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The Very Elect |
Brethren, most of us think that we are God’s people.
We believe that we are the very elect, chosen of God. This is a very important
topic to understand and one that we must be very careful not to make broad
assumptions about.
In our present cultural and political climate it is
popular to believe that any and all belief systems are fine and acceptable. In
fact, to believe that any one religious group is preferred over another is
considered to be intolerant – even bigoted. It is politically incorrect to say
that God has a true church, or that homosexuality and lesbianism are sinful
life styles. In a strange sort of way half the politicians swear by the Bible,
and yet they will not uphold the clear godly principles contained within it.
Our God given religious liberty to live according
to God's Biblical truth has given way to religious pluralism. Religious
pluralism is a term meaning the harmonious co-existence between adherents of
different religious beliefs. The problem with religious pluralism is its
insistence that all religion is “good.” Only God is good, and His Word defines
what “good” is. Religious pluralism is a phrase we should be familiar with
because it is a false doctrine that always rejects the truth of God.
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil;
that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet,
and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20) Interfaith dialogue always calls for compromise – and the Word of God is
not to be compromised.
As a result of our national sins, we have come to
the time when the enemy is rising up in this country. God said it would happen.
“The stranger that is within thee shall get up above you very high; and thou
shalt come down very low.” (Deuteronomy 28:43) That is the result of not
believing the Word of God.
Let’s understand without a doubt that God has a select people who are faithful to
Him and His Word. God has had His plan
for a \chosen people\
from the foundation of the world. “According
as He [God the Father] has [personally] chosen us in Him [that is, chosen us in
Christ] before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without
blame before Him in love.”(Ephesians 1:4)
“[God] has saved us, and called us with an holy
calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose, [plan],
and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” (2 Timothy 1:9) That is how far back God's plan –
which includes us – goes.
Brethren, “Put on therefore, as the elect,
[chosen of God], holy and beloved, bowels of mercies [a compassionate heart],
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; [gentleness and
patience]… Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” (Col 3:12, 16)
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Sermon: |
"The Very Elect" |
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