DON’T BE A RELIGIOUS HYPOCRITE

Let us strive not to be a religious hypocrite. Let us not pretend to be something we are not before God. We are truly sinners who have no merit of our own. Then don’t pretend to be anything but a sinner whose only hope is mercy from God. Let us not pretend there is something about us that would make God happy with us. Let us truly beg God for mercy. Let us truly beg God for forgiveness of sin. Let us truly depend on Christ for all of our salvation.

Let us also strive not to be a religious hypocrite before men. Let’s not say we love God and love His people but refuse to speak kindly to them or gladly do something to help them. Let us show our love for God by loving God’s people in deed and in truth. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” (I John 3:18)

Pastor

Upcoming Conference Dates

Todds Road Grace Church, Lexington, KY March 8-10

Bible Baptist Church, Madisonville, KY April 5-7

Katy Baptist Church, Fairmont, WV April 19-21

Central Grace Church, Rocky Mount, VA May 3-5

Hurricane Road Grace Church, Ashland, KY May 10-12

BLESSED BIBLE TRUTH OF ELECTION

Who chose whom? When was this choice made? Why did God choose us? How did God choose us? Does the Bible teach election? These are easy questions to answer. The word "elect" or "election" is found 23 times in the New Testament alone. You cannot be honest with the Word of God and deny the Bible teaches it. Now, let’s consider the bigger question. What does election mean? The word "elect" means "to choose out, to pick, to select" I have heard people say, "Election is hard to understand." I don't believe that! It may be hard to receive, but it is not hard to understand. Paul defines this truth quite simply in the first chapter of Ephesians...."According as he hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world.” God literally chose who would be saved before time began (Romans 9:ll, II Thess. 2:13, II Tim. 1:9).

Ephesians Chapter 1 answers four questions about election:

1. WHO chose whom? It says "He hath chosen us" If you are a believer, it is not because you chose God, but because He chose you. Did not the Lord say in John 15:16 "For ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you."

2. WHEN was this choice made? Many try to sidestep the truth of election by saying God chose us when we chose Him. But Eph. 1:4 says, “He hath chosen us before the foundation of the world.” The Biblical doctrine of election clearly states that God's choice preceded ours. He made the choice "before the foundation of the world."

3. WHY did God choose us? Again many say that He chose us because He foresaw we would believe. God choose us simply because He willed to, not because of any foreseen faith or good works in us Romans 9:11 says. "For the children, being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil that the purpose of God according to election might stand."

4. HOW did God choose us? In Christ. Election is God's sovereign choice of His people in Christ. He chose them in His Son before the foundation of the world to be saved. Election is in Christ and cannot be understood apart from Him. The elect were not chosen arbitrarily but "in the Beloved” (Eph. I: 6). They were redeemed by Him and they all come to Him... "All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).