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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
LESSONS FROM JAMES JACKSON’S TESTIMONY
2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”
As a church, we should heed the powerful lessons we can draw from James Jackson’s courageous and honest confession.
After 50 years of believing he was saved, James revealed that he had never truly known Jesus Christ in a personal way.
His testimony serves as a wake-up call for each of us, urging us to examine whether our faith is rooted in a living relationship with Christ or merely an outward show of religion.
James’ story is reminiscent of Jesus’ warning to the Pharisees in Matthew 23:27-28, where He condemns their hypocrisy: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones.”
The Pharisees were experts in religious rituals, yet their hearts were far from God.
This passage warns us against relying on outward appearances or religious activities for salvation.
Like James Jackson, we must recognize that true faith is not about performing rituals or being part of a church family, but about knowing Jesus personally and intimately.
Jesus often uses the metaphor of fruit to highlight the visible evidence of a transformed life.
In Matthew 7:16-20, He states, “Ye shall know them by their fruits,” warning that “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”
This stark imagery serves as a powerful reminder to evaluate our lives: Are we bearing the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—as found in Galatians 5:22-23?
If not, we risk being like the fig tree in Matthew 21:19—full of leaves but barren of fruit, and ultimately facing judgment.
James Jackson’s testimony reminds us of the danger of outward religion without inward transformation.
Salvation is not achieved through church attendance, good deeds, or rituals like baptism and communion.
Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3 that unless one is “born again,” they cannot see the Kingdom of God.
This rebirth is not a mere decision from years past but a continuous transformation marked by surrender and growth in Christ.
I stand before you with my heart open, reassuring that my goal is never to scare or manipulate anyone into a profession of faith.
The essence of salvation lies in surrendering control, not holding onto our desires or pretending through outward actions.
True freedom, peace, and joy come only through letting go and trusting the Holy Spirit.
It’s not enough to claim a Christian identity or attend church; it’s about yielding control to Christ and experiencing the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of genuine salvation.
Many resist full surrender because they fear losing CONTROL, independence, or comfort.
Yet holding on to control deprives us of the true freedom that comes with being born again.
We must confront the stubbornness that can lead us to gamble with eternity, recognizing that only through surrender to the Holy Spirit can we bear undeniable fruit.
Let’s follow the example of people like James, who had the courage to admit their need for transformation, and let go of control, allowing the Holy Spirit to work.
The urgency of this message is not to instill fear but to lead us to honestly examine our walk with Christ.
Let’s choose daily to trust in God’s perfect plan, surrendering fully to Him, and living lives that bear the fruit of the Spirit, with the assurance that we are truly in Christ.
Eternity is far too important to leave to chance.
ASSIGNMENT
EXAMINE YOUR FAITH:
This week, take time in prayer and reflection, asking God to search your heart deeply. Are you resting on outward religious practices, or do you genuinely walk with Christ? Ask God to show you if your faith is authentic and where it needs to grow. Write down any areas where you feel challenged or convicted, and commit to addressing them.
EVALUATE THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT IN YOUR LIFE:
The fruit of the Spirit is exactly that—fruit produced by His Spirit working in you, not something you can force through your own efforts. Just as an apple tree produces apples because of its connection to the tree, so too does the Christian bear fruit because of their connection to Christ. Trying to force fruit by simply doing good works apart from Him is like trying to glue apples onto a dead tree—it may look right for a moment, but it will never last. True fruit is the natural outcome of a life surrendered to Christ and abiding in His Spirit. It’s His work in you, not yours, that produces genuine love, joy, peace, patience, and all the other fruits listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Therefore, instead of striving in your own strength, surrender fully to Him and allow the Spirit to do what only He can—transform you from the inside out.
BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF AND OTHERS:
Like James Jackson, it takes great courage to be honest about where we stand in our faith. Talk with a godly friend about your journey. Discuss any doubts, questions, or challenges you are facing. James’ example shows us that honesty and humility are key to real spiritual growth.
PRAY FOR TRANSFORMATION:
If you realize that you have been relying on outward religion rather than a real relationship with Jesus, don’t hesitate to seek transformation today. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and surrender any areas of pride, fear, or self-reliance. Let God reshape you from the inside out, producing lasting fruit for His glory.
SHARE YOUR JOURNEY WITH OTHERS:
Consider how James’ testimony can inspire you to share your own story. Whether it’s a story of salvation, spiritual growth, or current struggles, your vulnerability can encourage others in their walk with Christ. Don’t be afraid to open up and share what God is doing in your life with those around you—your honesty might lead someone else to examine their heart and grow in their faith.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for James Jackson’s testimony of honesty and humility. Search my heart, and reveal any areas where I have been relying on outward forms of religion instead of a true, personal relationship with You. Help me to bear the fruit of the Spirit, and to walk in Your transforming grace. Guide me as I seek to be more like You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The testimony of James Jackson reminds us that true faith is not about appearances but transformation.
As we reflect on his honesty and openness, may we all examine our own hearts and commit to walking in genuine faith.
Let the fruit of the Spirit be the evidence of your relationship with Christ, and never settle for a superficial walk with God.
Today is the day to be honest, humble, and transformed by the living Christ.
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Matt Barron’s Mother
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
James Parker
Kim McClain
June Davis
Danny Jarrard
Amy Garner’s Mom
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Graham’s Family
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
James Parker
Kim McClain
June Davis
Danny Jarrard
Amy Garner’s Mom
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Graham’s Family
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher