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The Only Man Who Can Plead For Us

”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? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” | Romans 8: 32-34

We should always read the Old Testament with a desire to find something in it about Jesus Christ.

We study this portion of the Bible with little profit, if we can see nothing in it but Moses, and David, and Samuel, and the Prophets.

Let us search the books of the Old Testament more closely.

It was said by Him whose words can never pass away, “These are they which testify of Me”.

~ J. C. Ryle

Click here to listen to the message “Holy Hands & Modest Apparel”

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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: 9 February, 2020 | Previous post date: 30 April, 2022

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What A Contrast Between “I AM” And “I Am A Worm!”

”But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.” | Psalm 22: 6

This verse is a miracle in language.

How could the Lord of glory be brought to such abasement as to be not only lower than the angels, but even lower than men.

”My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.” (Psalm 22: 1-2)

What a contrast between “I AM” and “I am a worm!” yet such a double nature was found in the person of our Lord Jesus when bleeding upon the tree.

”But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22: 3)

He felt himself to be comparable to a helpless, powerless, down trodden worm, passive while crushed, and unnoticed and despised by those who trod upon him.

”Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.” (Psalm 22: 4)

He selects the weakest of creatures, which is all flesh; and becomes, when trodden upon, writhing, quivering flesh, utterly devoid of any might except strength to suffer.

”They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.” (Psalm 22: 5)

This was a true likeness of himself when his body and soul had become a mass of misery — the very essence of agony – in the dying pangs of crucifixion.

”But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.” (Psalm 22: 6)

Man by nature is but a worm; but our Lord puts himself even beneath man, on account of the scorn that was heaped upon him and the weakness which he felt, and therefore he adds, “and no man.”

”All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.” (Psalm 22: 7-8)

The privileges and blessings which belonged to the fathers he could not obtain while deserted by God, and common acts of humanity were not allowed him, for he was rejected of men; he was outlawed from the society of earth, and shut out from the smile of heaven.

How utterly did the Saviour empty himself of all glory, and become of no reputation for our sakes!

~ Charles H. Spurgeon

Click here to listen to the message “The Mission of the Messiah” (43:31 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.

Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 8 April, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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Our Compassionate Priest

“Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.” | Hebrews 5: 2

Thanks be unto God for our compassionate and faithful Great High Priest, Jesus Christ.

“Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2: 17)

Our blessed Saviour knows our frame; He knows that we are but sinful dust. “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” (Psalm 103: 13-14)

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3: 23)

But in spite of all that we are and all that we have done the Lord is longsuffering and compassionate toward His children. “Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity.” (Psalm 39: 5)

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3: 9)

So much that He loves the unlovely, so much that Christ justifies the ungodly, so much that the Redeemer died to save sinners. “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4: 5)

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly… But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5: 6, 8)

We read that His compassions fail not and are new every morning. “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” (Lamentations 3: 22)

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” (Matthew 9: 36)

We read when He saw a multitude of sinners as sheep that were scattered having no shepherd, He was moved with compassion.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23: 1)

What a blessed Shepherd the Lord has provided for us!

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “The Faith Of God’s Elect” (34:56 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: 14 April, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

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His Glory

”Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 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: 1-3

The Glory of the Triune God is paramount in all things.

”According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1: 4-6)

This Glory is magnified in the electing of a people by the Father in Christ.

”In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:” (Ephesians 1: 7-9)

It is magnified in the saving of that people through the blood of Christ.

”That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 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: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” (Ephesians 1: 10-12)

And it is magnified in the revelation of our Savior, in our new hearts, through the Holy Spirit.

”In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1: 13-14)

When the child of God is finally brought home, we will forever sing praise to His Glory in perfection and for eternity.

~ Pastor Kevin Thacker

Click here to listen to the message “Beggars With Glorious News” (34:23 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: 29 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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Caleb And Joshua

”For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.” | Numbers 26: 65

Caleb and Joshua were among the twelve men who went into the land of Canaan to spy out the land and people and bring the report to Moses.

”And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain:” (Numbers 13: 17)

Ten men brought an evil and unbelieving report, they said, “We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.

”But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.” (Numbers 13: 31)

God gave the nation forty years in the wilderness for their unbelief.

”Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me, Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised. But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.” (Numbers 14: 28-35)

Caleb and Joshua believed God and said, “Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it”.

”And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” (Numbers 13: 30)

None that were numbered among the men from age twenty and older entered into the promise land with exception of Caleb (the faithful dog) and Joshua (the faithful Saviour).

”And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;” (Numbers 27: 18)

This is another glorious picture of the gospel of Christ.

”Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 1: 6)

None will enter into glory but the Saviour and those sinners (dogs) for whom He died.

”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.” (Romans 5: 5-9)

Christ the forerunner has entered in for us and every believer will enter upon His merits alone.

”That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Hebrews 6: 18-20)

However, there is another picture of the gospel here.

”For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2: 13)

The scripture says of both Caleb and Joshua that they had another spirit.

”But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.” (Numbers 14: 24)

It was not the spirit and attitude of unbelief, but that of spirit of faith that honors and glorifies God.

”For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” (Philippians 3: 3)

It is said of Abraham, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God”.

”He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” (Romans 4: 20-21)

Something else is also said of Caleb and Joshua, “they have wholly followed the LORD”. ”Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.” (Numbers 32: 12)

”For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1: 12)

Faith and conduct cannot be separated. ”If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3: 1)

”I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)” (1 Corinthians 16: 15)

One preacher of the past said, “Faith is the mother of obedience.” ”God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4: 24)

”But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” (Philippians 3: 7-9)

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ puts another spirit and attitude in the sinner, that spirit of love, obedience, devotion, hope and confidence in the Lord. ”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,” (Galatians 5: 22)

”I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4: 13)

It is right and commendable for every believer to fully and wholly follow the Lord with an undivided heart, unbridled spirit, unwavering commitment, unbroken addiction and uninterrupted dependence upon the gospel of the Lord Christ.

”And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” (Mark 8: 34-35)

Our Lord said, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.”

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “We Are Here to Hear All Things Commanded of God” (35:34 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.

Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 8 April, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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Is Our Message Offensive?

“I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you.” | Galatians 5: 10-12

Paul called his message “the offence of the cross.” Again and again he warned that the true gospel of God’s grace and glory would meet with great opposition from the religious world and the natural world. “The preaching of the cross is foolishness.” “The natural man receiveth not the things of God.”

Our Lord said, “Marvel not if the world hate you.” He also said in John 16, “They will cast you out of organized religion, and whosover killeth you will think that he serves God in doing so.”

If what we preach is NOT offensive to the religionist and to the worldling, then it is NOT THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.

I repeat, it is not the gospel!

1). GOD’S ABSOLUTE SOVEREIGNTY in creation, providence, and redemption offends man’s claim to a freewill!

“But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.” (Luke 19: 14)

2). The preaching of TOTAL DEPRAVITY and INABILITY offends man’s dignity and claim to personal righteousness.

“We be not born of fornication”, that is, “we be not (they say) born in sin.”

“We may not be perfect, but we are not totally corrupt in God’s sight.”

3). The gospel of Christ comes by REVELATION and this offends man’s natural wisdom.

The college professor knows as much about the mysteries of grace as the farmhand, which is nothing apart from the Spirit of God.

4). EFFECTUAL REDEMPTION through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, our substitute and sin-offering, offends man’s pride.

Men would have God do all that He wants to do or can do; but, there must be a work left for the sinner to perform, that we might share somewhat in the glory.

5). The LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST offends man’s desire for recognition here and the hereafter.

“Grant, Lord, that we may sit at Thy right and left hand.”

“Let us have a system of rewards to distinguish us in some way from the beggar.”

We have established our social levels here and choose to continue them in heaven.

~ Pastor Henry T. Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “What Is Your Response To The Gospel?” (38:55 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.

Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: July 22, 2018 | Previous post date: 11 August, 2021 | Pikeville, Kentucky

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Why Are You Here?

”To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” | 1 Peter 2: 4-5

Why have you come to the house of the Lord this morning?

Is it to be seen of men so people will know how pious you are?

Have you come to fulfil a social need to see friends?

Have you come because you feel better going through some religious ceremony?

”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)

I pray we have come with the same heartfelt need that Cornelius had in Acts 10 when he said, “Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.”

It very well could be that God will speak to us if we have come needing to hear a word from Him.

~ Pastor Frank Tate

Click here to listen to the message “Why Should I Come to Christ?” (34:53 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.

Hurricane Road Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 24 July, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky

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Who Gets The Glory?

”And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.” | 2 Kings 2: 14

If you wish to know if the gospel you are hearing preached is the gospel of God, ask yourself this question, ‘Who gets the glory?’

If you wish to know whether your religious experience is of the flesh or of the Lord, ask yourself the same thing, ‘Who gets the glory?’

Also, examine all your gifts, works, and missionary efforts by the same rule, ‘Who gets the glory?’

”That no flesh should glory in his presence… That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1: 29, 31)

God will not share His glory!

That which is of God, from God, and for God’s glory will be blessed with His presence and power.

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Where Is The Lord God of Elijah?” (31:36 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: 29 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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What God’s People Glory In

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” | Galatians 6: 14

CHRIST is more than a Saviour; He is salvation itself!

David said, “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”

It is well to see salvation in the work, life, and death of Christ; but we must never forget that the essence of salvation lies in His Person.

HE HIMSELF IS SALVATION!

It is WHO He is which gives virtue to WHAT He does.

We are bidden to come, not to His work, but to HIMSELF.

The gospel loses much of its sweetness when the Person of Christ is put in the background and honor given only to His work.

~ Charles H. Spurgeon

Click here to listen to the message “Comfort From God Almighty” (25:51 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: 15 March, 2020 | Previous post date: 15 December, 2022

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The Old Man And The New

”Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.” | Acts 11: 19

A man that is regenerate and born of God consisteth of two men, namely the “old man,” and the “new man.”

”And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 11: 20)

So that one man, inasmuch as he is corrupt with the seed of the serpent, is an “old man;” and inasmuch as he is blessed with the seed of God from above, he is a “new man.”

”And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.” (Acts 11: 21)

Inasmuch as he is an “old man,” he is a sinner and an enemy to God.

”Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.” (Acts 11: 22)

So, inasmuch as he is regenerate, he is righteous and holy and a friend to God, so that he cannot sin.

”Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” (Acts 11: 23)

One man therefore which is regenerate well may be called always just, and always sinful: just in respect of God’s seed and his regeneration; sinful in respect of Satan’s seed and his first birth.

~ John Bradford

Click here to listen to the message “Called Christians First at Antioch” (31:47 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.

Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 8 April, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky