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
CARRY THE LIGHT: Be A Living Witness In A Watching World
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” — Matthew 5:14,
In Acts 16:25–34, Paul and Silas had every reason to be bitter. Beaten, bloodied, and locked in the innermost part of the prison, they were surrounded by darkness—literally and spiritually. But instead of giving in to despair, they chose to praise. They prayed and sang hymns unto God, and the prisoners heard them. In the middle of that midnight, their light broke through. God shook the prison with an earthquake, opened the doors, and loosed the chains—not just physically, but spiritually.
The jailer, who had been watching their response to suffering, came trembling and asked, “What must I do to be saved?” That night, because Paul and Silas carried the light in the dark, a man and his entire family were brought into the kingdom.
You don’t need a stage, microphone, or platform to be a light for Jesus. In fact, some of the most powerful testimonies are silent—the way you treat others when you’re tired, how you hold onto faith when life doesn’t make sense, the way you respond to unkindness with grace. Your attitude in dark moments speaks volumes. It tells the watching world that your hope is real and that your joy doesn’t depend on comfort. Let your kindness, your calm in chaos, your refusal to gossip, your faith in trial—be the candle that leads someone out of their darkness.
When the power goes out, everyone scrambles to find light. In that moment, even the smallest candle becomes priceless. You may feel like your witness is small—just a smile, a text, a prayer—but in someone else’s darkness, it might be the only light they see. And when they see it, they’ll be drawn to the Source.
You don’t have to be impressive—you just have to be present, and willing to shine.
Reflection Questions:
- Where has God placed me that needs light right now?
- Do I complain or praise when life gets hard?
- How can I let Christ shine through my attitude this week?
Prayer: Jesus, make me a light-bearer in a world desperate for hope. Help me to reflect Your love not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard. Let my faith be unshakable, my joy contagious, and my life a lighthouse that draws others to You. In every dark place I walk into, may Your light shine through me. Amen.
Be intentional today. Speak a kind word, send a prayerful text, or smile at someone who seems discouraged. Let your life light the way.
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Gail Sparks – Heart Valve Today
Ann Stanley – Waiting On Heart Valve
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Beth – A Friend Of Amy Garners
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 Parker
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
Scarlett – Marynell’s Granddaughter
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Theresa Bain’s Granddaughter
Tom Witcher