Preaching Versus Debating

”For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” | 1 Corinthians 1: 21

No spiritual good will ever come from debating doctrinal points of view.

God never has and never will save or feed His people by debating.

God saves His people through the preaching of Christ alone.

”And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,” (Luke 1: 76-77)

Rather than debate what it means that Christ was made sin for His people, let’s declare there is full remission of sins for God’s elect because Christ took their sin away by His sacrifice for them.

”Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.” (1 Chronicles 16: 24)

Rather than debate the sovereignty of God, let’s declare God, as He has been pleased to reveal Himself in the Bible, who saves whom He will, when He will.

”Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13: 38-39)

Rather than debate when is the moment a man is justified, let’s declare there is justification for sinners in Christ.

Debating never blesses anyone because the goal of debating is the glory of the flesh when we think we have proved our point.

Preaching Christ always blesses God’s people because the goal of true preaching is to glorify Christ.

May the Lord be pleased to keep our eyes on the ball.

~ Pastor Frank Tate

Click here to listen to the message “The Believer’s Road to Glory” (33:47 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.

Hurricane Road Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 2 October, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky

Scriptures Given For A Reason

”All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” | 2 Timothy 3: 16

I count it my honor and happiness that I preach to a free people who have the Bible in their hands.

To your Bibles I appeal.

I entreat, I charge you to receive nothing upon my word any farther than I can prove it from the Word of God.

And bring every preacher and every sermon that you hear to the same standard.

~ Pastor John Newton

Click here to listen to the message “Scriptures Given For A Reason” (32:25 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: 5 June, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

Thanksgiving For These Believers

”Knowing Brethren Your Election Of God” | 1 Thessalonians 1: 4

Your election is known by your calling!

“You hath He quickened who were dead.”

Have you been quickened, made alive to the things of God in Christ?

Do you have an interest in the Gospel of God’s grace and mercy to sinners?

“The Holy Spirit will convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.”

Have you been convinced of your sin or unbelief?

Have you been convinced that you have no righteousness and need Christ’s righteousness?

Have you been convinced that there is no judgment only to those in Christ?

If God has been pleased to do these things for you and in you, then you are elected!

“Our Gospel came to you not in word only but in power.”

Is the Gospel of Jesus Christ only facts and history to you, or has that Gospel entered your heart and brought you to seek a saving interest in Christ?

“It is given unto you not only to believe on Him but to suffer for His sake.”

Do you believe on Him? Do you really believe that Jesus Christ is your wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption and that He, of God, is made unto you all you need?

“We love Him because He first loved us.”

Do you love Christ the Lord?

“No man can call Jesus Lord but by the Holy Spirit.”

Is Christ your Lord?

Have you truly bowed to Him in your heart of hearts?

“By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Do you really love the brethren?

There is no problem here.

If we are God’s elect, there are evidences enough, so “give diligence to make your calling sure!”

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “An Election of Grace” (39:21 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: 9 February, 2020 | Previous post date: 12 May, 2022

Wisdom From Above

”Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” | Psalm 24: 3-4

Seek not to be masters: teachers, rulers or judges over men.

“Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.” (Matthew 23: 1-3)

In the day in which James ministered this disease of the flesh spread throughout the land — men seeking a reputation as being the wisest among men.

“For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,” (Matthew 23: 4-5)

The most common avenue men took to achieve this coveted praise was to oppress sinners with religious rules and regulations — some from God’s word – others made up by men.

“And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” (Matthew 23: 6-8)

Then when the sinner committed an offense, the self-appointed wise man would expose them to others.

“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” (Matthew 23: 9)

The motive was ambition and pride — a desire to exalt oneself above others, in the eyes of men – so as to appear “more holy than any of their peers”.

“Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23: 10-11)

Knowing That The Greater the Judgment We Use Against Men, the Greater the Judgment God Will Use Against Us

“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23: 12)

Every man is an offender in many things and offending in one point is to break all the law of God — so then it is hypocritical of us to deny to others the mercy we need ourselves.

Nothing causes us to be merciful to our brethren like knowing our need of mercy.

The man who covets a reputation as being wise — with his ungracious rebuke and strictness over men – reveals he is not wise at all.

“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” (James 3: 3-5)

Like the small bit in the mouth of a horse and the small rudder on a ship our tongues are capable of turning the whole body — for good or for evil.

Both the bit and the rudder are at the command of the Rider and the Captain of the ship.

But the Holy Spirit says the man whose religion is vain can’t bridle his tongue or his body.

It is as if the tongue rules the man rather than the man ruling the tongue.

“When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;” (Proverbs 2: 10-12)

Christ our Wisdom is full of mercy and good fruits

He visited us orphans and widows in our affliction.

He gives ears to the deaf and sight to the blind

He feeds us the Bread from heaven – a feast of fat things.

He clothes us in his garments of righteousness

He hedges us about as a flaming fire to protect and keep us as the apple of his eye.

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” (1 Corinthians 1: 30)

Christ our Wisdom is without partiality, and without hypocrisy

He shows no respect of persons based on outward appearances

He does not prefer or despise men, because of their being of this nation or that nation.

Or because they are circumcised, or not circumcised

Or because they are high or low, rich or poor, free or bound, male or female

There is no deceitfulness in our Savior.

What he does is right, it is holy, no man can question him–shall not the God of the whole earth do right–he loves freely without a cause in us.

He is the PeaceMaker–He Made Peace Between His People and their offended God.

And through the Holy Spirit the seed that is sown in our heart is Christ – He sows the fruit of righteousness into our hearts in peace

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “Wisdom From Above” (54:30 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.

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Bulletin Article date: 29 June, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey

The Gospel In One Verse

”And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.” | Leviticus 22: 21

The voice from the cross did not summon men to do, but to be satisfied with what was done, “It is finished.”

”When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” (Matthew 14: 13-14)

The sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ is the only perfect thing which has ever been presented to God on man’s behalf.

~ Pastor Scott Richardson

Click here to listen to the message “The Gospel In One Verse” (33:41 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: 5 June, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

My Beloved Is Mine And I Am His

“My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.” | Song of Solomon 2: 16

Every soul has a beloved—something or someone in which to glory, rejoice and enjoy.

“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.” (Ephesians 1: 1-2)

With some it is THE WORLD (its’ vanity, materialism, and honors).

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

With others it is THE FLESH.

They live to entertain the flesh, and to pamper the flesh.

“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:” (Ephesians 1: 4)

With others it is THE FAMILY.

Close and distant relatives, family trees, family reunions make up their past, present and future.

“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: 5-6)

With others it is RELIGION and works of righteousness.

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1: 7)

Their religion is not a PERSON; it is a CAUSE to which they are devoted in hope of a suitable reward.

“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: 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:” (Ephesians 1: 8-10)

And with some it is SELF, pure and simple; what can we do for me?

“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)

To a believer, IT IS CHRIST!

He worships, loves, rejoices and glories in the Lord Jesus above all things.

“That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 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: 12-14)

Christ is my Beloved and “my beloved is mine and I am His.”

“Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” (Psalm 73: 24-26)

Christ (His fellowship, His love, and His approval) is preferred above persons, possessions, pleasures, or pursuits.

Could ONE so illustrious and supreme deserve any less?

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Unto The Praise Of His Glory” (43:09 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: 1 June, 2025 | Previous post date: n/a

The World Judged At The Cross

“Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.” | Mark 15: 31-32

A wonderful, prayerful resolve would be; Lord, let me look into the glorious glass of Thy Word and see the face of the Lord Jesus Christ, and let me conformed to His blessed image in all things.

Let me see Christ in all Thy Word.

Let me look to Him and look like Him.

Deliver me from this present evil world, deliver me from the god of this world, deliver me from my sinful self, and receive me into Thy Kingdom forever.

Let me be resolved to seek Thy will and do Thy will always.

~ Unknown

Click here to listen to the message “What Is It To Confess Christ” (32:17 minutes)

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.

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Central Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 13 August, 2017 | Previous post date: 18 August, 2021 | Rocky Mount, Virginia

To Whom Be Glory Forever, Amen

”For the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” | 2 Corinthians 2: 20

Our God has given many promises to His believing children.

”Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.” (2 Timothy 2: 7-9)

These promises are all IN CHRIST JESUS, since only He existed when they were made and since only He can and has fulfilled all conditions by His obedience and death.

”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;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2: 4-7)

Therefore, these promises are all “YES” in Him and in Him “AMEN,” or “So be it,” “unto the glory of God by us.”

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

His promises, Christ fulfilling them, our preaching Him, and your believing are all for the glory of God.

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “To Whom Be Glory Forever, Amen” (29:50 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: 5 June, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

Let Us Go To The House Of The Lord

”I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” | Psalm 122: 1

What defines a true house of the Lord?

”And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.” (Exodus 9: 16)

It is a house where the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ is declared – God, Man, Mediator, Savior!

”And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16: 15)

It is a house where the Word of Christ is declared – every word that has proceeded out of the mouth of God.

”Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14: 6)

It is a house where the Spirit of Christ dwells – in truth.

”Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?” (Job 26: 14)

It is a house where the glory of Christ dwells – in power.

”By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13: 35)

It is a house where the people of Christ dwell – in love.

”And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3: 10-11)

It is a house where Christ is ALL and in all.

That is a house that all of God’s people are glad to go to.

May that be THIS house today!

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Believers Have All Things In Common” (67:22 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.

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

Let The Righteous Smite Me

”Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.” | Psalm 141: 3-4

To me the end of all controversy is “Thus saith the Lord.”

Only let me know that the Lord hath said this or that, and though the revelation should seem impossible to believe, and though it should come into conflict with all my previous notions, I will bow before it without a question.

“The Lord hath said it,” stands to us instead of all reason, and argument, and evidence; yea, we believe God in the teeth of supposed evidence and reason, saying, “Let God be true, but every man a liar.”

~ Charles Spurgeon

Click here to listen to the message “Who Controls The Coronavirus?” (31:17 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: 9 February, 2020 | Previous post date: 9 May, 2022