APRIL – Resurrection Power: Living the RISEN Life

SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY

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

Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart

LIVING IN THE POWER AND PRESENCE OF THE SPIRIT

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

In these verses, the apostle Paul lists the beautiful characteristics that grow in us when we yield to the Holy Spirit. Each word—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance—paints a picture of the transformed life that God desires for us. These aren’t just traits to be admired from afar; they are the living expression of the Spirit’s presence in our hearts.

Consider the early Church. In the days following Christ’s ascension, believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and experienced an outpouring of divine power that defied all expectations. Despite facing severe persecution, these early Christians turned adversity into an opportunity to shine as beacons of hope. Miraculous signs, healing, and an overwhelming sense of unity marked their journey. Their lives were a testament to the transformative presence of God—demonstrating that a heart surrendered to the Spirit can change not only oneself but also uplift an entire community.

Today, we are invited to open our hearts to the life-changing presence of the Holy Spirit. This means letting go of our endless reliance on ourselves and inviting God to work within us. When we choose to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our daily lives, even amidst the chaos and challenges we face, we begin to see our inner world transform. Our thoughts, attitudes, and actions start to mirror the qualities of love, joy, peace, and the other fruits mentioned in Galatians. As we surrender more fully to God, our soul becomes a fertile ground where His grace can flourish, and our life becomes an ever-growing testimony to His power and mercy.

Imagine a barren garden in the early morning—a place where nothing seems to grow, and the soil appears dry and lifeless. Then imagine a gentle rain beginning to fall. Each drop of rain is like the touch of the Holy Spirit, nurturing seeds hidden deep within the earth. With time, those once-sleeping seeds begin to sprout, and soon, the garden is transformed into a vibrant, blooming paradise. In the same way, the Holy Spirit works in our lives. He takes those dry, neglected parts of our hearts and waters them with His love, causing the seeds of faith and righteousness to burst forth into beautiful, flourishing blossoms.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, breathe life into every corner of my being. Fill me with the love, joy, and peace that only You can bestow. Help me to surrender my own ways and embrace Your guidance in every moment. Transform my heart into a garden of divine grace—a testament to Your wondrous power and unending mercy. May my life bear the fruit of Your presence so abundantly that it brings hope, healing, and a glimpse of heaven to everyone I encounter. In Jesus Name, Amen.

FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS

Robbie Edwards – Funeral Saturday At Church At 11:00 AM

Debbie Foskey

Mike, Gwen, Michael Rice Family – Friends of Blount’s – Car Accident

Beth – A Friend Of Amy Garners – Much Better

Ann Stanley – Surgery today

Danny Jarrard 

Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter

Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda

Angela Bryan’s Sister

Darlene Wiggins

David Newby

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 Parker

Jessica Headrick

Jodi Bateman 

John McClain’s Mother

June Cronan’s Sister

June Davis

Kailey Bateman

Kathryn Raines

Kim McClain’s Mother 

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

Mrs. Franklin 

Nora Allison

Pastor Driskell 

Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA

Scarlett – Marynell’s Granddaughter

Scott Lanier 

Steve Michaels

Tom Witcher