives, and the power of holiness comes from the Spirit who guards, renews, and transforms our thoughts. Like a sponge, our minds release whatever they absorb—garbage in produces corruption, but God’s Word in produces holiness. Victory comes when our spirit, surrendered to the Holy Spirit, governs our mind so that fear is silenced, doubt is overcome, and temptation is resisted. Holiness is not bondage but freedom—freedom to think, live, and love with the mind of Christ. It is the key that unlocks joy in trials and steadiness in storms. The believer who embraces this holy mindset will find their life transformed into a testimony of God’s power and grace.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
WHEN SILENCE SPEAKS TOO LOUD
“He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.” — Proverbs 28:25
Silence is not always golden—sometimes it is a symptom of pride. In marriage, friendships, or family life, withholding words can wound deeper than sharp arguments. The “silent treatment” may look like restraint on the outside, but inside it is often fueled by pride, anger, or self-preservation. When we retreat into silence to punish, we are not imitating Christ but feeding the flesh. True humility doesn’t withhold words but seeks peace through godly conversation.
Silence becomes dangerous when it builds walls instead of bridges. Every relationship needs honest, grace-filled communication. What begins as a few hours of silence can easily turn into days or even weeks of coldness, breeding distance and mistrust. The enemy delights in silence because it allows resentment to fester unchecked. But when couples or friends trust the Lord, they learn to break the silence by choosing to speak words that heal instead of remaining locked in bitterness.
The silence of pride contrasts sharply with the voice of Christ. Jesus never used silence to punish His disciples. Even when they failed Him—sleeping in the garden, denying Him, or doubting His power—He responded with words that confronted, corrected, and restored. His example shows us that love does not hide behind silence but engages with truth. To have the mind of Christ is to resist withdrawing into cold silence and instead step toward the other person with humility and grace-filled words.
When Peter denied Jesus three times, Christ did not freeze him out afterward. Instead, by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus restored him with words of love and recommissioning: “Lovest thou me?… Feed my sheep” (John 21:15–17). His response teaches us that healing comes through speaking grace, not withholding it.
Prayer: Lord, guard me from the sin of weaponized silence. Break down the walls of pride in my heart. Teach me to use my words to restore, to forgive, and to bless. May my speech reflect the grace You have shown me, and may my silence only ever be the stillness of prayer, not the coldness of pride. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Challenge: If you’ve been withholding words from someone out of anger or pride, break the silence today. Speak with humility, confess where needed, and extend grace. A humble word, spoken in love, has more power to heal than a thousand unspoken thoughts.
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Nancy Brown – Fall
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