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Salvation Is Of The Lord

“But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble” | Psalm 37: 39

What glorious and blessed truth that shines on every page of Holy Scripture.

“Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” (Isaiah 63: 1)

We as needy, great and guilty sinners need a mighty and victorious Saviour, who is almighty to save.

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7: 25)

The Lord Jesus Christ is the only answer and remedy for our sin. He is the Saviour that saves, the Redeemer that delivers and justifies. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1: 21)

“Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Galatians 1: 3-5)

What a full and complete revelation God gives of His so great salvation… it is ALL of the Lord! “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” (Hebrews 2: 3)

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5: 6)

Notice each of these five words:

1). Salvation; is the total and complete deliverance from all our sin. From the penalty, guilt and power of sin to condemn us. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8: 1)

“For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?” (Romans 11: 32-35)

2). Salvation IS; because our great God is the God of salvation.

God is love. “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4: 8-10)

God is good. “Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.” (Psalm 73: 1)

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1: 15)

God is merciful and delights to show it to sinners. “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7: 18-19)

3). Salvation is OF; Not of works, not of merit, not of the law but rather all of grace alone. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” (2 Corinthians 8: 9)

“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” (Acts 15: 11)

“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” (2 Timothy 1: 9)

4). Salvation is of THE Lord; there is just one way of salvation. Our Lord plainly said that He is The Way, The Truth, The Life, The Door, The Light, The Bread of life, The Good Shepherd, and The Resurrection. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14: 6)

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10: 9)

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8: 12)

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6: 35)

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” (John 11: 25)

5). Salvation is of the LORD; the Lord Jesus Christ. It is who He is that gives infinite power to what He accomplished for us upon the cross. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20: 28)

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4: 10)

Christ crucified is the only sacrifice for sin. “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2: 2)

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19: 30)

The Lord did not die to make an effort to put away sin but rather to make complete atonement for sin of His people that God might be the just God and Saviour.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “So Great Salvation”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 27 June, 2021 | Previous post date: 14 August, 2021

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Burial or Cremation?

”And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you” | Exodus 13: 19

Here the Spirit of God tells us that Moses did something that must have been very conspicuous to the nation of Israel as they made haste and left the land of Egypt. They left the land in haste, but not as slaves secretly escaping from their captors in the night. They left Egypt as slaves who had completely conquered, spoiled and dispossessed their captors in an open display of triumph and victory. As they left the land of captivity, Moses took the bones of Joseph with them.

Why do you suppose he did that?

I know this: God the Holy Spirit tells us in Hebrews 11 that Joseph made his brethren swear to carry his bones out of Egypt by faith, Moses carried his bones out of Egypt by faith, and Joshua buried his bones in Canaan by faith. And I think he did this as an indication of how believers ought to honor the dead bodies of those the Lord has taken to glory.

I am often asked, and several of you have asked me about this. — “Should a believer be cremated or buried?”

While the Scriptures do not give any commandment, they do, in my opinion, clearly indicate that the burial of our bodies is most consistent with the faith of the gospel. Our Lord was buried in the earth; and we confess our Savior and our faith in him by a burial in believer’s baptism. Clearly, there is a connection between burial and our faith in Christ.

Jacob Embalmed

Abraham buried Sarah in the cave of Machpelah in the land of Canaan; and when he died, Abraham’s sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the same tomb (Genesis 23 and 25). And in Genesis 50 Joseph had his father Jacob embalmed, spent forty days mourning him, and obtained special permission from Pharaoh to carry his body up to Canaan. There he buried Jacob with Abraham and Isaac.

No doubt many, as they watched this procession, must have thought, “Why all this bother? Why all this expense? The man is dead.

“And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries’ art: and they made a very great burning for him.” (2 Chronicles 16: 14)

Don’t they know that his body is going to rot and decay and return to the dust? Doesn’t Joseph know that the body is just a shell, not the man?” Yes, Joseph knew all that, and more. He did what he did to honor the father he dearly loved.

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 5: 1-5)

And Joseph embalmed his father because embalming was an indication that the one whose body was dead was really very much alive.

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11: 25-26)

The Scriptures do not tell us that; but that was the reason the Egyptians embalmed their dead and built great pyramids for their kings.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116: 15)

And our Lord Jesus tells us plainly that the death of the body is not, for God’s elect, death at all, but the beginning of a better life.

“Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.” (Acts 9: 36-37)

Joseph embalmed his father in hope of the resurrection.

“Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?” (1 Corinthians 15: 29)

When Paul speaks of the baptism of the dead in 1 Corinthians 15:29, the word baptism is used there as it is when the Scriptures speak of washing cups and pots and tables.

“And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.” (Mark 7: 4-8)

The Apostle asserts that the reason for the practice of washing (embalming the dead) is the hope of the resurrection.

“And it came to pass, that in process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers.” (2 Chronicles 21: 19)

The Lord Jesus Christ redeemed our bodies as well as our souls.

It is altogether proper for us to treat the bodies of the dead with the utmost respect and honor, burying them in hope of the resurrection.

Joseph in a Coffin

That is what Joseph did for his father.

“And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father’s house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years. And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph’s knees. And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.” (Genesis 50: 22-26)

He embalmed him and buried him in the land of Canaan, believing the Word and promise of God, — that he would live again in resurrection glory. Joseph’s last act, as he was leaving this world, was an act of faith. He required his brothers to swear to him that they not leave his bones in Egypt.

The Book of Genesis, the book of beginnings, closes with Joseph in a coffin.

All God’s dealings with Israel recorded in these 50 chapters, all the promises made to the patriarchs, and the glories of God’s servant Joseph end with “a coffin in Egypt.” For 300 years Israel was left with nothing but a mummy and a word of promise. The elaborately embalmed body of Joseph lay in a coffin, probably on public display somewhere in Goshen for 300 years! For three centuries, that silent “coffin in Egypt” preached its mighty message.

“It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.” (Ecclesiastes 7: 2-4)

What did it say?

First, it was a silent reminder of mortality.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90: 12)

The shriveled, colorless lips that lay in that coffin, wrapped with linen, had left as their last utterance, “I die, but God will surely visit you.” No man is necessary. No mere mortal is indispensable. God’s Israel will survive the loss of the strongest and wisest. God lives, though a hundred Josephs die.

“And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.” (Exodus 1: 7)

Joseph died; “And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them”. So life springs side by side with death. There are cradles as well as graves; but the fact remains, you and I must soon die.

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15: 51-58)

Second, that “coffin in Egypt” was a herald of hope. Joseph’s bones, lying in “a coffin in Egypt,” perpetually declared, God will bring you out of this place.

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18)

That is precisely what the Scriptures teach us about the burial of God’s saints in the earth.

Third, that “coffin in Egypt” was a preacher of patience. No doubt, hope deferred for 300 years had made many hearts sick and caused many fainting Israelites to ask in unbelief, “Where is the promise of his coming?”

But, for all those years, the silent coffin laid before the children of Israel proclaiming, “Though the vision tarry, wait for it.” Surely we need the same lesson.

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?” (Romans 8: 16-24)

Fourth, that “coffin in Egypt” was a pledge of possession. It proclaimed, “Canaan is yours and you shall possess it”.

Moses and Joseph’s Bones

Why does the Spirit of God tell us that Moses carried Joseph’s bones out of Egypt?

It is certain that Moses did not personally, physically carry that coffin containing Joseph’s bones out of Egypt. Yet, our text declares that the carrying of Joseph’s bones out of Egypt was specifically the work of Moses.

Why?

Moses represented the law of God.

Joseph was typical of our Lord Jesus Christ who was raised from the dead, because the law being satisfied, death had no more claim upon him.

“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” (1 Peter 4: 1-2)

Joseph also represented God’s elect who have been brought out of the bondage of sin and death, because God’s holy law has no claim upon us, since Christ has put away our sin.

Joshua and Joseph’s Bones

But Moses, the law, could never give Joseph and Israel the possession of the land of Canaan. That was a work that had to be done by Joshua. Joseph’s bones were buried in Canaan with Joshua’s, after the Lord God fulfilled every promise he had made to Abraham and the nation of Israel concerning that land

“And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old. And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathserah, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash. And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel. And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.” (Joshua 24: 29-32)

So it shall be with you and me. As Joshua brought Joseph’s bones into Canaan and laid him to rest with himself in the land of promise, so the Lord Jesus Christ, our great Joshua, shall give us rest in the land of God’s promise

“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.” (Hebrews 4: 1)

When I leave this body, please, bury my body in the earth with my Redeemer to await the resurrection.

~ Pastor Don Fortner

Click here to listen to the message “Burial or Cremation?”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

FreeGraceRadio.com Bulletin Article date: 10 February, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Danville, Kentuky

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Asking In Christ’s Name

”If ye ask anything in my name, I will do it.” | John 14: 14

Many have not taken the time to study to understand what is true in this promise of the Lord Jesus Christ.

They then complain that they have asked in His name and did not receive that which they asked.

What does it mean to “ask in His name?”

It means more than concluding a prayer with the words “in Jesus name.”

Some see that like a formula that guarantees being heard.

What does it really mean?

I’m convinced that it means these two things:

“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,” (Hebrews 10: 19)

(1.) To be fully aware as I am praying that it is only through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice that I am granted a hearing.

“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26: 39)

(2.) That I must pray as He prayed.

It means to ask as He asked: that God’s will be done.

Would we really want the Lord to answer us in any other way than according to His will?

~ Pastor David Pledger

Click here to listen to the message “An Apostle’s Prayer”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 19 September, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a

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Faith, Hope And Love

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” | 1 Corinthians 13: 13

What great blessings the Lord has freely and eternally given unto His church!

“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8: 32)

Indeed, Christ has blessed us with all spiritual blessings.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” (Ephesians 1: 3)

The apostle Paul makes mention of these three great and spiritual blessings that abide in every believer; faith, hope and love.

But the greatest of these is love.

Why would Paul say that?

Because it is true!

Every believer lives by faith. “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1: 17)

Every believer walks by faith. “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)” (2 Corinthians 5: 7)

Every believer will die in faith, always looking to and trusting in Christ. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13: 5)

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12: 2)

But one day faith will end in perfect and complete sight, when we behold the Lord Jesus Christ face to face. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3: 2)

Likewise, every believer lives with a fervent hope, a living hope and a blessed hope; because it is a good hope through grace. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” (Titus 2: 13)

“Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,” (2 Thessalonians 2: 16)

Hope springs from faith in Christ, for He is our hope. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11: 1)

“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” (Colossians 1: 27)

But the good hope we have in Christ, that too will one day come to an end in the certain expectation of the reality of that hope being predestinated to be just like the Lord Jesus Christ. “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” (Romans 8: 29-30)

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;” (1 Timothy 1: 1)

But the greatest of these gifts is love; the love of God that is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit will never end. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5: 5)

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,” (Romans 8: 38)

Our love for the Lord Jesus Christ had a beginning but it will never have an end. We only love Him because He first loved us. “We love him, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4: 19)

When did the Lord start loving His own?

From eternity in the covenant of grace! “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (Jeremiah 31: 3)

The Lord’s love for His church is a sacrificial love. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” (Ephesians 5: 25)

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4: 10)

He laid down His life for His church. “Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” (John 13: 1)

Oh how precious is that love for us!

May God grant us to be always thankful for this gift of His love unto us and may He cause it to grow in such a way as to glorify Him now and forever.

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 1: 5-6)

One day soon every believer will sing forever: “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.”

“Amen.”

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Knowledge Too Wonderful for Me” (29:32 minutes)

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 8 August, 2021 | Previous post date: 2 September, 2021

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I Must Preach The Gospel

”For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” | 1 Corinthians 9: 16

The most humbling and challenging thing I face, the great concern of my heart is that my generation experience a return to the preaching of the gospel of God’s glory.

“For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.” (Romans 10: 2)

We are plagued today with a gospel of works, a religion of form and ceremony, a zeal for God but not according to knowledge.

I pray for a return to the message God was pleased to use in other days to awaken sinners to their need for mercy; that message that reveals the redemptive glory of God in Christ; that message that humbles the proud Pharisee and gives hope to the chief of sinners.

If God is pleased to restore that message men will once again sense the awesome Holy presence of the Living God.

Gone will be the voice of the proud sinner who inwardly debates whether he will accept Jesus or reject Him.

Gone will be the haughty spirit that refuses to bow to the Lordship of Christ.

Gone will be the bragging of the religionist who boasts of his righteousness and what he has done for God.

Once again we may hear men cry, “Depth of mercy, can there be mercy still reserved for me, can my God His wrath forbear and me the chief of sinners spare?”

It may be that we will hear someone ask, “And can it be that I should gain and interest in the Savior’s blood?”

“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9: 16)

I know not what course others may take, but I am determined to put forth every effort to preach that gospel every time I step into the pulpit.

~ Pastor Henry T. Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Preaching for a Verdict”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 10 June, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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How Is The Believer Dead To The World?

”And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” | 1 Timothy 3: 16

A young student asked his Bible teacher ‘How is the believer dead to the world when he lives in the world, works a regular job, raises a family, and owns property in the world?’

The teacher sent him out to the gravesite of a friend with instructions to criticize the dead friend, harass him, and find fault, and then praise him with glowing terms and brag on him to excess.

Upon his return, the teacher asked, ‘What did your friend say when you criticized him?’

‘Nothing.’

‘How did he react when you praised him?’

‘It made no difference to him; he is dead!’

‘That is what it means to be dead to this world,’ said the teacher.

Its applause means nothing and its hatred means nothing.

We neither admire the people of this world nor do we fear them.

The riches of this world are but the fancy of fools, and the honors of this world mean little or nothing; for to be a child of God is the highest calling.

The religious traditions and ceremonies of the world have no attraction nor meaning when Christ is all!

That which was once important to us we now consider loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ, our Lord.

This spiritual life in Christ cannot be explained; it must be experienced.

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “The Summary of True Religion”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

FreeGraceRadio.com Bulletin Article date: 10 February, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Danville, Kentuky

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Where God’s People Will Be Found

”And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us.” | Joshua 10: 6

I’ve heard it said, “If you wish to be disappointed, look at others; if you wish to be disheartened, look at yourself; if you wish to be encouraged, look to the Lord Jesus Christ.”

We’re all frail creatures of the dust and in need to be reminded of these things.

”Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12: 2)

As we, “run with patience the race that is set before us,” may the Lord direct our hearts to be, “Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.”

~ Pastor Marvin Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Where God’s People Will Be Found”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Hurricane Road Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 14 March, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky

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What Is The Gospel?

”Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.” | Matthew 1: 21

When we feel oppressed and overcome by our sin and our sins, what a precious promise “He shall save His people from their sins.”

He shall save.

Notice the certainty of the language.

His people are the objects of this great salvation from their sins.

Here is what I need saved from… my sins!

He shall save His people from the punishment of sin.

He shall save His people from the power of sin.

We can now do what we previously could not do when we were under the power of sin.

We can now believe, repent, and love because sin no longer has dominion.

And one day, blessed thought, we will be saved from the presence of sin.

We will commit sin no longer.

We will no longer remember what it was to be a sinner.

Then we will understand.

“Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.”

~ Pastor Todd Nibert

Click here to listen to the message “What Is The Gospel?”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 10 June, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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Christ Receives Sinners

“Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them” | Luke 15: 1-2

While the self-righteous Pharisees and scribes withdrew from the Lord Jesus Christ and then harshly criticized Him, many publicans and sinners drew near to hear Him.

“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6: 44)

What a blessing from the Lord to have a willingness to draw near to Him and then to have ears to actually hear a word from Him.

“Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” (Acts 10: 33)

His words are words of life. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5: 24)

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4: 12)

His words are words of salvation. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1: 16)

“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.” (1 John 5: 1)

The worst thing the Pharisees and scribes said of the Lord, “This man recieveth sinners, and eateth with them;” is the best thing any sinner could hear.

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;” (Ephesians 2: 1)

It is not sin that keeps a man from hearing the good news of the gospel of Christ, it is his presumed righteousness he is going about to establish by his religious deeds.

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” (Romans 10: 1-4)

This Man receives sinners! What a miracle of amazing and sovereign grace. “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” (2 Timothy 1: 9)

“For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.” (John 5: 21)

No man will ever come to Christ while he is resting in the deeds of the law for salvation. “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3: 19-20)

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1: 15)

It is only by the almighty power of His sovereign grace that will effectually quicken us and make us alive in Christ that will cause us to draw near to Him, to hear Him and to believe Him.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Believers Love God’s Salvation In Christ”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 25 October, 2020 | Previous post date: 21 July, 2021

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No Preaching Is Better Than Bad Preaching

”Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” | Hebrews 6: 1-2

Some people are under the impression that when they are out of town on the Lord’s Day, they ought to go to some sort of church regardless of what kind of preaching they might have to endure.

I have been asked what I do when I find myself in a locality where the gospel is not set forth?

On those rare occasions when I am not preaching on a Sunday and in an area where there is no one nearby who proclaims the message of sovereign grace, this is what I will not do.

I will not go and hear a man preach “another gospel” which robs God of the glory of His free grace in the salvation of sinners.

I refuse to listen to any preacher who insists that God loves everybody, Jesus Christ died for everybody and the Holy Spirit is trying to save everybody.

I reject the idea that I ought to “go to church” even if it means I must sit under the ministry of a false prophet who instructs his hearers that their eternal destiny is dependent upon and controlled by their free-will.

As long as I have somewhat of a sound mind, you will not find me listening to a man who believes that there are sinners in hell for whom Jesus has already endured God’s wrath and paid their price of redemption.

I will, instead, remain wherever it is that I am staying to read the Word, pray and rejoice privately in the gracious Savior of sinners, Jesus Christ, “Who of God is made unto me wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.”

Permit me to draw a parallel using a far-fetched illustration. I would always choose to remain at home and eat whatever is set before me with the full confidence that, though it might be a simple meal, it will be beneficial for me, rather than go out to a beautiful restaurant where I would be warmly greeted, led to my seat at a gorgeous, flower-adored table and then have to dine upon, at worst, food poisoned by the chef with arsenic or, at best, a plate full of sand and gravel.

~ Pastor Jim Byrd

Click here to listen to the message “Things That Accompany The Salvation of God”

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Visit our primary website at www.ksgctn.org for more information about Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church, watch our livestream (when available) and access our previously recorded messages.

FreeGraceRadio.com Bulletin Article date: 9 February, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Danville, Kentuky