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The Remedy For The Fear of Man

”Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” | Ephesians 6: 11-12

THE FEAR OF GOD… drives away the fear of man, which brings a snare.

Christ says, “Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear Him, which, after He hath killed, hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear Him.” (Luke 12: 4-5)

Christ Himself proposes the fear of God as the great remedy for the fear of man.

Nor is there any other that is found adequate.

But this is enough.

How justly does God rebuke that fear of man: “Who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; and forgettest the Lord thy Maker, that stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor?” (Isaiah 51: 12-13)

It is not possible for us to fear God too much or man too little.

So surely as we have just conceptions of the eternal power and majesty of God, we shall have no tormenting fear of the puny arm of mortals.

~ William Plumer

Click here to listen to the message “Standing Against Satan’s Wiles”

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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.

Central Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 15 June, 2014 | Previous post date: n/a | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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He Saved Us

”Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” | Titus 3: 5

This is a three word summary of the gospel we preach: He saved us.

He: God. God did all of the saving. God the Father elected a people unto salvation. God the Son redeemed those people by the blood of His sacrifice for them. God the Holy Spirit calls those people to Christ and gives them life and faith to come. God keeps and preserves those people and brings them to glory by the power of His grace and love for them.

Saved. God saved His elect from all of their sin. He redeemed His people by paying their sin debt with His precious blood. Christ saved His people from the curse of the law by being made a curse for them and dying the death that they deserve. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:” (Galatians 3: 13)

Us. Christ didn’t come to try to save as many people as might would decide to accept Him.

Christ came to save a specific people: the people the Father gave Him to save “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.” (John 17: 9)

Christ came to save those people who belong to Him because the Father gave them to Him “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)

Christ came to save His sheep and only His sheep “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10: 15)

All of the “us” who are chosen, called, and believe on Christ are fully and eternally saved because He saved us.

~ Pastor Frank Tate

Click here to listen to the message “The Story Saved By Grace”

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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: 6 March, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky

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Ye Are Saved!

”But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).” | Ephesians 2:4-5

The happiest word in the Bible is the word “Saved.”

That man or woman who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ is saved. “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10: 13)

But what does it mean to be saved by the grace of God through faith in Christ?

To be saved is to be Forgiven of all sin “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1: 7)

To be saved is to have Peace with God “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” (Romans 5: 1)

To be saved is to be Free from the curse of the law “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:” (Galatians 3: 13)

To be saved is to be Free from all possibility of condemnation “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)

To be saved is to have Eternal life “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (1 John 5: 11)

To be saved is to have the Spirit of Christ “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” (Romans 8: 9)

To be saved is to Own and acknowledge Christ as Lord “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10: 9-10)

To be saved is to be In love with Jesus Christ “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.” (1 Corinthians 16: 22)

~ Pastor Don Fortner

Click here to listen to the message “Tender Words Of Intimate Love Song”

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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: 23 January, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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A Plan Or A Purpose?

“Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.” | Romans 1: 13

I hear many people talk about God having a plan for our lives.

I hear others speak of God having a plan of salvation.

The nature of the word “plan” subtly destroys the sovereignty of God and the helplessness of man.

God does not “plan” anything.

The sovereign God purposes everything.

A plan (like a blueprint) is something that someone else can carry out and put into being.

Salvation is not God’s plan that man must make effectual by his obedience.

Salvation is what God purposed to do for His people by the obedience and sacrifice of His Son and what Christ the Savior has fully accomplished for His people.

“The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.” (Isaiah 14: 24)

A plan also may or may not come to pass. I have planned to do many things that I did not do.

Salvation is not God’s plan.

“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.” (Ephesians 1: 11)

Salvation is the purpose of God for His people.

“For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?” (Isaiah 14: 27)

A purpose which God SHALL bring to pass.

~ Pastor Frank Tate

Click here to listen to the message “Why Should I Come to 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: 17 May, 2020 | Previous post date: 18 April, 2021

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Work Of The Triune God

”And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.” | Acts 11: 1-3

In Acts 11: 1-3 we see how they that were of the circumcision contended with Peter because he went in to uncircumcised Gentiles and ate meat forbidden in the law of God.

The Holy Spirit will not allow sin to have dominion over the believer because we are now under the gracious dominion of Christ. By God’s grace, through the truth of the gospel, he effectually causes us to rejoice in Christ and his perfect work on our behalf.

First, Peter Tells His Brethren What God the Holy Spirit Did In His Heart.

“But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house.” (Acts 11: 4-12)

Notice, Peter does not defend himself; that would have only caused more strife between him and his brethren. Nor does Peter argue with his brethren that he had not broken the law because that would have only continued to point his brethren to the law and aroused more contention. Peter declares before his brethren the work of God the Holy Spirit: the Voice of divine revelation from heaven, God’s command in his heart, the work of the Spirit of the LORD.

Secondly, Peter Declares That The Holy Spirit Prepared The Heart Of Cornelius And His Household The Same Way.

“And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.” (Acts 11: 13-14)

Peter declares that not only did the Lord prepare him to preach to the Gentiles but the Spirit also prepared Cornelius to gather his house and his friends to hear the gospel of Christ. See how Peter continues to point his brethren to the work of the Lord, away from their works of obdeience to the law.

Thirdly, Peter Declares How The Lord Baptized the Gentiles In the Holy Ghost. “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 11: 15-16)

So when the Holy Ghost fell on Cornelius’ and his household, Peter realized this pointed back to what happened on the day of Pentecost. Thus Peter realized it meant God truly had an elect people scattered in the Gentile nations. These elect Gentiles were baptized into one Spirit because they too were bought with the blood of Christ.

All barriers were now taken away.

“For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” (Ephesians 2: 18)

“Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3: 11)

So Peter declares that God did this. “Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?” (Acts 11: 17)

Fourthly, As Peter Rehearsed This Matter To Those Who Contended With Him, He Was In Fact Proclaiming The Gospel And The Spirit Wrought His Work In The Brethren To Whom Peter Spoke As Well. “When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” (Acts 11: 18)

This work of God the Holy Spirit in turning Peter’s brethren from the captivity of sin in their flesh back to Christ. “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Roman 6: 14)

Concerning this verse John Gill wrote: “This is not a precept, exhortation, or admonition, as before, though some read it as such, “let not sin have dominion over you”; nor does it express merely what ought not to be, but what cannot, and shall not be; it is an absolute promise, that sin shall not have the dominion over believers; and respects not acts of sin, but the principle of sin; and means not its damning power, though that is took away, but its tyrannical, governing power: “it shall not lord it over you”, as the words may be rendered; for in regeneration, sin is dethroned; Christ enters as Lord, and continues to be so; saints are in another kingdom, the kingdom of Christ and grace.”

When Christ dwells in you by faith he fills your heart completely full with all the fullness of God. He makes you comprehend his love for you, (which surpasses anything you and I think we know about love) and thereby the Spirit of Christ strengthens your inner man, roots you and grounds you in Christ’s love for you. “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” (Ephesians 3: 16-19)

This revelation is in beholding what you are in Christ. This word “filled” in Ephesians 3: 19 is the same word as “complete” in Colossians 2: 10.

See what the believer is in Christ. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” (Colossians 2: 6-10)

When Christ enters your inner man, filling you with the fullness of God then you comprehend that Christ is the fullness of God, and in Christ before God, you are complete, as full with all the fullness of God as Christ is. That is why sin shall not have dominion over you. The Spirit reigns, Christ reigns, God reigns in the heart of the believer and will not let sin have dominion over you. The Spirit of Christ will not let you forget that you are not under the law, but under grace and complete in Christ.

In this text we see plainly how you and I will deal with one another if we turn from Christ to the law, we will lift ourselves in pride to such a height that we will sit in judgment over God, his saints, and his work; we will attempt to remove a twig from our brother’s eye when there is a whole tree in our own eye. “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4: 1-3)

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “God Keeps Judgment & Righteousness”

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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.

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Bulletin Article date: 9 October, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey

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What The Redeemed Know

”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” | Romans 8: 22-23

The Believer’s redemption is complete in Christ, however his experience of redemption is not complete until he stands in His presence with a new body.

~ Pastor John Chapman

Click here to listen to the message “What the Redeemed Know”

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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: 28 November, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a

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According To His Own Purpose And Grace

”Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” | Matthew 10: 34-39

It is grace at the beginning, and grace at the end.

So that when you and I come to lie upon our death beds, the one thing that should comfort and help and strengthen us there is the thing that helped us in the beginning.

Not what we have been, not what we have done, but the Grace of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Christian life starts with grace, it must continue with grace, it ends with grace.

Grace wondrous grace.

By the grace of God I am what I am. Yet not I, but the Grace of God which was with me.

~ Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Click here to listen to the message “The Absolute Sovereignty 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.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 23 January, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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To Him That Overcometh

”Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” | 2 Peter 1: 4

In the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 & 3 the Lord gives us some exceeding great and precious promises for us to enjoy right now and to enjoy for eternity.

Revelation 2: 7; “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

Revelation 2: 11; “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Revelation 2: 17; “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Revelation 2: 26-28; “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.

Revelation 3: 5; “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Revelation 3: 12; “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Revelation 3: 21; “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”

How do we overcome the power of the devil and the evil of our sin against God; only by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ? Revelation 12: 11; “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

How do we overcome the evil of our sinfulness and unbelief in this life?

By faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; 1 John 5: 4-5; “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Thanks be unto God for the victory we have in Christ! (Romans 8: 37-39; 1 Corinthians 15: 57)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Our Sin and God’s Solution For Our Sin”

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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.

Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 19 December, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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“I’m Not Glad I Sinned, But I’m Glad I’m A Sinner.”

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 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.”

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”

~ Romans 5: 1-10

Click here to listen to the message “Jesus – Friend of Sinners”

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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.

Henry Mahan Sermons; 17 February, 1974 | Previous post date: 26 April, 2021

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Walking Uprightly?

”And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.” | Acts 11: 1-3

What happens when men turn from Christ to the law?

It causes men to divide themselves from others based on some work they have performed in their flesh.

Peter is the one being contended with in our text, but on a different occasion it was Peter who turned to the law. “For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?” (Galatians 2: 12-14)

When James separated himself, look what effect it had on others; leading to Paul’s own travelling companion being carried away.

In Galatians 2: 14 Paul said that the group: “…walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel.” The table where Jew and Gentile ate together is a good symbol of the table of freedom in Christ who has freed the believer from the law so that we are one in Christ, we walk in his Spirit, under his grace, Christ governing the believer in the inner man in the spirit. Though these were Jewish believers come from James, yet in this example, the Jews table represents the works of the law. By moving to that table, Peter turned many of the Jewish brethren and even Barnabas from liberty at Christ’s Table to go sit at the table of the Law.

Why does Paul say, this is “not according to the truth of the gospel?’ As you read the following Scripture, pause and praying over each one as you go.

Mixing the law with grace:

“For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.” (Galatians 2: 18) | Makes one a transgressor against God.

“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” (Galatians 2: 21) | Counts Christ death vanity.

“Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3: 3) | Makes one think they are made perfect by the work of their flesh.

“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” (Galatians 3: 10) | Puts one under the curse of the law.

“For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.” (Galatians 3: 18) | Claims God’s salvation to be by law instead of by promise.

“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3: 24) | Claims justification to be by law instead of faith.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3: 28) | Divides men, making men think their works make the difference between them and other men.

“I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.” (Galatians 4: 11) | Counts the work of God’s true messenger’s vanity.

“For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.” (Galatians 4: 22-25) | Makes one the son of the bondwoman, serving Mt. Sinai.

“But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.” (Galatians 4: 29) | Makes one a persecutor against believers who walk in the Spirit, not the law.

“Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” (Galatians 5: 4) | Makes Christ of no effect unto men.

“And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.” (Galatians 5: 11) | Makes the offense of the cross to cease before men.

“But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” (Galatians 5: 15) | Makes church’s bite and devour one another.

“But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” (Galatians 5: 18) | Makes one to be led by the law instead of the Holy Spirit.

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5: 24-25) | Makes one unable to crucify the flesh, to live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit.

“For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.” (Galatians 6: 13) | Causes self-righteousness which forces their misery on others so as to glory in the flesh instead of in Christ.

If the message preached, and the message you delight in, does not declare Christ to be the end of the law for righteousness, to be your Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption, if the choice, the work, the wisdom, is left open-ended for you to perform without declaring that Christ alone works in the believer producing our fruit, then your delight is not Christ but in your choice, your work, and your wisdom.

Thus Paul said that turning from Christ to the flesh is to walk not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel.

The truth of the gospel is that Christ is the believer’s complete standing and acceptance with God both now and forever: “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2: 6-12.)

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “Our King Priest”

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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.

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Bulletin Article date: 8 October, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey