Greetings Pastor Jacob,

Your response to Pastor Adam beautifully affirms the foundational truth of salvation through Jesus Christ. You quoted Romans 10:9-10, which declares, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This passage powerfully illustrates that salvation is both a confession and a conviction—an outward declaration and an inward transformation. You also highlighted Ephesians 2:8-9, emphasizing that salvation is a gift of grace, not a reward for works, and that God’s love is the source of our redemption.

A complementary verse is John 1:12: “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” This verse underscores the relational aspect of salvation. It’s not only about being saved from sin but being welcomed into God’s family. Belief in Christ grants us a new identity and a new inheritance—one rooted in love, belonging, and purpose.

Living as a follower of Christ means allowing His grace to shape our daily choices. It means forgiving when it’s hard, loving when it’s inconvenient, and trusting when the path is unclear. We reflect His transformative power by being present in people’s lives, sharing our testimonies, and walking alongside others in their spiritual growth. Discipleship is not a destination but a journey marked by grace and truth.

You asked, “How can we actively encourage others to embrace the fullness of their salvation and grow deeper in their faith journey?” One way is by creating spaces for vulnerability and testimony—where people can share their struggles and victories. When others see that faith is not about perfection but about perseverance, they are more likely to engage deeply. Small groups, mentorship, and intentional prayer partnerships can foster this growth.

What practices have helped you personally stay rooted in the joy and assurance of your salvation?

Blessings, Pastor Tom

Greetings Pastor Steve,

Your post beautifully emphasizes the heart of Christianity—the belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of humanity. You highlighted Romans 10:9-10: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved," along with John 3:16 and Acts 4:12. These verses together affirm the centrality of faith in Christ’s death and resurrection as the foundation of salvation and eternal life.

Another verse that reinforces this truth is Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage reminds us that salvation is not earned by human effort but is a divine gift, freely given through faith in Christ. It underscores the humility and gratitude we must carry in our walk with Him.

From a practical standpoint, this truth calls us to live daily in reliance on God’s grace. Accepting Jesus as Lord is not only a one-time confession but an ongoing journey of transformation. It means surrendering our struggles, trusting His promises, and reflecting His love in our relationships. As we grow in faith, we become living testimonies of His saving power, encouraging others to embrace the same hope.

You asked no direct questions in your post, but I would like to pose one to the fellowship: How can we continually remind ourselves and others that salvation is not based on our works but on Christ’s finished work on the cross?

God Bless You, Pastor Barry