MAY THEME – CHURCH ALIVE: Living As His Body In A Broken World.
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
THE CHURCH IS ALIVE WHEN WE’RE ALIGNED
“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth….” Ephesians 4:16
The body of Christ is not a collection of soloists—it’s an orchestra. When each instrument plays its part in tune and time, the music soars. Likewise, the Church doesn’t advance by gifted superheroes flying off on their own, but by everyday saints connecting in humble service. Every act of love, every word of encouragement, every compassionate deed is a “joint” supplying something essential.
Look at the early Church in Acts 2–4: they shared everything in common, broke bread together, prayed without ceasing, and saw God add to their number daily. They didn’t wait for a superstar preacher or the perfect program; they simply stayed connected in worship and mutual care. Their unity wasn’t uniformity—each believer still had a distinct gift—but it was a commitment to flow together.
Disunity fractures our witness and stunts our growth. When we compete for recognition or withdraw into cliques, the channels by which God’s grace flows become clogged. But alignment—choosing to celebrate others, to serve without keeping score, and to submit personal agendas to the common mission—unlocks spiritual power. Real revival isn’t crowds in a building; it’s hearts in agreement, each part doing its work so that the whole body thrives.
- Examine your posture. Are you lifting up others, or are you leaning back, waiting for someone else to carry the load?
- Identify one way to connect. Maybe it’s volunteering in a ministry you’ve avoided, sending an encouraging note to a weary leader, or simply asking someone, “How can I pray for you this week?”
- Choose humility over pride. When you hear of another’s ministry successes, rejoice instead of resent. Remember: their blessing doesn’t diminish yours.
Challenge
- Forgive and Reach Out: Think of someone in the Body you’ve kept at arm’s length—perhaps a brother or sister whose convictions differ from yours, or someone who once hurt you. Extend the hand of forgiveness today, even if it’s just a phone call, text, or hand-written note.
- Pray for Restoration: After making contact (or even if you can’t yet), pray:
“Father, I repent of pride, fear, or offense that keeps me divided. Unite us by Your Spirit, that Your strength would flow unhindered through our fellowship.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You alone knit us into one Body by Your blood. Remove every stone of offense, every wall of pride, and every root of bitterness that disrupts our flow. Teach me to prioritize connection over competition, unity over uniformity, and love over my own comfort. May Your power surge through our jointedness, and may the world see Christ alive in our togetherness. Amen.
Daily Question: In what area of your life—family, work, or church—do you most need to choose alignment over independence? Take five minutes now to journal and bring it before the Lord.
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Doug Stephens
Mary Williams – Rehab
Jill Haines
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ann Stanley – Heart Procedure June 13th
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Newby
Debbie Foskey
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gayle Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Garner
Jessica Headrick
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Marynell Ford
Mike, Gwen, Michael Rice Family – Friends of Blount’s – Car Accident
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Roy Loyd
Scarlett – Marynell’s Granddaughter
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter
Tom Witcher