Spiritual matters
of Christ. We can do nothing to save ourselves. We’re born with original sin which is our natural state. The grace of God in Baptism cleanses us of this sin. Faith is a gift God freely gives us, but we can’t earn faith through good works. Without God’s grace, we are headed for hell. It’s that simple. And that gloriously beautiful.
Unfortunately, this old heresy is still with us today in varying degrees. Churches that believe that Baptism is a symbol of spiritual rebirth or that don’t believe Baptism is necessary for salvation are Pelagian. If your pastor isn’t teaching you about original sin, you’re in big trouble. If you believe that you can “self-help” your way to God, that you needn’t rely on God’s grace — you’re in big trouble. Faith isn’t a choice, it’s a gift. You can’t be a good ol’ self-reliant American when it comes to your salvation. That’s why this heresy is so rampant. It agrees with our politics. But grace isn’t political. God calls us, we don’t call Him. There are 613 rules under the Jewish law and obeying each one of them perfectly won’t get you one step closer to paradise. Just ask St. Paul. We don’t come to Christ unless we’re first called by Him. We don’t “make a decision for Christ.” Christ makes a decision for us. Love is beyond our choice or decision. We are “in Christ” just like we are in love—head over heels and beyond our control. So un-american. And so perfectly Catholic. Take that, Mr. Pelagius.
“You did not choose Me, but
I chose you.” — John 15:16
Glenda Smiley, Pleasant Valley Baptist Church
Pleasant Valley Baptist invites you to in-person Sunday morning and evening worship services. Services request social distancing and mask-wearing. Please join us worshipping the Lord. Wednesday in-person services continue to be temporarily suspended.
Pleasant Valley was honored to have Dr. Randy Bell, evangelist and pastor, as our guest bring the Word of God on this past Sunday. Dr. Bell has a long personal history with PVB and it was a blessing to have him with us.
Much to pray about. Remember our country with pandemic, economy, and social upheaval, our leaders, our citizens. Special requests are family of Mike Cross, family of Jeep Mitchell, Richard Comer (missionary), Debbie and Brian O’neill, Betty Pitts, Denise Pitts, Larry Armstrong and his family , John Bryson and his family, Dot Mcallister, and for our pastor and his family. Pray for our shutins Carolyn Denton and Lula Petty and others with highrisk situations shut-in. Pray for our churches, missionaries, and evangelists.
Pleasant Valley Baptist continues to live stream Facebook and Youtube Sunday morning/evening services 11 AM, evening 6 PM and streaming mid-week Bible study. Visit or view our services for encouragement from God’s Word.