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 WHAT RAISED HIM—CARRYING THE CALL
The resurrection of Jesus Christ was not simply an event to marvel at; it was the inauguration of a new way of life for all who follow Him. When Christ burst the bonds of the tomb, He demonstrated once and for all that death—and every power of darkness—has been defeated. The same power that raised Christ from the dead now dwells within every believer by the Holy Spirit. Our calling is to live daily in that resurrection power, allowing it to overflow through our words, our actions, and our very presence in this world.
In the earliest days of the church, followers of Jesus were ordinary men and women—fishermen, tax collectors, tentmakers—yet they were transformed into fearless evangelists. After Pentecost, Peter stood before a hostile crowd and proclaimed the death and resurrection of Christ with unwavering boldness, even at the cost of persecution (Acts 2–4). Paul, once a fierce persecutor of Christians, became the apostle to the Gentiles, enduring shipwrecks, imprisonments, and beatings, all fueled by the same power that raised Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:10–12). Their lives weren’t fueled by self‑help enthusiasm but by the undeniable reality that “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Yet He was raised—and that reality rocked the ancient world and continues to unsettle every stronghold of darkness today.
- Resurrection as Identity: When Jesus rose, He carried His scars—proof that suffering yields glory. Likewise, our wounds and struggles become badges of God’s redemptive work when we allow resurrection power to heal and repurpose them.
- Daily Demonstration: To “live the resurrection” means greeting each sunrise convinced that God’s power is greater than our failures, our fears, and the world’s brokenness. It’s a posture of hope that sees every setback as a set‑up for His glory.
- Witness Through Lifestyle: Our witness isn’t confined to Sunday sermons or gospel tracts. It’s woven into the mundane—loving our neighbor’s difficult teenager, extending grace to a co‑worker who wronged us, or sharing a simple testimony over a cup of coffee.
“If the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in you, then no circumstance can snuff out His light in you.”
- Begin with Intentional Prayer: Each morning, pray specifically that the Spirit will reveal a “resurrection moment” for you to seize that day—perhaps a strained relationship to reconcile or a need to serve.
- Practice Resurrection Kindness: When someone stresses you out, choose to bless instead of bite back. A quick note of encouragement or a small act of service can breathe life into weary souls.
- Use Your Story Boldly: The power that raised Jesus can redeem any past failure. Share how God brought you through a dark season—your authentic vulnerability is a torch that ignites hope in others.
- Engage in Community: Join a small group or accountability partnership where you can spur one another on to live in resurrection power, confessing needs and celebrating breakthroughs together.
Picture a dimly lit stadium at night. One athlete steps forward, lifts a torch, and lights the next runner’s torch. The glow spreads—row by row, runner by runner—until the whole stadium blazes with light. That’s what happens when you, stoked by resurrection power, pass on your torch of faith. Your simple act of obedience becomes a wildfire of hope and transformation across your family, neighborhood, workplace, and beyond.
Prayer
“Heavenly Father,
We stand in awe that the same power which shattered the chains of the grave now lives within us. Fill us with a fresh revelation of Your resurrection life. Breathe hope into our weary hearts, courage into our timid spirits, and love into our jaded interactions. May we walk each moment as living testimonies of Your victory—speaking peace where there is conflict, embodying grace where there is judgment, and extending light where there is darkness. Give us eyes to see the “resurrection opportunities” around us and the boldness to seize them. Empower our words to proclaim Your truth and our hands to demonstrate Your compassion. As You have called us to carry this flame to the ends of the earth, equip us for every step—knowing that nothing is impossible for You.
In the mighty name of Jesus, risen and alive forever, Amen.”
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Marynell Ford – Home Today
Debbie Foskey
Mike, Gwen, Michael Rice Family – Friends of Blount’s – Car Accident
Beth – A Friend Of Amy Garners – Much Better
Ann Stanley
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
Mrs. Franklin
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scarlett – Marynell’s Granddaughter
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher