October Theme – “Crucified with Christ: Dying to Self, Living to God”
Praise The Lord For Benjamin Hunn’s Salvation On Sunday
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
The fiercest fight of faith isn’t the one we wage against the devil—it’s the quiet war within, where self refuses to surrender. Countless believers yearn for the abundant life Jesus spoke of in John 10:10, yet walk through their days weary and unfulfilled because self still insists on sitting where Christ should reign. Paul’s cry in Romans 7 reveals the same struggle: “The good that I would, I do not.” The self-life doesn’t mind being religious; it just refuses to die. It can sing, serve, and even pray—so long as it stays in charge. But the doorway to victory isn’t found in more effort; it’s found at the cross. Galatians 2:20 uncovers the mystery: “I am crucified with Christ… yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” The Christian life isn’t a renovation—it’s a resurrection. It’s not the polishing of self, but the yielding of self, until His life replaces ours. Every morning, the Spirit invites us to lay down our “I can” and pick up His “I will.” When we do, striving gives way to rest, pressure gives way to peace, and the river of grace flows unhindered—because the throne of our heart finally belongs to Jesus alone.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
When Grace Meets Surrender
“God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” — James 4:6
The Battle No One Sees
Grace isn’t given to the strong—it’s given to the surrendered. Pride is the unseen wall that keeps many believers from experiencing the fullness of God’s power. It whispers, “You can fix this. You can manage this. You don’t need help.” But grace only flows to the lowest point. Just as water finds the valleys, grace finds the humble. The proud heart tries to negotiate with God; the humble heart simply bows. Every great breakthrough begins at an altar of brokenness, where self-reliance dies and dependence on Christ begins. When you finally stop striving to prove yourself, you discover the beautiful freedom of simply being loved by Him.
The Freedom Found in Kneeling
Many stay stuck because they won’t kneel. They want change without confession, blessing without brokenness, and freedom without surrender. But God doesn’t pour new wine into old wineskins (Matthew 9:17). He waits until the heart is empty enough to receive Him fully. True surrender isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. It’s saying, “Lord, I’ve tried my way, and it hasn’t worked.” The posture of humility is the position of power. The moment you kneel—whether physically or inwardly—heaven moves on your behalf. Grace floods in like light through an open door, washing away the residue of pride and replacing it with peace.
The Miracle of Yielded Grace
Grace is not a reward for good behavior—it’s the presence of Christ filling surrendered space. When you finally yield, God doesn’t shame you; He shapes you. He takes what pride once held tight and redeems it for His glory. Think of Peter weeping bitterly after denying Jesus, only to rise later as the rock upon which the church would stand. Grace met him in his failure and transformed his surrender into strength. The very thing you’ve been striving to achieve—peace, freedom, spiritual power—grace accomplishes the moment you stop fighting and start yielding. You don’t earn grace; you encounter it when you lay your weapons down at Jesus’ feet.
Prayer: Lord, I confess my pride and my stubborn independence. Pour out Your grace upon me. Break what needs breaking, heal what needs healing, and lead me into the freedom that only comes through surrender. Teach me to bow low, so that You may be lifted high in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Challenge: Bow before the Lord—literally or in your heart—and ask Him, “Where have I been resisting grace?” When He shows you, obey immediately. True humility doesn’t delay; it responds.
THURSDAY’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