October Theme – “Crucified with Christ: Dying to Self, Living to God”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
The message Unmasking the Self-Life reminds us that our greatest enemy is not always the devil on the outside but the self on the inside that refuses to surrender. Many believers long for the abundant life Jesus promised in John 10:10 but never experience it because self still sits on the throne. Paul confessed in Romans 7:18–19 that even when he desired to do good, his flesh resisted God’s will. The self-life thrives on pride, control, and recognition—it sings hymns while whispering rebellion, prays while clinging to its own way, and hides behind religious masks that look holy but are rooted in self. Until self is crucified with Christ, peace leaks out, joy dries up, and strength collapses under the weight of our own will.
True victory does not come through trying harder but through surrender. Galatians 2:20 declares the only pathway to freedom: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” The Christian life is not about polishing the mask or improving the old nature—it is about daily dying to self and letting Christ live through us. Every day we must choose whose voice we will obey: the whisper of self that says “stay in control” or the call of the Spirit that says “surrender and live.” When we yield, grace meets us, the Spirit empowers us, and freedom becomes reality. The abundant life is not earned—it is received when we step off the throne and let Jesus reign.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
The Enemy Within
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing…” — Romans 7:18
The greatest enemy to your spiritual growth isn’t the devil—it’s self. The devil can tempt, but self decides. Self resists correction, craves control, and excuses sin. It can sing in the choir, nod during the sermon, and still whisper, “I want my way.” Until we see that truth, we will blame others for what only surrender can fix. The first step toward freedom is honesty before God—admitting that self has ruled too long.
Self’s Subtle Voice
Self doesn’t always scream—it whispers. It rarely says, “Rebel against God.” It simply says, “Do it your way.” It will justify impatience, defend pride, and disguise fear as wisdom. Like a smooth negotiator, self convinces you that partial obedience is enough. But anything less than full surrender is still rebellion in disguise. True victory begins the moment you stop arguing with God and start agreeing with Him about your condition.
The Mirror Test
We often pray, “Lord, fix my circumstances,” when God is saying, “I want to fix you.” The Holy Spirit holds up the mirror of the Word to show what’s hiding beneath our religious polish. We can either walk away pretending we didn’t see it, or bow in repentance and let Him cleanse what pride tries to protect. Freedom starts when you stop blaming others and look honestly in the mirror of your own heart.
The Path to Freedom
The cross isn’t just the place where Christ died—it’s where self must die daily. As long as self holds the steering wheel, frustration and defeat will follow. But when Christ sits on the throne, peace flows like a river. The secret to abundant life isn’t effort—it’s surrender. The more you yield, the freer you become.
Prayer: Lord, show me the ways self still leads me. Expose my pride, my need for control, and my hidden resistance to Your will. Teach me to bow before You daily in humble surrender.
Challenge: Each time you feel frustrated today, stop and ask, “Is this frustration coming from self or from the Spirit?” Let that question re-center your heart on Christ.
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Mike Bryan
Mike Hollinghead
Nancy Brown – Rehab
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
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