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In Spirit And Truth

”God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” | John 4: 24

Here are two principles of worship without which all worship of God is vain.

God must be worshipped in spirit – a heart worship – as opposed to mere forms and ceremonies, going through the motions with body and lip service, etc.

If the heart does not pray it, the prayer is not accepted.

IF the heart does not sing it, the song is not accepted.

If the heart does not believe it, it is vain to profess it.

Those who worship God, must worship in spirit.

”For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10: 10)

Those who worship God in spirit must also worship Him in truth.

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45: 22)

God has revealed Himself in His Word of truth as who HE is; how HE saves; by whom HE saves; the way in which any one must approach unto Him to worship.

All worship that is contrary to truth is vain worship.

All who worship God must worship Him in truth.

Someone has said, “How astonishing is the fact, that man dares to introduce his miserable inventions to deform the scriptural simplicity of divine; as if God who makes all things perfect, had, in this most important institution, forgotten to direct the use of altars – magnificent vestment – pomp and ceremonies. When will man, with child-like simplicity, follow gospel rules?”

~ Pastor Bruce Crabtree

Click here to listen to the message “Look To The Lord Jesus Christ For All Salvation” (16:05 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: 17 April, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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The Plague Of His Own Heart

“What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house:” | 1 Kings 8: 38

When a child of God begins to speak of the “plague of his own heart,” this poor blind and religious world does not understand.

They think within themselves, “What on earth is this man doing? What ever it is he ought to stop it.”

But little do they know, it’s not what he’s doing, but what he feels himself to be.

He is sin.

He has an open wound that is always running and stinking.

This wound is his heart, his nature, who he is, in and of himself.

This heart is an incurable plague.

Not even the Lord God can cure it.

Yet this is the only people who are accepted of God in Jesus Christ.

Those who know the plague of their own heart are the only ones God acquits of all charges.

These are the only ones who truly rejoice in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in their stinking flesh.

It’s knowing the plague of their own heart that makes them to know their need of a new heart and imputed righteousness and to rejoice with exceeding great joy to believe that God has been pleased to freely give them what they need, all for the mere sake of His Dear Son.

So while they cast contempt upon themselves, they rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

~ Pastor Bruce Crabtree

Click here to listen to the message “Imputed Righteousness and a Weak Faith” (48:26 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: 7 April, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

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His Hands And Side

“And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.” | John 20: 20

These poor, miserable disciples had forsaken the Lord Jesus in the hour of his greatest need.

Peter had denied him three times and even swore that he never knew him.

Oh, the guilt they felt upon their conscience for their sin; the shame and fear of it all had now overwhelmed them.

They were hiding out in an upper room.

“And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.” (Mark 16: 10)

All you could hear from them was mourning and weeping and groans — “They mourned and wept,”.

Now, in the midst of such felt misery, the resurrected Lord stands in their midst and says, “Peace be unto you.”

Then He shows unto each of them the prints in his hands and the hole in his side.

Then something amazing suddenly happened, “Then,” immediately upon seeing these scars, “Then were the disciples glad.”

There is no doubt what brought this sudden change; they saw the scars in his hands and side.

What was it about these scars that gave them such gladness?

Well, many things no doubt, but, think of this; the scars told them that their sins had been atoned for; their sins had been punished, their sins had been put away.

Can you imagine such a thing as this, while Peter and the rest of the disciples were mourning over their sins; their sins had already been atoned for!

And these scars were the proof of it! — “Our awful sin! The shame of what we have done! GONE! And here are the scars to prove it!”

How often you and I are so conscious of our sin.

The thought of it weighs heavy upon our minds and often affects us in such a negative way.

We hide out in our little upper rooms and mourn and weep and we are hardly fit to worship or serve or do anything.

Here is our remedy.

By the eye of faith upon the Word of God, get a sight of Jesus’ scars.

Your sins have been punished to the fullest extent.

They have already been atoned for just as surely as the sins of those disciples were.

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20: 31)

If God has punished them in his Son, why carry them any longer on your conscience?

~ Pastor Bruce Crabtree

Click here to listen to the message “And The Veil Was Rent In Twain” (32:08 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: 30 June, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

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He Leadeth His Dear Children

”Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.” | 2 Corinthians 12: 14

The silent influence of parental conduct is far greater, either for good or for evil, than most parents are aware of.

You teach by what you say, you influence by what you do; and also by what you do not say, and do not perform.

O parents, parents!

Take care what you are teaching your children by your example.

You are always influencing them for good – or evil.

You are leading them to Heaven – or to Hell.

Not a day passes, but you produce impressions, perhaps permanent impressions… either good or bad!

~ Pastor Bruce Crabtree

Click here to listen to the message “He leadeth His dear children” (40:13 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.

Central Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 22 June, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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A Fallen Saint

“Peter went out and wept bitterly.” | Luke 22: 62

Peter had sat in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

He had walked on the water to go to Him.

He had lived in the full assurance that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God.

“We believe and are sure,” he said, “That thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” the words of blood redemption had gone to Peter’s heart from the very lips of Jesus Christ Himself.

“Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6: 68)

Peter had seen the power of the Lord when he spoke to the raging waves of the sea and stilled them – the Lord Jesus saved Peter’s life that day, and Peter knew it too.

Now this same Peter has denied the Lord he loved and believed – even cursed and swore he never knew him. Look at him now as he goes off in the darkness sobbing as he goes.

Imagine the guilt and fear that weighed upon his afflicted conscience?

Imagine the suggestions from Satan, the prince of darkness, saying to him, “There is no hope for you now.”

Only those who have experienced such a thing know how Satan can work with a guilty conscience to drive it to despair.

I am sure Peter thought, as many have since, “There is no way out of this dilemma I find myself in.”

A poor soul like this can despair of ever being recovered. He sank in deep mire where there was no standing.

I will tell you this, if Jesus Christ does not make intercession for such a person and strengthen his faith, and send some light into his darkness, Satan will sift him. Those who dream they are a match for Satan’s accusations are ignorant of his devices.

Does our Lord Jesus know all this?

Of course he knows.

His intercession had already secured Peter, not from falling but from falling away.

Not from bitter weeping but from final despair.

Peter had a sad and fearful fall, but he had a fearless and faithful Advocate with the Father.

Peter fell, but just about the time the enemy began to rejoice over him, he rose up again – forgiven and restored.

Dear fallen saint, don’t despair.

Maybe you see no way in your present darkness to be restored, but Jesus Christ can see for you, He is the way.

Look out of your wet eyes to him.

Your heart is aching but the Lord Jesus feels it.

Trust him.

Wait upon Him.

Your weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning.

~ Pastor Bruce Crabtree

Click here to listen to the message “Our eyes are upon thee” (59:37 minutes)

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

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 8 August, 2021 | Previous post date: 31 August, 2021

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Worthy Is The Lamb

”And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” | Revelation 5: 11-12

Let us arm ourselves, above all, with clear, sound views of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the salvation that is in Him.

He is “the image of the invisible God,” “the express image of His person,” and the true preservative against all idolatry, when truly known. Let us build ourselves deep down on the strong foundation of His finished work upon the cross. Let us settle it firmly in our minds that Christ Jesus has done everything necessary in order to present us without spot before the throne of God, and that simple, child like faith on our part is the only thing required to give us an entire interest in the work of Christ. Let us not doubt that, having this faith, we are completely justified in the sight of God; that we shall never be more justified than we are now if we live to the age of Methuselah and do the works of the Apostle Paul; and that we CAN ADD NOTHING to that complete justification by any acts, deeds, words, performances, fasting, prayers, giving to those in need, attendance on ordinances, nor anything else of our own.

Above all, let us keep up continual communion with the person of the Lord Jesus! Let us abide in Him daily, feed on Him daily, look to Him daily, lean on Him daily, live upon Him daily, draw from His fullness daily. Let us realize this, and the idea of other mediators, other comforters, other intercessors will seem utterly absurd. “What need is there?” we shall reply. “I have Christ, and in Him I have all. What have I to do with idols? I have Christ Jesus in my heart, Christ Jesus in the Bible, and Christ Jesus in heaven; and I want nothing more!” — J.C. Ryle (1816-1900, English Preacher)

Martin Luther said in effect that if a man was ashamed of the one truth that was under attack in his own day, then he was ashamed of the truth period. It seems that one truth under attack today is God’s right to determine what is morally right and what is morally wrong, what is sin and what is not. A teen ager just told me this week that there was no such thing as filthy language; it’s only filthy to you if you deem it to be filthy. Yet God says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.”

God has determined what is filthy and what is not. Many in our day want unfettered liberty to live in open and profane sin and they are offended when they are told that God gives no such liberty. This is a truth we must not be ashamed of in our day.

~ Pastor Bruce Crabtree

Click here to listen to the message “Worthy is the Lamb”

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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: 27 April, 2014 | Previous post date: n/a | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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Ye Are Complete In Him

”And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power” | Colossians 2: 10

The believer standing in Christ does not fluctuate with his feelings, not even the increase or decrease of his faith or understanding or anything else.

He stands complete in Christ.

God would never trust any of His children to stand before him at anytime in their own selves – that is, in their merits or certain good frames of mind.

He knows our frame.

He remembers that we are yet dust.

Therefore, He has on purpose provided for them this perfect standing in Christ Jesus. “Ye are complete in Him,” the Holy Ghost said. He says in another place, “Ye are perfect in Christ Jesus.” (Colossians 1: 28)

The very nature of our God requires us to be perfect and complete before Him at all times.

He, out of necessity, therefore provided all this for His children: a perfection, a completeness, which can never be diminished. It is as unchanging as God himself. “Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath” (Hebrews 6: 17)

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13: 8)

Every true believer may walk through this world in perfect liberty, free from anything and everything – yes, even his sin, fear of condemnation, and all else that would cause him to doubt of his completeness.

He may freely come to God, worship Him, call Him “Father,” and this he may do at all times with the utmost confidence and thankfulness, because in Christ he stands, first and foremost and always, complete before God.

O thanks be to God for Jesus Christ.

~ Pastor Bruce Crabtree

Click here to listen to the message “You’re not your own”

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

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Ye Are Complete In Him

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” | 1 Corinthians 1: 30-31

The believer’s standing in Christ does not fluctuate with his feelings, not even the increase or decrease of his faith or understanding or anything else.

He stands complete in Christ. “Ye are complete in Him…” (Colossians 2: 10)

God would never trust any of His children to stand before Him at any time in their own selves; that is, in their merits or certain good frames of mind. He knows our frame. He remembers that we are yet dust. Therefore, He has on purpose provided for them this perfect standing in Christ Jesus. “Ye are complete in Him,” the Holy Ghost said. He says in another place, “Ye are perfect in Christ Jesus.” (Colossians 1: 28)

The very nature of our God requires us to be perfect and complete before Him at all times. “Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath” (Hebrews 6: 17)

He, out of necessity, therefore provided all this for His children; a perfection, a completeness, which can never be diminished. It is as unchanging as God Himself. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13: 8)

Every true believer may walk through this world in perfect liberty, free from anything and everything – yes, even his sin, fear of condemnation, and all else that would cause him to doubt of his completeness.

He may freely come to God, worship Him, call Him “Father,” and this he may do at all times with the utmost confidence and thankfulness, because in Christ he stands, first and foremost and always, complete before God.

O thanks be to God for Jesus Christ.

~ Pastor Bruce Crabtree

Click here to listen to the message “The true condition of man”

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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: 31 May, 2020 | Previous post date: 16 May, 2021

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In Spirit and Truth

”God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him, Must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth,” | John 4: 24

Here are two principles of worship without which all worship of God is vain.

God must be worshipped in spirit – a heart worship – as opposed to mere forms and ceremonies, going through the motions with body and lip service, etc.

If the heart does not pray it, the prayer is not accepted. IF the heart does not sing it, the song is not accepted. If the heart does not believe it, it is vain to profess it.

Those who worship God, must worship in spirit. “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10: 10)

Those who worship God in spirit must also worship Him in truth.

God has revealed Himself in His Word of truth as who HE is; how HE saves; by whom HE saves; the way in which any one must approach unto Him to worship.

All worship that is contrary to truth is vain worship.

All who worship God must worship Him in truth.

Someone has said, “How astonishing is the fact, that man dares to introduce his miserable inventions to deform the scriptural simplicity of divine; as if God who makes all things perfect, had, in this most important institution, forgotten to direct the use of altars – magnificent vestment – pomp and ceremonies. When will man, with child-like simplicity, follow gospel rules?”

~ Pastor Bruce Crabtree

Click here to listen to the message “What is it that really matters”

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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: 15 June, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Danville, Kentuky

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The Only True And Eternal Treasure is Jesus Christ

”Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.” | Genesis 18: 4-5

I read an article concerning the mysterious pyramids of Egypt.

King Cheop’s great pyramid is the only of the seven wonders of the ancient world still surviving. It covers an area of thirteen acres, originally was four hundred eighty one feet high and contained six and one half million tons of stone.

At Cheop’s death, his body was preserved, adorned with gold mask, precious necklaces and jewels and laid in the middle of his large pyramid.

His coffin was surrounded by valuable Egyptian furniture.

By careful planning and much labor the one and only exit was forever sealed. No one was to ever enter this royal tomb.

I had to chuckle when I read the close of the article, “Despite all these precautions, the burial chamber suffered the same fate as most of the royal tombs in Egypt: it was stripped of its treasures.”

I know many people just like old King Cheop.

All the treasures they possess are worldly, and they will soon be stripped of it.

The only true and eternal treasure is Jesus Christ and his benefits.

If you possess Christ, you are rich indeed and your riches are secure. They dwell where no thief can ever enter or break through and steal.

In Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6: 20-21)

~ Pastor Bruce Crabtree

Click here to listen to the message “Rest yourselves under the Tree”

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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: 2 September, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky