SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
VOTE VOTE VOTE
It’s crucial for Christians to vote, as their participation can significantly impact the nation’s future. Many have stayed home during past elections, but now more than ever, it’s essential to stand up for values like religious freedom and family principles. Every vote matters, and encouraging others in your community, especially fellow believers, to get to the polls can make a huge difference. Voting isn’t just a civic duty; it’s a way to influence the direction of the country in alignment with faith.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
FREEDOM IN GRACE
Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
In the letter to the Galatians, Paul passionately urges the church not to return to the yoke of legalism after experiencing the freedom that comes through God’s grace.
The Galatians had been set free from the constraints of the law by Christ’s sacrifice, but many were tempted to return to following strict rules and regulations, thinking they still had to earn God’s favor.
Paul reminds them that their salvation and freedom come through grace, not by their own efforts.
The law could not save them, and returning to it would only bring them back into bondage.
Christ’s work on the cross broke those chains, and it is up to believers to stand firm in that liberty and resist the temptation to revert to self-reliance and legalism.
It’s easy to fall into the same trap the Galatians did—after experiencing God’s grace, we often find ourselves returning to a mindset of self-reliance and striving for perfection.
Sometimes it feels safer to live by a list of rules than to trust fully in God’s grace.
But doing so puts us back into spiritual bondage.
Christ didn’t die for us so we could live bound by fear or legalistic practices.
His grace is sufficient, and His sacrifice has set us free.
If you find yourself striving, comparing yourself to others, or feeling weighed down by guilt, remember that true freedom comes when you stop relying on your own strength and fully embrace the grace Jesus offers.
It’s time to live like you’re free, because in Christ, you truly are.
Picture yourself standing in a prison cell.
The door is wide open, and freedom is right in front of you.
Yet, for some reason, you choose to stay inside, clinging to the familiarity of the walls that have confined you for so long.
You could walk out at any moment, but fear of the unknown holds you back.
That’s what it’s like when we refuse to embrace the grace of God.
We hold onto the familiar patterns of self-reliance, guilt, and legalism, even though Jesus has already unlocked the door and invited us into the wide-open space of His grace and freedom.
PRAYER
Lord, I come before You today acknowledging that I have often returned to the chains of fear, self-reliance, and legalism. You have given me freedom through Your grace, yet I sometimes choose to stay in spiritual bondage. Please help me to live in the fullness of the liberty You provide. Break every chain that holds me back and give me the courage to walk boldly in the freedom You offer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
Reflect on one area of your life where you feel like you’re still living in spiritual bondage—whether it’s fear, guilt, legalism, or striving for approval.
Write it down and bring it before God in prayer, asking Him to break those chains and show you how to live in the freedom of His grace.
Afterward, declare that you will no longer live in bondage in that area and take active steps to walk in the liberty that Christ has already provided.
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard -Rockdale Hospital for Tests & Observation
James Parker
Jeff Brown
June Davis
Kim McClain
Linda Hodge
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Matt Barron’s Mother
Melba Torbich’s Family
Victims Of Storm And Chemical Fire
Amy Garner’s Mom
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Graham’s Family
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher