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Three Questions Concerning Our Faith!

”And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.” | Acts 12: 7-8

Rowland Hill once said that, “…when a man comes to know the Lord, even his dog and cat and farm animals will be the better for it”

”When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.” (Acts 12: 10-11)

It was William Jay who wrote that, “…a person, when he comes to Christ, will be better in every relationship. He is a better husband, father, master, worker, and friend than before or else his religion is not genuine.”

”And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.” (Acts 12: 12-13)

Charles Spurgeon once said, “Do you hear one saying, ‘I keep my religion to myself’? Well, friend, you do not have to worry about it being stolen. You do not have to put it under lock and key; there is not enough of it to even tempt Satan to take it from you. A man who can keep his godliness to himself has so small a portion, I am afraid it will be of no credit to him nor any blessing to anyone else.”

”But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.” (Acts 12: 16-17)

I ASK THREE QUESTIONS CONCERNING OUR FAITH!

(1) Does it cause us to pray? worship God? give thanks?

(2) Does it cause us to seek His will, His word, and His way?

(3) Does it cause us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven us?”

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Providence and Power” (28:35 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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Behold The King Cometh

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” |Zechariah 9: 9-11

God gave to His prophet the very exact description of our Lord Jesus Christ as He entered into Jerusalem to accomplish our salvation, 550 years before it actually happened, what He would accomplish.

“Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them. And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? And they said, The Lord hath need of him.” (Luke 19: 30-34)

Notice these vital things!

“Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” (Matthew 2: 2)

1). Jesus Christ is the King of our salvation. “Behold thy King cometh unto thee.”

“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. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. 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: 10-13)

The wise men ask, where is He that is born King?

“And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19: 13-16)

Our Lord as God incarnate, is King of Kings.

“Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” (Psalm 2: 6)

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

As King He is sovereign in salvation.

“As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” (John 17: 2)

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2: 36)

2). Jesus Christ is the Just God, “He is just.”

“And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.” (Acts 3: 12-15)

That means He is righteous in all His ways and Holy in His character.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” (Philipians 2: 5-9)

Stephen and Peter called Him, “the Just One.”

3). Jesus Christ is the only Saviour, “having salvation.”

“Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.” (Isaiah 45: 21)

He is not only a Just God but also our righteous Saviour.

“The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.” (Isaiah 42: 21)

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;” (Hebrews 2: 14)

Paul often calls Christ God our Saviour.

“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20: 28)

He came to give His life as a ransom to purchase His covenant people.

“It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” (Romans 9: 12-16)

“Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:” (Acts 7: 52)

4). Jesus Christ is also identified with our humanity, “lowly, and riding upon an ass.”

“But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;” (Titus 1: 3)

“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)

Totally, fully God Almighty, yet also a real man.

“For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,” (Luke 2: 30)

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1: 14)

As the Godman He honored the law and perfected righteousness for us.

“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)

“And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.” (Ephesians 2: 16-17)

5). Jesus Christ is our Peace with God, “he shall speak peace unto the heathen.”

“And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.” (Zechariah 9: 10)

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5: 21)

Surely, no one else has the authority to speak peace unto the sinner, but Jesus Christ Himself.

“Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Hebrews 9: 12)

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” (1 Peter 3: 18)

He made peace with God for His people through the blood of His sacrifice.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,” (Luke 4: 18)

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6: 14)

6). Jesus Christ is our Deliverer, “by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.”

“As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.” (Zechariah 9: 11)

“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:” (Colossians 1: 19-22)

Our blessed Lord came to set His people free; from the curse of the law, from the bondage of sin, from the terror of death, from the grip of the devil.

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (Revelation 1: 18)

“And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:” (Romans 11: 26)

What a great Deliverer we have in the Lord Jesus Christ!

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “The Lord God Of Israel Was Their Inheritance” (41:43 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: 14 August, 2021 | Pikeville, Kentucky

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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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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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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

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I Will Give Unto Him That Is Athirst

”And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” | Revelation 22: 17

It is not good for people to spend their lives seeking God and not finding peace in Him.

It is not good that we should be ever learning and never able to rest in the knowledge of Christ.

It is not good to be always doubting, and when asked about our doubts to make the untrue excuse, ‘Oh, I am not doubting God, I am only doubting myself,’

No!

”And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22: 17)

It is God who promised life in Christ, and it is God whom we are doubting.

”And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” (Revelation 21: 6)

Of this promise BONAR wrote, “Thirsty one, it is with the WATER and not the VESSEL that our souls need to be concerned! It is not the quality of your vessel, but the quality of the water of life (Christ Jesus) that satisfies, sanctifies, and purifies! And he whose pride will not allow him to drink from a weak, soiled, and broken vessel (such is the best faith) must die of thirst; and he who puts away the promise of reconciliation because of imperfect faith must die the death.”

He who says, “I believe the right doctrine, but I don’t believe it in the right way; therefore, I can’t have peace” is looking totally in the wrong direction and will never find peace.

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Fear Not” (33:06 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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Let Him Deny Himself

”Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” | Matthew 16: 24

To deny yourself is not refusing yourself something that you want, even if it is for the greater good.

That is temperance or self control.

Neither is the idea of giving up something you love as an effort to sacrifice for God, denying yourself.

That is self-righteousness.

To deny yourself has nothing to do with “things” at all, but rather, it has to do with you.

”His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him. For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance. For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.” (Psalm 21: 5-7)

It is to remove yourself from the equation in the accomplishment of a thing.

It is to give all glory to God.

It is to say with Paul, “Not I but Christ,” with John, “He must increase and I must decrease” and with Jeremiah, “He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

~ Pastor Tim James

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

Posted on by Sovereign Grace Bulletin Articles

Five Things About Manna

“Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.” | Matthew 10: 10-13

There are five things pictured in the heavenly manna as it is given in figure of Christ the true bread of God.

“Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily. And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt: And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us?” (Exodus 16: 4-7)

These are things which every believer shall come to know in the sweet experience of grace.

First: He will come to see that this true manna was provided by God alone. “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” (John 6: 31)

It did not rise up out of the cursed ground or evolve on the herb bearing grass; it was divinity given. “He commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven and rained down manna upon them to eat and gave them the corn of heaven.” (Psalm 75: 23-24)

Second: This manna must be discovered.

All those who did not look did not discover the manna.

The manna fell where God said it would.

The manna fell in the assemble of God.

The manna was easy to find.

Most men do not find Christ because they do not look where the manna is revealed.

Third: The manna must be gathered.

Manna on the ground did no good to anyone.

Simply hearing about the manna satisfied no mans hunger.

It must be gathered.

Who gathered this manna?

Hungry souls sought it out and gathered it in.

Fourth: The manna must be processed.

Israel did not just scoop it up by handfuls and eat it like jelly beans; it was ground in the mills or beaten in a mortar and then baked into bread.

“But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.” (Matthew 11: 8)

The gospel of Jesus Christ is processed by the inward working of the Spirit.

“But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2: 10-14)

It must be heard, considered, understood, and believed.

Fifth: The manna must be eaten.

Manna in a basket will not give life.

It must be chewed and swallowed.

It must be taken within where God, the Holy Spirit, makes it one with us and creates faith and life and hope.

Christ is our manna!

May God be pleased to guide us where he can be found, reveal him to our hearts, cause us to gather to ourselves the full measure God has given, help us to process what we have gathered, and eat to the full what God has given.

Amen

~ Pastor Darvin Pruitt

Click here to listen to the message “The Lesson of Grace” (30:46 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.

FreeGraceRadio.com Bulletin Article date: 19 May, 2012 | Previous post date: 7 August, 2021 | Danville, Kentucky

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Our Rock And Salvation

”He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.” | Psalm 62: 2

God is our rock and our salvation.

There are five things mentioned in this Psalm concerning God’s relationship to His people.

1). God only is my Salvation. This word “ONLY” is a very powerful word. It reveals if we understand the gospel or not. It reveals if we believe God or not. If we add any thing to this word, we pervert the only gospel that is of God.

2). God is our Rock. Christ, who is God Incarnate, is the Rock on which the church is built. He is the sure Foundation. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. ”He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.” (Psalm 62: 2)

”For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3: 11)

3). God is our Defence. He is a wall around us. God Himself is our protection. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. ”He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.” (Psalm 62: 6)

”The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.” (Psalm 121: 5)

4). God is our Refuge. He is our shelter in the time of storm. A shelter must be a safe place from all danger and truly the Godman, Christ Jesus is our hiding place. And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. ”In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.” (Psalm 62: 7)

”And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” (Isaiah 32: 2)

5). God is our Glory. The glory of every believer is Jesus Christ Himself. ”Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62: 8)

”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)

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.

”But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” (Psalm 3: 3)

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

~ Pastor John Chapman

Click here to listen to the message “My Salvation Is Near To Come” (33:22 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