MARCH – Strong Families, Strong Faith – Building Homes By God’s Blueprint

JOASH OFFERING THUS FAR $16,855.86

SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY

Our home must have Christ as its cornerstone—a firm foundation without which all our efforts are in vain (Psalm 127:1). Just as Joshua declared in Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD,” when Jesus is at the center, every decision we make and every relationship we nurture is anchored in His eternal love and truth. Our home should reflect a love that mirrors Christ’s selfless, unconditional love, filling every room and breaking down walls of isolation. Forgiveness is essential in every relationship; as Joseph forgave his brothers, we too must let go of hurt and anger to open the door to healing and trust. The way we speak to one another matters greatly—kind, thoughtful words, as illustrated by Abigail’s wise counsel, foster an environment of peace and unity. Moreover, our faith must be bold, like Peter’s, stepping out of the boat and walking on water, trusting God even in the midst of life’s storms. When we build our home on these five key principles—Christ as our cornerstone, love that mirrors His, essential forgiveness, kind and calm speech, and a faith that overcomes fear—we create a sanctuary that shines with hope and strength despite the shifting tides of the world.

Yet, a thriving home is not measured by the number of people under one roof but by the genuine love and commitment of its members to live according to God’s Word. Unfortunately, many families face the devastating consequences of absent or distracted fathers, who, caught up in work, sports, or social media, fail to engage emotionally and spiritually with their children, leaving them confused, isolated, and lacking the guidance they need. Equally, when mothers become overwhelmed and enable their children instead of nurturing them, the powerful influence that shapes a child’s heart is lost, often leading to entitlement or rebellion influenced by social media and peers. In our modern era, even technological advancements are being misused by the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy the unity of our homes, further weakening our family bonds. All surrendered ground must be reclaimed, and every act of unforgiveness must be met with grace and restoration. Now is the time for every member of the family—fathers, mothers, and children—to take action by committing to genuine relationships, intentional communication, and a steadfast faith. By prioritizing real-life interactions over screen time and embracing God’s blueprint, our homes can become living examples of hope, unity, and everlasting love, where the presence of Christ transforms every heart and every moment.

GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.

Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart

CHRIST, OUR CORNERSTONE

Psalm 127:1 reminds us that every endeavor—every effort to build and secure our lives—must be anchored in the Lord’s guidance and strength. The verse emphasizes that without God’s blessing, our labors, no matter how hard we work, are ultimately in vain. Joshua 24:15 builds on that by declaring a family’s commitment to serve God, setting a clear choice for a life built on faith rather than worldly pursuits. Together, these scriptures underscore that our personal and family foundations must be rooted in God’s will and truth.

In Joshua’s bold declaration in Joshua 24:15, we see a family leader who understands that the security and direction of a household depend on putting God first. By choosing to serve the Lord, Joshua modeled a faith-based decision that provides a blueprint for all families. Just as a well-built home needs a reliable foundation to stand firm, our families need to place Christ at the center of every decision, ensuring that our actions and choices are aligned with His purpose and truth.

Imagine two houses: one constructed on solid rock and another built on shifting, loose sand. The house on the rock stands firm, unyielding against the battering forces of wind and storm. The house on sand, however, may appear sturdy until a storm comes; then, its walls crumble and the structure collapses. Jesus is like that unshakable rock—the cornerstone upon which our lives and families must be built. When our decisions and values are rooted in His teachings, our home becomes a sanctuary of stability and love, regardless of the challenges that may arise.

Application

• Daily Family Prayer: Start your day by inviting God’s presence into your home. A family prayer session not only strengthens your spiritual bond but also sets a tone of faith and intentionality for the day.
• Intentional Decision-Making: Evaluate the choices you make—big or small—and ask if they honor Christ as your cornerstone. Whether it’s decisions about finances, relationships, or daily habits, let your commitment to Christ guide you.
• Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on aspects of your life or family where the foundation may have been built on shifting sands, such as reliance on worldly achievements or unstable relationships. Invite God into these areas for renewal and guidance.

Prayer  “Lord Jesus, thank You for being the solid cornerstone of our family. We acknowledge that without You, our efforts and our lives are vulnerable. Help us to build our homes on Your unchanging Word and to serve You with unwavering commitment. Guide us in making decisions that reflect Your love and truth. Strengthen our faith and protect our home, so it may be a place of refuge, love, and security. In Your holy name we pray, Amen.”

By centering our lives on Christ, we create a resilient foundation that not only withstands the storms of life but also radiates His love and truth in every aspect of our family. Let this commitment to making Jesus the cornerstone be a daily reminder that our true security comes from Him alone.

MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS

Richard Blount – Back Surgery

Ann Stanley

Scarlett – Marynell’s Granddaughter

Robbie Edwards

Marynell Ford

Angela Bryan’s Sister

Ben Bruce

Carol Lawhead

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

Greg Schriener

James Burnette

James Parker

Jessica Headrick

Jodi Bateman 

John McClain’s Mother

June Cronan’s Sister

June Davis

Kailey Bateman

Kathryn Raines

Kim McClain’s Mother 

Kim McClain’s Sister

Lamar Knight’s Family in CA Fires

Larry Barker 

Lee Cronan

Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom

Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah 

Linda Hodge in passing of her sister

Linda Hodges’ Sister 

Lonzo Christian 

Lori Blount’s Mother

Mae Jackson 

Mary William’s Granddaughter

Mary Williams

Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom

Mrs. Franklin 

Nora Allison

Pastor Driskell 

Paula Ferus

Rebecca Smith

Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA

Roy Loyd

Scott Lanier 

Steve Michaels

Tom Witcher