The message begins by painting a vivid picture of a journey through a desert, with the traveler on the verge of exhaustion, desperate for water. This image mirrors the spiritual life of many Christians who know that God’s grace is available but hesitate to fully embrace it. Like the traveler, they feel unworthy, burdened by guilt, past mistakes, and legalism. Instead of rushing toward the well of grace, they hold back, questioning whether they deserve it. Grace, like the water in the desert, is always available and never runs dry, and it is not something we have to earn. It’s a gift waiting for us to receive. We must let go of the lies that hold us back and drink deeply from the well of grace, reminding us that God’s love and forgiveness are for everyone, especially those who feel the weight of their failures. In this way, the message emphasizes the importance of stepping forward in faith and accepting the transformative power of grace.
The sermon then shifts to address the current events unfolding in the world—events like the biolab fire, Hurricane Helene, and the increasing unrest across the globe. These occurrences are not random but align with biblical prophecies about the end times. In Matthew 24, Jesus spoke of wars, disasters, and unrest as signs of His return, and these events are seen as wake-up calls for believers to deepen their trust in God. However, we are not to approach these times with fear or legalism but with grace, understanding that God’s grace is what empowers us to live out His will in these turbulent times. Legalism, with its emphasis on rule-following and performance, traps people in a mindset of trying to earn God’s favor, whereas grace invites believers to trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross. The message concludes by urging every listener to make sure of their salvation, embrace grace, and lay aside the excuses that hold them back from fully surrendering to God. In doing so, they can live in the freedom and power that only God’s grace provides, bearing fruit and shining as lights in a world that is increasingly unstable. The call to action is clear: turn to God’s grace, live transformed lives, and stand firm in the hope and assurance of Christ’s return.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
DRINKING FROM THE WELL OF GRACE
John 4:14, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”
In John 4, Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well.
This woman came for physical water, but Jesus saw her spiritual thirst and offered her something much greater—“living water” that would quench her deepest need.
Initially, she questioned His offer, her worthiness, and why He would engage with someone like her.
But as the conversation progressed, she began to understand that this living water symbolized eternal life, and it was not something she could earn.
Jesus offered it freely, despite her past failures.
In the end, she not only received the gift, but she also became a bold witness, sharing the news of the Messiah with her entire village.
Many of us are like the Samaritan woman, holding back from fully receiving God’s grace.
We carry the weight of past mistakes, thinking that we are unworthy of God’s love, or that we must somehow “clean ourselves up” before approaching Him.
However, the beauty of God’s grace is that it’s not based on our actions.
Like the Samaritan woman, we don’t have to be perfect or have everything in order to accept the grace God freely gives.
The well of God’s grace never runs dry, and it’s available to each of us, regardless of our past.
Today, stop hesitating and drink deeply from the well of God’s grace.
Imagine a beggar standing outside a lavish banquet hall, starving and weak.
Inside, there is a feast prepared, enough food for everyone, including him.
The doors are wide open, and the host is inviting him to come in and eat.
But the beggar hesitates, thinking, “I’m not dressed properly. I don’t belong in a place like this. Surely this food is for others, not for someone like me.”
He stands at the door, starving, even though the invitation is for him.
In the same way, we often stand at the door of God’s grace, thinking we’re not good enough or we don’t deserve it.
But God’s grace is the banquet, and He’s inviting you in.
The feast of His love and mercy is for you—don’t stand outside when He’s calling you in.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to stop standing at the door of Your grace, feeling unworthy. Give me the courage to walk in and receive the fullness of what You have prepared for me. Thank You for inviting me to the table of Your love, mercy, and grace. In Jesus Name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
Spend 10 minutes today reflecting on a time when you felt unworthy of God’s grace.
What were the reasons for your hesitation?
Write down those reasons and then offer them to God in prayer, thanking Him for His unconditional love and grace that covers all your weaknesses.
Let this reflection remind you to continually drink deeply from His well of grace.
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Linda Hodge
Jeff Brown
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard
James Parker
June Davis
Kim McClain
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Matt Barron’s Mother
Melba Torbich’s Family
Victims Of Storm And Chemical Fire
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