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Complete In 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: 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. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” | Ephesians 1: 3-7

All that is necessary to secure and to complete our eternal salvation is to be found in the Lord Jesus Christ. ”For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” (Colossians 2: 9-10)

”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)

There is a completion or a complete filling up in Him, so as to leave nothing lacking in the sinner. ”But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 19)

In the Lord Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of God. ”And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” (John 1: 16)

”In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:” (Colossians 1: 22)

He is perfect and the believer stands perfected in Him. ”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)

All that is lacking in us by our ruin and sin in Adam is abundantly, freely and eternally supplied to us in the Lord Jesus Christ, “where sin abounded, grace did much more abound”. ”For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:” (Romans 5: 19-20)

”For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” (Romans 8: 29-30)

Christ’s perfect obedience is our righteousness. ”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.” (Philippians 2: 7-8)

His sacrifice for sin is our atonement. ”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)

His word is our instruction. ”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)

”That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17: 21-24)

His wisdom is our direction. ”In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2: 3)

His power is our protection. ”Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1: 5)

”Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” (Jude 1: 24-25)

His blood sacrifice is our justification. ”Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5: 9)

His grace is our salvation. ”Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3: 24)

”But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 19)

His eternal love is our security. ”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. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8: 32-39)

His everlasting mercy is our hope. ”It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3: 22-26)

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

His fullness is our completeness. ”And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” (John 1: 16)

His immutability is our strength. ”For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Malachi 3: 6)

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

His resurrection is the guarantee of our final glory. ”Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4: 25)

”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)

His intercession is the assurance of all our deliverance from sin. ”My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” (1 John 2: 1)

”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)

Tell me my friend, what could we possibly want for, when all of the Godhead is engaged to make the believer complete in the Lord Jesus Christ, to His eternal glory?

Being found in Christ, having eternal union with Him, we have all things and all spiritual blessings in Christ.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “She Hath Wrought A Good Work” (26:49 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: 11 February, 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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The Purpose Of The Church

”And the LORD hath performed his word that he spake, and I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel. And I have set there a place for the ark, wherein is the covenant of the LORD, which he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.” | 1 Kings 8: 20-21

This was Solomon’s declaration concerning the temple he built, which is the purpose of the church.

The church (people of God) is the temple of God, wherein the Name of the Lord is proclaimed, worshipped and honored.

And it is the place where you will hear the gospel of Christ… Whom the Ark of the covenant represents.

This is the sole purpose of the church, the pillar and ground of the truth; to honor God and preach Christ and Him crucified.

~ Pastor Paul Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Where Is The God of Judgment” (15:43 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.

Central Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 15 June, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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The Righteousness Of God

Psalm 143

What do you know about the righteousness of God?

Not only His personal and essential righteousness, but the righteousness and holiness He requires of all who would “see the Lord,” and the righteousness He has purchased and provided for them?

I can show you from the Scriptures the awful and awesome importance of the subject.

The very NAME of our Redeemer is, “THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD.”

“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Jeremiah 23: 5-6)

The heart and essence of the gospel is to reveal THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1: 16-17)

Our Lord’s being made sin and dying on the cross for us was in order that we might be made, “THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM.”

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 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: 20-21)

The Apostle pronounces all religious people unsaved who are ignorant of THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD and who are seeking to establish their own righteousness. “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” (Romans 10: 1-4)

“For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5: 20)

“Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,” (Romans 4: 6)

“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” (Romans 10: 4)

~ Pastor Henry T. Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Quickened For Christ’s Name Sake” (29:38 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 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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Growing In Grace

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” | Ephesians 2: 8-9

In this blessed verse Paul gives us six things concerning God’s grace in Christ that we must consider in order to begin to understand it.

  1. GRACE has been defined as “unmerited favor.”
  2. If grace is unmerited, then none can claim it as a right.
  3. If GRACE is “unearned and undeserved,” then none are entitled to it.
  4. If GRACE is a “gift,” then none can demand it.
  5. If GRACE is a “free gift” then, God has the right to bestow it upon whom He will. (Don’t you give gifts to whom you want?)
  6. If salvation is by GRACE then, the very chief of sinners, the worst of the worst, is not beyond the reach of Divine mercy.
  7. Because salvation is by GRACE, boasting is excluded and God gets all the glory.

    “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1:6)

    ~ Pastor David Eddmenson

    Click here to listen to the message “Growing In Grace” (31:26 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: 30 June, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

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    Oh! Sweet Grace! Blessed Grace!

    “For by grace are you saved.” | Ephesians 2: 8

    We are saved by grace—free grace, rich grace, sovereign grace, distinguishing grace—without one atom of works, without one grain of creature merit, without anything of the flesh.

    Oh! Sweet grace, blessed grace!

    Oh! what a help — what a strength — what a rest for a poor toiling, striving, laboring soul—to find that grace has done all the work—to feel that grace has triumphed in the cross of Christ—to find that nothing is required, nothing is needed, nothing is to be done!

    ~ J. C. Philpot

    Click here to listen to the message “Cast Your ALL on Him” (32:12 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: 22 August, 2021 | Previous post date: 2 October, 2021

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    The Miracle Of Salvation

    ”Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” | Romans 3: 19

    The Lord Jesus Christ performed many miracles while upon this earth.

    He cast out devils, healed lepers, gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf; He raised the dead.

    While these miracles certainly prove Him to be the Christ, they are also illustrations of how the Lord saves sinners.

    Every sinner the Lord saves, is all these things… possessed by a devil, a sinful leper, deaf, dumb, blind and dead in sin.

    Salvation is a miracle of God’s sovereign grace and power.

    Nothing more or less can save a sinner but the power of Christ; the Word Truth, the gospel.

    May the Lord be pleased to perform a miracle today.

    ~ Pastor Paul Mahan

    Click here to listen to the message “What The Law Saith” (16:54 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: 15 June, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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    A Believer’s Attitude Toward Sin

    ”For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.” | Romans 7: 19-21

    1. He knows and rejoices that all of his sin and sins are pardoned, paid for, and put away by the sacrifice of Christ the Lord.
    2. He condemns sin in himself!

    While sin does not reign it does remain in the believer, but he does not excuse or justify it.

    He grieves over it and daily confesses his sins before God.

    He hates a bad attitude as much as evil actions.

    He judges his motives as well as his manner by the holiness of Christ; and, when he finds iniquity in himself, he despises it and judges himself. “O wretched man that I am!”

    1. He forgives sin in others!

    He does not forgive himself — only God can do that — but he is quick to pity, have mercy upon, and forgive others.

    Not to be able to forgive is to forfeit the right to ask forgiveness.

    1. He longs to be free from all sin and to be perfectly conformed to the image of Christ.

    While he rejoices in Christ, is content with his lot, and finds joy in the fellowship of Christ’s Church, he will only be satisfied when he awakes in the likeness of Christ!

    ~ Pastor Henry Mahan

    Click here to listen to the message “The Sinner’s Plea” (55:09 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: 11 February, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

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    Today Is The Day Of Salvation

    ”(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” | 2 Corinthians 6: 2

    It is one thing to “wait on the Lord” in matters of providence, trial, and decisions regarding our plans and purposes.

    ”Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27: 14)

    But the command to repent and believe on Christ is in the imperative!

    It is “NOW is the accepted time, TODAY is the day of salvation.”

    Someone may say, “But I want to be sure.”

    You can be sure that you are a guilty sinner, that you have no ability to justify yourself before God, that God sent His Son to save, that He is a sufficient Savior, and that not to believe this gospel is to make God a liar and presume on His patience!

    Walk in THE LIGHT YOU HAVE, look to Christ now and confess what faith you have depending on Him to give you more faith.

    ~ Pastor Henry Mahan

    Click here to listen to the message “Trust In The Lord” (30:38 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: 19 August, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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    The Atonement Of Christ

    ”Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.” | Psalm 119: 36-40

    There are three views of the atonement of Christ.

    One is that He died for all men and all men will ultimately be saved.

    The next is that He died for all men; some of them will be saved and some will not.

    The other is that He died for the elect and all of them will be saved.

    The first view cannot be supported from Scripture.

    There is a place called hell.

    This view denies that.

    The second view denies that the blood of Christ is sufficient to save.

    He can pay for your sins and you can still be in hell.

    It makes salvation depend on human works.

    The third view is not a view, but the Truth!

    The other two are a denial of the Truth!

    There is no Gospel in the first two views.

    The third is a declaration of the Truth of the Gospel!

    “Who is he that condemneth, it is Christ who died, yea rather, who is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God: who also maketh intercession for us.”

    ~ Pastor Todd Nibert

    Click here to listen to the message “The Common Faith” (38:54 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 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky