2 came forward for salvation on Sunday.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
FOR COREY
I’m reaching out to you from a place beyond this world, where I no longer have the chance to speak or act. My name was Corey Comperatore, and my life was taken in Butler, PA, during a political rally. In one tragic moment, my opportunity to stand up for the future of this country—to cast my vote and have a voice—was taken away. The privilege to have a say in this nation I loved was stolen from me. But it hasn’t been taken from you. I gave my life to protect my family and others from harm, fighting for the freedom that every American holds dear. The right to choose the future, to safeguard our nation’s values, and to protect our way of life was worth everything to me. Now, I can’t ask for more time or for another chance to stand up for what I believe in. But I can ask you to stand up, not just for yourself but for those of us who can’t anymore: Will you vote to protect your family, your freedom, and your future?
This year, I won’t be in the voting booth. I won’t have the privilege of casting a ballot for the country I defended. But you have that chance. In a very real way, you can carry forward the voices of those of us who’ve been silenced far too soon. If you are able, please vote not just for your own future, but for those who no longer have that choice. Let your voice ring out with purpose, standing up for those of us who cannot. The outcome of this election will shape our country, our values, and the vision of who we are. You have the power to influence that path with your vote. Please don’t let this moment slip by. Vote for those of us who can’t. When you cast that ballot, know that each choice you make shapes a world we’ll never get to see. You’re holding a piece of the future in your hands, and I’m counting on you to carry it forward with purpose, courage, and conviction.
In my memory and for the future,
Corey Comperatore
A Voice Silenced Too Soon
FROM A CHRISTIAN WOMAN
As women, we are called to think critically, act wisely, and live out the values that honor God and guide our lives. It is both misleading and insulting to be dismissed as “one-issue” voters, as if our decisions are shallow or swayed by a single stance. This stereotype not only overlooks the intelligence, thoughtfulness, and strength we bring to our choices, but it also implies that we are not capable of weighing the complexities of issues that affect everyone. We know that our choices should never contradict our values, and it’s wrong to be pressured into abandoning our convictions to fit into someone else’s idea of who we are or how we should vote.
When we step into the voting booth, we consider much more than a single topic; we are thinking about justice, human dignity, the health and future of our children, and the well-being of our communities and nation. These issues matter deeply to us, and they touch every person, every family, and every community. God has given us minds to think, discern, and make informed decisions, and He’s given us hearts that are moved by compassion, truth, and wisdom. When we vote, we are not just voicing our opinions—we are putting our beliefs into action in a way that can make a difference for generations. So let’s stand firm in voting thoughtfully, carefully, and with integrity. We are not easily defined by others’ assumptions. Our voices matter, not only for us but for those who will come after us. This is our opportunity to bring the values we hold dear into the choices we make, to use the influence we have responsibly, and to seek the best for everyone in our communities and our nation. Voting isn’t just a right; it’s a responsibility—and we are prepared to take it seriously, fully aware of the importance of each vote.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
ASSURANCE IN CHRIST
Romans 8:16, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”
One of the most precious gifts God offers is the assurance that we are His children, secure in His love.
This assurance doesn’t come from what we do or don’t do; it’s grounded in God’s grace and His faithfulness to us.
The Holy Spirit within us testifies to this truth, filling our hearts with the peace that comes from knowing we belong to God forever.
Yet, even though we are His, doubts can creep in.
These doubts often arise when we rely too much on our own strength or fall out of consistent fellowship with God.
Perhaps we begin to wonder if we are truly worthy of His love, or if we’ve somehow drifted too far.
But the beauty of God’s assurance is that it’s not dependent on our worthiness; it’s based on His promise.
He calls us His own, and nothing we do can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).
To hold on to this assurance, we are invited to spend time in His Word, allowing His truth to remind us of who we are in Him.
When we set aside time for prayer, we draw close to God, building a relationship of trust and confidence that grows each day.
Like a child who feels safe when held close by a parent, we too feel secure and at peace when we draw near to God, resting in the promise that we are His.
Remember, assurance in Christ is more than a feeling; it’s a foundation for our faith.
As you go through today, allow this assurance to guide you, knowing that you are loved, cherished, and held in the hands of a faithful Father.
Let go of any doubts or fears and embrace the joy of being a child of God.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for the assurance that I am Your child. I am grateful that my relationship with You isn’t based on my perfection but on Your unchanging love. Strengthen my faith and remove any doubts that cloud my connection with You. Help me walk confidently in the truth of Your love, knowing that I am Yours and nothing can change that. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Freddie May in passing of his Mom
Danny Jarrard – Riverside In Covington
David Newby
Amy Garner’s Mom
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Darlene Wiggins
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
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
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain
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
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Marynell Ford
Matt Barron’s Mother
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher