Schedule | - 3:42 pm
Bishop Macedo Emphasized That No Achievement or Blessing Is More Important Than Seeking the Salvation of the Soul and Living Under God’s Direction
According to the bishop, entering the Kingdom of God does not simply mean attending a church, receiving a blessing, or being baptized in water. This decision involves a change in direction: submitting one’s own will to the Word of God and allowing His teachings to guide one’s thoughts, choices, and behavior.
“The Word of God is like food for the soul because it reveals what He expects from those who desire to follow Him. And knowing the teachings of the Bible must be accompanied by a willingness to put them into practice,” the bishop reminded those present.
He also emphasized the difference between receiving a blessing and having one’s life directed by God. After all, a person can achieve something, solve a problem, or experience healing without that, by itself, meaning that they are living under God’s direction.
“Do not measure your spiritual life by the answers and blessings you have received. The focus should be on your relationship with God and on inner transformation,” he taught.
The bishop also drew attention to a common tendency: placing material accomplishments at the center and as the main objective of life. Regarding this, the Lord Jesus warns:
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:31-33)
The reflection presented at the meeting was about the importance of establishing the right priorities. Work, studies, career, family, and stability all have their place in life, but according to the teaching presented, none of these accomplishments should occupy first place, which belongs to seeking the Kingdom of God and the Salvation of the soul.
“Your greatest wealth is your soul, and for us to have peace, Jesus had to die on the cross and pay the price. Salvation requires a conscious decision to commit yourself to Him. The Kingdom of God is the Holy Spirit reigning within you, guiding your mind, directing your thoughts, and giving you direction in this world. That is why it must come first,” he stated.
Following this, Bishop Macedo led a prayer for those who desired to make this commitment to God.
After the seeking of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Renato explained, in practical terms, what it means to put the Kingdom of God first in life.
“It means not allowing any person, situation, or accomplishment to come above Salvation and your relationship with God. In a relationship, for example, a single person should not enter into a relationship with someone who does not desire to follow the Lord. The same principle should be applied to professional and financial life. If an activity provides a good income but depends on lies, deception, or wrong practices, putting God first means being willing to leave that path, even if it causes an immediate financial loss. That is putting the Kingdom of God first. It is not saying in church, ‘You, Lord, are first. I love You.’ That is easy. It is, in everyday life, in practice, going against your own self, your own will, and doing the will of God,” he explained.
Anyone who would like to learn more about the Armor of the Kingdom of God can participate in the meetings held on Wednesdays at 7PM at The Universal Church. During these meetings, participants can learn, in practice, how to apply the teachings of the Word of God to everyday life.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of religious beliefs or background. Come as you are. For more information, please call 1-888-332-4141 or text 1-888-312-4141.
If you live in a city without one of our locations or cannot commute due to health reasons, we invite you to join our Virtual Church via Zoom and phone conference.
Contributors:
Rafaella Rizzo (Translated and Adapted From Original)
