SALVATION IS FOR GRACE AND NOT FOR MERITS, VALUES AND DOCTRINE

Following Jesus is a fascinating adventure! This is what we teach each member of Lagoinha. We celebrate 60 years and can look back with a vibrant heart of joy at seeing the blessing and favor of the Lord. However, there is something we need to emphasize, a word that is called reward.

Jesus Christ said in Matthew 16: 24-27, "Then said Jesus to His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For is it good for a man to gain the whole world if he loses his soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his angels; and then he shall render to every man according to his works. "

Salvation is the gift of God, it is free, no one is saved by works. Grace is all I need, but I do not deserve it. But there is also the reward; this is like a medal. Award is directly linked to the word 'reward'.

In the highlighted verse, Jesus said "take up your cross and follow me". Many people think that cross is sacrifice, but it is not; cross is the will of God. When you have understanding of this truth, receive the peace that surpasses all understanding. We will take nothing out of this world except what we receive for free: salvation. When you appropriate it, you do not care about merits, values, and doctrines; this does not matter anymore.

The end of the verse says that the Father will give to each one according to his deeds; this is the reward. The celebration of 60 years is a reward, after all, this gift begins to be delivered in life. Your reward is to see your family transformed and your dreams fulfilled. Walking with God is so fascinating that you can experience this joy here on earth. Each day with Him is better than the day before. The sky will not start only after your body dies, it can be experienced here and now. Everything is different when you take Him as your Lord and your Savior.

 Pr. Márcio Valadão