End The Old Year In Church This Sunday
Today, spend 15-20 minutes reflecting on the blessings and challenges of 2024. Write down 3 things you’re grateful for and 1 area where you’ve grown spiritually. Let this reflection motivate you to end the year in God’s presence at church this Sunday at 10:30 A.M.
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
THE SECOND COMING: HOPE FOR ETERNITY
“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” – Revelation 1:7
The Bible is filled with the promise of Jesus’ return, a cornerstone of Christian hope.
Jesus assured His disciples that He would come again to establish His eternal kingdom, as seen in passages such as John 14:3 and Matthew 24:30.
This anticipation has inspired generations of believers to remain steadfast in their faith, holding onto the hope of a future where God’s justice, peace, and reign will prevail.
Living with an eternal perspective transforms how we approach each day.
The promise of Jesus’ return should motivate us to:
LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY: Strive for a life of integrity and holiness, reflecting Christ’s character.
PURSUE HOLINESS: Set apart your life for God’s purposes, letting your actions glorify Him.
SHARE THE GOSPEL: Use the time you have to share the message of salvation with others, spreading the hope of eternal life in Christ.
When challenges arise, let the promise of Jesus’ return anchor your faith and inspire perseverance.
Imagine sailors navigating vast and unpredictable seas.
To stay on course, they fix their gaze on the North Star, a constant point of reference that guides them safely to their destination.
Similarly, the promise of Jesus’ return acts as our guiding star.
No matter how turbulent life becomes, this eternal hope keeps us focused on our ultimate home with Him.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the blessed promise of Jesus’ return. Fill my heart with anticipation and readiness, shaping my actions and thoughts to align with Your will. Strengthen my faith in moments of doubt and encourage me to share this hope with those around me. May my life be a testimony of the eternal joy and peace found in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT:
READ: Titus 2:13 and Philippians 3:20-21.
REFLECT: How does the hope of Jesus’ return influence your daily priorities, relationships, and decisions?
RESPOND: Write down three specific ways you can live in anticipation of His return. Consider actions such as fostering a deeper prayer life, engaging in acts of service, or sharing your faith with someone in your life.
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Greg Schriener
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Brody Fuller – Jackson Byrd’s Roommate at College
Carol Angel in passing of her husband, Don
Carol Lawhead
Daisy Almand
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Newby
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother-in-law
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
Jessica Headrick
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
Kim McClain’s Sister
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Linda Lanier
Liz Knight
Lonzo Christian
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
Mike Bryan
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Roach Mitchell
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher