APRIL – Resurrection Power: Living the Risen Life

SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY

Last Sunday, we celebrated the powerful transformation that baptism represents. When John Palmer was baptized, it wasn’t just a ritual—it was a vivid picture of the miraculous change that occurs when we invite Jesus into our lives. John’s old self, marked by indifference and self-reliance, was buried with Christ, and he was raised to walk a new, radiant path defined by God’s guidance and love. This celebration reminds us that our past no longer defines us, and each day offers a fresh start in Christ. Every step taken in faith is a testimony to the change God brings into our lives, and it inspires others to seek that same transformation.

This transformation is powered by the living, active, explosive force (Greek dunamis) of God’s resurrection power that dwells in each of us through the Holy Spirit. It isn’t just a concept or a sermon point—it’s the power that breaks the chains of sin, fear, and despair, and liberates us from our old ways. By surrendering our efforts and allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us, we step into a life of victory, where we live not as victims of our past but as empowered children of God. Embracing this power means choosing to live each day in freedom and purpose. If you long to experience this life-changing force, let today be the day you decide to let go and step fully into the resurrection power that transforms every part of your being.

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

Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart

TRUSTING IN GOD’S SOVEREIGN PLAN

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

This verse calls us to surrender our limited human wisdom and embrace the infinite guidance of our Almighty God, inviting us to cast aside our doubts and step forward with complete reliance on His divine orchestration of our lives.

Consider Abraham, who answered God’s call with unwavering resolve, stepping boldly into the unknown without the comfort of certainty. His steadfast faith, even when the promised blessings were unseen, exemplifies a trust that transcends human reasoning and secures the eternal covenant—a covenant that extends blessings to all creation and reveals the boundless nature of God’s love and purpose.

When life’s storms rage and uncertainty casts long shadows over your path, let go of the need to control every outcome and rest in the assurance that the God who holds the universe in His hands is at work in your life. Embrace the liberating truth that His wisdom far surpasses your own, and allow His perfect plan to guide your every step, transforming your doubts into hope and your fears into faith.

Imagine trekking through a vast, shadowed forest without a map, feeling the weight of each uncertain step, yet knowing that a divine guide walks beside you. This guide, whose omniscience sees every twist and turn of the path, leads you steadily toward the radiant light beyond the trees—a light that dispels darkness and reveals the way to a glorious destination.

Prayer:  Omniscient Father, I come before You with a heart yearning for Your guidance and a soul ready to surrender its own limited understanding. Replace my doubts with unshakeable trust, and illuminate my path with Your divine wisdom. Direct every step I take and let Your perfect plan unfold within me, transforming my journey into a testimony of Your infinite love and power. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS

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

Beth – A Friend Of Amy Garners – Much Prayer Needed

Ann Stanley

Robbie Edwards

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