MAY THEME – CHURCH ALIVE: Living As His Body In A Broken World.
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
CONNECTED BY THE SPIRIT
“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.” — Ephesians 4:4
When Paul writes to the Ephesians that there is “one body, and one Spirit,” he is emphasizing that spiritual unity transcends every cultural, social, and personal barrier. The church is not a loose affiliation of like‑minded individuals but a living organism—Christ’s body—animated by the one Holy Spirit. Our common hope, secured by our calling in Christ, binds us together far more powerfully than any shared background or preference ever could. In a world fractured by division, this divine unity stands as the church’s greatest testimony.
On the Day of Pentecost, the believers in Jerusalem were gathered “with one accord” when the promised Spirit descended (Acts 2:1–4). They did not come from the same hometown or uphold identical traditions—they spoke different dialects and lived diverse lives. Yet when the Spirit filled them, they found in Him a bond that carried them beyond mere tolerance into genuine fellowship. Their unity fueled the spread of the gospel, for the watching world saw not a fractured sect but a vibrant new movement enlivened by God Himself.
Unity is not achieved by mimicking one another but by submitting our wills to the Spirit’s work. Today, identify someone in our church family with whom you struggle to connect—perhaps because of age, background, or personality differences. Rather than forcing conversation on your own strength, pause and pray: “Holy Spirit, fill me with Your love for ______. Break down my walls of indifference or judgment, and show me how to honor them as Christ does.” Then seek out that person—send a text of encouragement, ask to grab coffee, or simply greet them sincerely after service. You may be surprised how the Spirit brings two very different hearts into rapport.
- Where have I allowed personal preferences to become barriers to unity?
- Whom in our church body has God placed near me to bridge a divide?
- How can I daily cultivate a Spirit‑led tenderness toward every member of Christ’s body?
Choose one person you do not normally spend time with in the church. Initiate a 5‑minute conversation, asking about their story, their struggles, and their hopes. Conclude by praying silently for them, inviting the Holy Spirit to knit your hearts together.
Prayer – Holy Spirit, remind me today that I am connected to every believer by You. Break down walls of judgment or indifference within my heart. Fill me with a love that transcends differences, so that our unity may shine as a testimony of Christ to the world. Empower me to honor each member of Your body and to pursue fellowship with intentional humility. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Ann Stanley – Waiting On Heart Valve
Gail Sparks
James Garner
Roy Loyd
Steven Parker
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