NO SERVICE TONIGHT!
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
CHANGE A KID’S LIFE FOR ETERNITY!
July 15-19, we will take our young people to the Arise Youth Conference in Pigeon Forge, TN. This will be a life-changing week for our youth. We need your help to cover the cost, which is $185 per child for registration, plus food and lodging expenses. Thank you for making this need a matter of prayer. Your support can make a lasting impact on their lives.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
John 8:36, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” – John 8:36
Many believe that freedom is tied to where you were born or live, symbolized by the Fourth of July, the Statue of Liberty, and the idea of America as “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
People often think they will find freedom by moving away from home, changing their marital status, or overcoming addictions.
However, true freedom is spiritual freedom, regardless of your location or circumstances.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich, who has been held in a Russian jail on espionage charges for four months, with no release in sight.
While his situation is heart-wrenching, it is even sadder that many American Christians live in spiritual bondage to addictions, unforgiveness, and negative thoughts and feelings despite their freedom as Americans.
Jesus died to give us true freedom, regardless of our circumstances.
He teaches in John 8:36, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
This profound truth invites us to reflect on our freedom in Christ.
Jesus died so that we could be free indeed.
But what does “indeed” mean? It means being free to be 100% controlled by the Holy Spirit in every area of our lives.
In any area where He is not in total control, we remain in bondage.
There is no such thing as being almost controlled by the Holy Spirit—either He is in control, or we are in bondage.
Paul and Silas provide a powerful example of true freedom in Acts 16:25.
Even while they were imprisoned, they prayed and sang hymns to God.
Despite their physical chains, their spirits were free, demonstrating that true freedom is not dependent on our external circumstances.
“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them” (Acts 16:25).
Their joy and freedom in Christ led to a miraculous intervention, where their chains were loosed, and the prison doors were opened.
Practical Application:
- Daily Surrender: Begin each day by surrendering your thoughts, feelings, and actions to the Holy Spirit. Pray for His guidance and control over every aspect of your life.
- Scripture Meditation: Regularly meditate on scriptures that affirm your freedom in Christ, such as John 8:36 and 2 Corinthians 3:17.
- Gratitude Practice: Keep a gratitude journal, focusing on the freedom and blessings you have in Christ, even amidst challenging circumstances.
- Christian Community: Engage in a supportive Christian community that encourages spiritual growth and accountability.
- Prayer: Make prayer a daily habit, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you and keep you free from bondage.
Richard Wurmbrand’s story exemplifies this freedom.
Despite 14 years of imprisonment and torture, he maintained unshakable faith and spiritual freedom, as told in his book “Tortured for Christ.”
Let’s embrace this true freedom by deepening our relationship with Jesus and living out our faith with confidence and love.
The Holy Spirit transforms us from the inside out, making us truly free.
This freedom liberates us from our struggles and empowers us to be a beacon of hope and love to others, reflecting Christ’s transformative power in every aspect of our lives.
True freedom in Christ is internal, allowing us to live fully in Him.
Prayer: Lord, help me to understand and embrace the true freedom You offer through Your Son, Jesus Christ. May I surrender every area of my life to the Holy Spirit’s control and live in the fullness of Your love and grace. Amen.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham
Gail Sparks
Ellen Boyd
Friend of Linda Hodge
Joy Gilbert
Amy Garner’s Mom & Dad
Coly/Connor – Allison’s G’sons
Dan Haines
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
Joe Shelnutt
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher