FEBRUARY – “Missions: The Heart of God”
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SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
STANDING FIRM IN FAITH
“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13
Faith is not just believing when things are easy—it is standing strong when trials and temptations press in from every side. Paul’s charge in 1 Corinthians 16:13 calls us to be watchful, unwavering, and courageous. The Christian life is not for the faint of heart. It requires strength, endurance, and an unshakable trust in God.
We live in a world that constantly pressures believers to compromise, conform, or stay silent. But God has not called us to blend in—He has called us to stand firm! Our faith is tested when we face rejection, persecution, loss, or hardship. The question is not if we will face trials, but how we will respond when they come.
Few stories illustrate unwavering faith like that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
- A Fiery Test of Faith
King Nebuchadnezzar commanded all people to bow before his golden image, but these three Hebrew men refused to worship anything other than the one true God. Their bold response?
“We are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace… but if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods” (Daniel 3:16-18). - Unshaken by Fear
They did not fear the consequences or try to justify a compromise. They trusted God completely—whether He delivered them or not. - God’s Presence in the Fire
When they were thrown into the furnace, the flames did not consume them because God Himself was with them. Nebuchadnezzar was astonished when he saw a fourth figure walking in the fire—Jesus Christ Himself! (Daniel 3:25).
God does not always remove the fire, but He always walks with us through it.
Picture a mighty oak tree standing in the middle of a violent storm. The wind howls, the rain pounds, and the branches sway. Yet, the tree remains unbroken. Why? Because its roots run deep.
Likewise, when trials and opposition come, those rooted in Christ will not be moved. The world may shake us, but it cannot uproot a faith deeply grounded in God’s Word.
stay rooted in god’s word
Deep faith does not come from emotions but from knowing the truth of Scripture.
Refuse to Compromise – Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, make up your mind before the trial comes that you will not bow to pressure.
Trust God’s Presence in the Fire – Whether God delivers from the trial or through the trial, know that He is with you every step of the way.
Prayer: Father, give me the strength to stand firm in my faith, no matter what challenges come my way. Let me be bold, unshaken, and steadfast in Your truth. Even when the fire rages around me, help me to trust that You are with me. Let my life be a testimony of unwavering faith in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Faith that stands firm in the small battles today will be ready for the bigger tests tomorrow. Will you stand strong when the world tells you to bow? Anchor your faith in Christ—and you will never be moved.
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Robbie Edwards
Marynell Ford
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ann & Robby Stanley
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