October Theme – “Crucified with Christ: Dying to Self, Living to God”

SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY  

Unmasking the Self-Life reminds us that our greatest enemy isn’t the devil outside but the self inside that resists surrender. Many long for the abundant life of John 10:10 yet never taste it because self still rules the heart. Paul admitted in Romans 7 that even when he willed to do right, his flesh pulled the other way. The self-life loves control—it prays, serves, and sings, yet refuses to yield. Until self is crucified with Christ, peace drains away and strength collapses under the strain of our own will.  True victory comes not by trying harder but by dying deeper. Galatians 2:20 reveals the secret: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” The Christian life is not self-improvement but self-surrender—Christ living through us. Each day we must silence the whisper that says “take charge” and heed the Spirit’s call to “let go.” When we do, grace fills the gap, the Spirit empowers, and the life we’ve been chasing finally flows—because Jesus, not self, reigns.

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

Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart

THE MASK OF RELIGION

“Woe unto you… for ye are like whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones.” — Matthew 23:27

The Most Deceptive Mask

The mask of religion is dangerous because it can make us feel right while our hearts are far from God. Self doesn’t always wear rebellion—it often dresses in reverence. It memorizes verses, sings with passion, and even serves faithfully, yet refuses to be broken. Religious self loves recognition, not repentance. It seeks applause more than approval from heaven. Jesus confronted this spirit in the Pharisees, but it still hides in pews and pulpits today—where we honor God with lips while the heart stays untouched.

The Illusion of Holiness

Holiness is not found in how much we do for God, but in how much we allow God to do in us. The self-life loves rules it can keep and platforms it can stand on. But true holiness can’t be staged—it’s born in surrender. Saul of Tarsus kept the law with zeal, yet his religion blinded him until grace stripped him of every title and achievement. Only when he met Christ did he learn that righteousness is received, not earned. The cross doesn’t reform the old nature; it replaces it.

The Freedom of Authentic Worship

When the mask falls, freedom begins. Worship no longer becomes a performance—it becomes a pouring out. Service becomes a privilege, not a platform. Prayer shifts from routine to relationship. True worshipers are those who let the Spirit search their motives and still bow low. The beauty of brokenness is that it leaves no room for pretending; only Christ can fill what self finally vacates.

PRAYER:

Father, strip away every mask I wear. Let my worship be real, my motives pure, and my heart humble before You. Replace my self-effort with the power of Your Spirit.

CHALLENGE:

Before serving, singing, or giving today, whisper: “Lord, this is not for me—it’s for You.” Mean it deeply, and watch your worship transform.

TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS

Mike Bryan

Mike Hollinghead

Nancy Brown – Rehab

Allysa Elliott

Amy Garner’s Dad

Annette Ford

Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shelnutt’s

Angela Bryan’s Sister

Ann Stanley  

Carol Lawhead – Park Place Rehab in Monroe

Danny Jarrard   

Darlene Wiggins

Debbie Foskey 

Doris Loyd

Dr. and Mrs. Davis

Eric Magnusson’s Mother

Eric Ward

Friend of Linda Hodge

Gayle Sparks

George & Linda Alexander 

James Burnette

Jessica Headrick  

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 

Linda Mays      

Lonzo Christian 

Lori Blount’s Mother

Mary Williams

Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom

Mrs. Franklin 

Nora Allison

Ron And Johnnie Barry – Friends Of Ashton & Glenda Bateman

Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA

Scott Lanier 

Scotty Nix

Sheila Simmons  

Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shellnutts

Steve Michaels

Tom Witcher