10/02/2026
*DAY 3 SERMON*
*Minister: Prophet Dr. A.O Stephen*
*Topic: The Election By Mercy*
*Text: Romans 9:11-16, 11:5-6.*
• When the Lord shows a man mercy, that man may be tempted to think he is better than his neighbor. He may assume it is his discipline, his fasting, his prayer life, or his righteousness that attracted God. But mercy has a way of exposing human pride.
• There were people who fasted for many days and never heard God’s voice.
• Yet there were others who were eating when Jesus walked into their house.
• Martha was busy serving, Mary was seated listening, and Lazarus—who did nothing at all—became the evidence of resurrection power. The difference was not effort; it was mercy.
• This does not mean fasting does not work. Prayer works. Sacrifice works. Obedience matters. But above all these stands a higher mystery: the election by mercy.
• Scripture says, “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy” (Romans 9:16). God is not unjust, but He is sovereign. He visits whom He wills, how He wills, and when He wills.
• Mercy breaks patterns. Mercy rewrites order. Mercy interrupts routines. Mercy visits homes that did not even send an invitation.
• Zacchaeus did not fast for Jesus, yet Jesus said, “Today I must abide at your house.” That was mercy speaking.
• If God has shown you mercy, stay humble. Mercy is not a badge of superiority; it is a call to gratitude. You are not chosen because you are better—you are chosen because God is kind.
• And if you have labored, prayed, fasted, and yet it seems heaven is silent, do not despair. Mercy has a timing.
• God has not forgotten you. The same mercy that bypassed you today can locate you tomorrow.
• Let no man boast in spiritual activity. Let every man kneel before mercy.
• Because when mercy speaks, effort bows.
When mercy shows up, credentials are silent.
• And when mercy elects a man, only thanks