AUGUST THEME – “Experiencing God: From Knowing About Him to Walking With Him”

SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY – DANIEL FORD

In Acts 11, the church at Antioch became a powerful example of authentic Christianity, boldly evangelizing despite persecution. Their faith was active and contagious, marked by transformation, courage, and the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Barnabas and Saul built the church through discipleship and teamwork, resulting in lasting spiritual growth and impact. These believers were first called “Christians” not for what they said, but for how they lived—with generosity, unity, and visible spiritual fruit.

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

Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart

A GOOD MAN, FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST

“For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.” — Acts 11:24

Barnabas never set out to make a name for himself—he set out to make Christ known. He didn’t jockey for position, demand recognition, or compete for influence. He lived full of the Holy Ghost and full of faith, and because of that, people were drawn not to him, but to Jesus. His goodness wasn’t a product of personality—it was the fruit of the Spirit. He was the kind of man who saw beyond failure and into future. When others doubted Saul, Barnabas vouched for him. When the church needed strengthening, Barnabas showed up with courage, kindness, and humility.

In a world obsessed with platforms, Barnabas chose people. In a time when many protect their status, he gave opportunities away. And in a culture that often uses others to build ministries, Barnabas used his ministry to build others. He wasn’t impressive—he was impactful. That’s the power of a life surrendered to the Holy Ghost.

He didn’t need a spotlight because the Spirit within him was already shining. He didn’t need applause because heaven’s approval was enough. He wasn’t insecure around gifted people—he celebrated them and made room for their calling. Barnabas reminds us that greatness in the kingdom is never about being seen—it’s about being faithful.

What does it mean to be “a good man” in God’s eyes? It means walking in quiet obedience when no one is watching. It means encouraging when others criticize. It means being more interested in who someone can become in Christ than in what they’ve been in the past. Goodness like that isn’t natural—it’s supernatural. And when God finds a man or woman like that, much people will be added unto the Lord.

Prayer:  Father, I don’t want to chase the spotlight—I want to shine Your light. Make me like Barnabas. Fill me with the Holy Ghost and faith until it spills over in every conversation, every decision, every relationship. Help me to see the potential in others and not be threatened by their gifts. Use me to strengthen the weak, encourage the weary, and disciple the willing. Let my legacy be souls won, not followers gained. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge:  Ask the Lord to show you one person who needs encouragement in their faith today. Don’t wait—send a text, make a call, or pray over them in person. Speak life into someone’s walk with God and let your influence be a reflection of His Spirit. Be a Barnabas today. Be the reason someone doesn’t give up.

WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS

Jessica Headrick – Beginning Treatments And Walking In Faith

Kim’s Sisters – Ann & Brenda

Linda Mays – Rehab    

Debbie Foskey – Home

Andrea Nix– Friend of the Shellnutts

Angela Bryan’s Sister

Ann Stanley – Home

Danny Jarrard 

Darlene Wiggins

Doris Loyd

Dr. and Mrs. Davis

Eric Magnusson’s Mother

Eric Ward

Friend of Linda Hodge

Gayle Sparks

George & Linda Alexander 

James Burnette

James Garner

Jason Parker  

John McClain’s Mother

John Parillo

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 Williams

Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom

Mrs. Franklin 

Nora Allison

Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA

Sadie Almand 

Scott Lanier 

Scotty Nix

Stephanie Seivers – Friend of the Shellnutts

Steve Michaels

Tom Witcher