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Christ Receives Sinners

“Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them” | Luke 15: 1-2

While the self-righteous Pharisees and Scribes withdrew from the Lord Jesus Christ and then harshly criticized Him, many publicans and sinners drew near to hear Him.

“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6: 44)

What a blessing from the Lord to have a willingness to draw near to Him and then to have ears to actually hear a word from Him. “Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” (Acts 10: 33)

His words are words of life. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5: 24)

His words are words of salvation. “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.” (Romans 1: 16)

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4: 12)

The worst thing the Pharisees and scribes said of the Lord, “This man recieveth sinners, and eateth with them;” is the best thing any sinner could hear.

It is not sin that keeps a man from hearing the good news of the gospel of Christ, it is his presumed righteousness he is going about to establish by his religious deeds. “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)

No man will ever come to Christ while he is resting in the deeds of the law for 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. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3: 19-20)

“For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.” (John 5: 21)

It is only by the almighty power of His sovereign grace that will effectually quicken us and make us alive in Christ that will cause us to draw near to Him, to hear Him and to believe Him.

“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.” (1 John 5: 1)

This Man receives sinners!

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;” (Ephesians 2: 1)

What a miracle of amazing grace.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “The Deadly Sin Of Self-rigtheousness” (32:27 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: 26 January, 2020 | Previous post date: 31 December, 2022

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I Have All

”But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.” | Philippians 4: 18

This is the testimony of a man who spent years bound by the Romans, hated and hounded by the Jewish leaders.

A man whose temporal possessions were probably no more than a few clothes, some books… yet he says: “I have all, I am full.”

Here is a man who is happy, content, and full of joy and peace.

There sits a King with wealth untold, with power, living in the lap of luxury, people waiting on him, to fulfill his every desire and command, yet he is not happy, he has no joy, he is not full, he does not have all.

What is the difference in these two men?

Paul has Christ; he knows Christ and is a joint heir with Christ. When the apostle surveys his wealth, he says, I possess the “unsearchable riches of Christ.” He knows the riches that he possesses in Christ are eternal. When he says, “I have all, I am full,” it is neither a wish nor a want; even then he was in full enjoyment of his wealth, for “Christ is all and in all.”

The worldling is never full, he never has enough, he never possesses all he wants, he never knows contentment, never knows what it is to be full.

The Lord Jesus asked, “how long will you labor for the meat that perishes?” How long will you make silver and gold your idol? Until you drop off into a Christless eternity? O, child of this world, you will never have ALL you aim for, you will always want more.

This man Paul has more than you have; HE HAS ALL! HE IS FULL! He says he can contain no more.

Christ is his PORTION, the riches of His grace, the riches of His glory.

Christ, who has ALL and does ALL, was his… “I AM FULL.” He desired no more than Christ, for in Christ he possessed ALL. “And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” (1 Corinthians 3: 23)

Beloved, let the world say “I want, I want,” but let us as Christ’s beloved say, “I AM FULL, I HAVE ALL.”

We shall soon hear, “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:” (Matthew 25: 34)

~ Pastor Donnie Bell

Click here to listen to the message “Solomon and Queen of Sheba” (43:45 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: 13 January, 2022 | Previous post date: 3 March, 2023

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God’s Election

“But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:” | 2 Thessalonians 2: 13

Knowing something of the wickedness of my own heart…

Knowing that I would have never come to the Christ of the scripture on my own…

Knowing that I would have chosen destruction, and loved darkness more than the salvation and light of life with Christ…

That makes God’s election to be the sweetest, kindest, most loving thing I have ever heard in my life.

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “There Is Only One Hope For Us” (32:42 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: 26 January, 2020 | Previous post date: 26 December, 2022

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The Race That Is Set

”Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” | Hebrews 12: 1

Everything about the believer’s race is set by God.

Our Lord determined before the foundation of the world those whom he would put in this race when he chose his people in Christ. The love of God for his people is as eternal as God is. It existed before time; it shall exist when time is no more. The everlasting love of God in Christ Jesus gives the believer great cause for patiently running this race.

Our God set the precise moment he would cross our path with the gospel. He determined the pastor he would raise up, gave him the heart to trust Christ, and the unction to preach his word in truth and in spirit. In that hour of love he made Christ our Wisdom.

We beheld something of the righteous skill with which Christ Jesus honored and magnified God’s law on our behalf.

We beheld his faithfulness and graciousness in satisfying justice on our behalf. In the light of Christ we heard the law condemn our sins and our sins were more than we could bear. But the Spirit revealed in our hearts that all our sins have been forever put away by Christ’s one offering.

In love and power Christ was made our Perfection, our Completion, our Righteousness, our All. When we behold God’s all-powerful hand in all providence which brought us to Christ in spite of us, the believer finds great comfort in knowing that the God who provided and is our Righteousness will continue to be our Strength to run this race.

Our God set every hurdle on this course which we must run and declares plainly to us that we must suffer much tribulation in this race. Yet, the God who set the course also reveals in us that he is the God who supplies the grace. That is what he teaches us as he carries us through every dark vale.

Our God set the length of our course. He has appointed the hour our race will end. By his grace we will find the finish line to be the most glorious hour of all the hours of our lives for then we shall enter into the presence of Christ our Redeemer.

What a joy to know that our race ends where it began, in Christ our Lord.

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “According to Promise” (41:21 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.

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Bulletin Article date: 26 October, 2008 | Previous post date: 25 December, 2022 | Ewing, New Jersey

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Which Gospel Do You Trust?

“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy Truth’s sake.” | Psalm 115: 1

The true test of whether the Gospel you trust in is THE GOSPEL can be answered by one simple question:

Does God get all the glory or does man?

The true Gospel ALWAYS glorifies God in the person and work of His Son!

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.” (1 Corinthians 1: 27-29)

God’s Gospel gives glory to His wisdom, His power, His mercy, His grace, His love and most importantly HIS SON!

“That according as it is written, he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1: 31)

A false gospel will always in some way credit something to man.

But the Word of God is clear that “No flesh should glory in His presence”.

~ Pastor David Eddmenson

Click here to listen to the message “Counting Down Our Days To Christ” (34:51 minutes)

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

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: Special | Previous post date: n/a

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By The Blood

”Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” | Hebrews 10: 19-22

The word “boldness” means “liberty.”

”In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” (Ephesians 3: 12)

Under the old covenant the worshippers could never enter the holiest of holies because the way into the holiest of all — that way being, Christ Jesus the Lord – had not yet been made manifest while that first tabernacle was yet standing.

”Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:” (Hebrews 9: 6-8)

God’s law had to be satisfied on behalf of all God’s elect.

”Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.” (Exodus 34: 7)

The sins of those people given to Christ before the world had to be officially put away by Christ Jesus the Lord.

”For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Hebrews 9: 26)

Christ our High Priest had to enter into God’s presence with his own blood as our forerunner through the veil.

”And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” (Mark 15: 38)

”Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.” (Hebrews 7: 27)

But now, brethren, the believer has liberty to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.

”By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10: 10)

”Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;” (Hebrews 6: 19)

His blood is our right into God’s throne room of grace. ‘By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.’

”Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10: 19-22)

Christ’s blood is our access to our heavenly Father.

When you cry, “Abba, Father” it is Christ’s blood that guarantees your loving Father hears you.

Sinner’s saved by grace cannot say too much about the blood of Christ!

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “The Veil and The Golden Censer” (26:37 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.

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Bulletin Article date: 24 March, 2009 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey

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Set Us In The Way Of His Steps

“Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.” | Psalm 85: 11-13

Several hundred years before the Savior came into the world, God’s prophet Isaiah saw a grand and glorious vision and cried, “Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, traveling in the greatness of his strength?”

“Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” (Isaiah 63: 1)

And the Saviour answered, “I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save”.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1: 21)

While the Savior was yet in His mother’s womb, God sent an angel to Joseph with these words, “She shall bring forth a son” (and she did), “and thou shalt call his name JESUS” (and he did), “for he shall save his people from their sins”. (He most certainly shall!)

“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)

The Savior said, “Thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him”; and again says the Savior, “This is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day”.

“And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.” (John 6: 39)

Most assuredly, the Lord Jesus “SHALL save his people from their sins.”

“He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.” (Isaiah 42: 4)

“He shall not fail nor be discouraged”; but rather, “He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied”.

“He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.” (Isaiah 53: 11)

In light of the above verses (which are supported by the whole of the Word of God) it should never enter the mind of anyone that the Savior — the Lord Jesus Christ – is TRYING to save sinners… HE IS NOT!

Those who say to sinners, “Jesus is trying to save you; won’t you let him save you?” are not ambassadors of Christ.

They represent another person, another spirit, another power – Satan!

The Lord Jesus, from His throne of universal dominion and almighty grace is seeking out His lost sheep, His people, snatching them out of the kingdom of darkness and planting their feet in the kingdom of heaven; and shall bring them safely into His eternal glory.

He is a conquering, victorious, successful, satisfied Savior!

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”” (Matthew 11: 28)

However, let it be just as clearly understood that the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Savior, from His throne of almighty grace, stands with open arms and a heart filled with love and grace, ready to receive sinners who come to Him. “Come unto me” says He, “all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.

~ Pastor Maurice Montgomery

Click here to listen to the message “Set Us In The Way Of His Steps” (25:30 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.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 5 October, 2025 | Previous post date: n/a

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Stewardship

”As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” | 1 Peter 4: 10

Thank God that we have the privilege of being personally and vitally involved in the lives and ministry of so many pastors, churches, and missionaries.

They are the servants of our Lord; and it is our blessed privilege to pray for them, encourage them, and help them in every way that we can.

“Let us not be weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6: 9)

Let us not look so much on our own things as on the things of others.

The best way I know of receiving God’s blessings is to give them away; and the surest way to keep God’s mercies flowing into your silo is to have the feed door always open, for God has appointed no man nor church to be his bankers, only his stewards.

“Lord, teach me your word and I’ll teach others. Reveal your gospel to me and I’ll preach it to all who will listen. Shed abroad your love in my heart and I will love others. Forgive me as I forgive. Entrust me with gifts and I will give to those who have need. Help me, by thy grace, to be a channel of blessings and not a dead sea.”

May I ask a question?

Who is on your mind and heart today?

Or even this week?

Whom have you encouraged?

Whose burden have you lifted?

For whom have you prayed?

For whom have you called?

For whom have you written?

What contribution have you made to the furtherance of the gospel?

To those who reach out, I encourage you to continue to do so; and, to those who have not yet discovered the joy of giving and helping, I say, “It is His way!”

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Appearing With Christ In Glory” (34:02 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: 12 June, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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Nothing But Christ

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” | Mark 16: 16

Is salvation a mixture of grace and works? God forbid!

“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)

Salvation is of the Lord!

“But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.” (Jonah 2: 9)

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36: 26)

Salvation is a work of God’s grace within the object of His mercy.

“As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10: 15)

Salvation is a work evidenced by a willing heart of obedience to openly confess Christ Who died for the sins of His people.

“Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4: 25)

Salvation is who was buried and three days later was raised for their justification.

~ Pastor Marvin Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Nothing But Christ” (32:38 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: 20 July, 2025 | Previous post date: n/a

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The Stump Next Door

The kings of the earth preferred a golden scepter.

”And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.” (Esther 5: 2)

The Prophet, Priest and King who would prevail over them did not come in the pomp and grandeaur that these did — but as rod – a tender plant.

Yet there was never a king like Christ.

He holds all the offices at once.

”And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” (Zechariah 6: 12-13)

So this word “rod” is used to show that the KING of kings is a KING of great contrast to those of every earthly king.

”If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.” (Hebrews 7: 11-13)

He needed none of man’s embellishments, man’s adornments, because he lacks nothing, Christ is the true Prophet, Priest and KING.

”For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.” (Hebrews 7: 14)

Jesus is King of kings and LORD of lords.

”And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,” (Hebrews 7: 15)

But this word “rod” conveys his humility as a man.

”Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.” (Hebrews 7: 16)

For the same reasaon He is said to come “out of the stem of Jesse – out of his roots.”

”For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Hebrews 7: 17)

This King is not even said to come out of the house of David.

”For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.” (Hebrews 7: 18)

Because then the people might have envisioned king David who had risen to great stature and prominence in Israel during his days.

”For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.” (Hebrews 7: 19)

Instead, the stem of Jesse — Jesse was David’s father – he lived and died in meekness and obscurity.

”And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?” (1 Samuel 18: 18)

Christ would come from a family which was cut down to the point that its existence was unrecognizable.

Therefore the Holy Spirit does not say this king will come from the house of David.

”For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” (Isaiah 53: 2)

One reason that the carnal, natural man will not bow to Christ our King is the same reason he was rejected when he walked this earth.

One, he appeared as nothing more than a man – the word here for Branch is “Netser.”

They knew if he was the king then Caesar was not king.

Until he makes us to behold him as he is — KING of kings and lord of lords – all you will see is a man, and you and I will not bow.

But he makes his people willing in the day of his power.

”And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” (Revelation 5: 5)

But notice, in other places he is not spoken of as a rod out of the stem of Jesse but a Righteous Branch and King unto David.

”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)

In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious: In the day that the LORD chopped down and burned the field and took away all the stately, impressive, strength of the people; in that day did God shine in counsel with glory upon the earth; the Branch–the man, Christ Jesus, the servant of God, the Mediator between God and men came in his lowly state of humiliation on earth.

”And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:” (Isaiah 11: 1)

But this branch grew and brought forth much fruit.

”In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.” (Isaiah 4: 2)

And the fruit of the earth [shall] be excellent and comely: He is the fruit of the earth because he was born of woman – Christ is the firstfruit; the Branch — Christ Jesus – is covered in fruits of divine grace: righteousness, reconciliation, peace, pardon, adoption, sanctification, and eternal life.

He is excellent in his person, more than excellent than the angels; he obtained a more excellent ministry than Aaron and his sons; excellent in all his offices of Prophet, Priest, and King; his people are branches in him receiving precious life and fruitfulness from him.

”He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.” (Isaiah 27: 6)

Therefore He is the Vine — excellent and comely – for them that are escaped of Israel: Christ Jesus the Branch shall not be excellent and comely to all men, but to them who have seen his glory, have tasted that he is gracious and believe on him; these are the remnant according to the election of grace, the preserved of Israel, the chosen of God, and precious, who are saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation.

”Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.” (Psalm 92: 13)

This Vine, this Branch spread and his kingdom increased in the Gentile world as well.

”To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61: 3)

The wealth and honor of this world are contemptible to our King Priest.

”And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself.” (Psalm 80: 15)

His kingdom is not of this world.

”I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15: 1-5)

Earthly power and riches have nothing to do with the success of Christ the King, the Righteous Branch.

”I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” (Revelation 22: 16)

For each of us personally, when he has chopped you down like he did Israel, brought you to nothing but a stump, then within each sinner the Life springs up — the tender plant, the plant of humility, and by God’s grace; His rain and His sun, His snow and His watering – you grow in grace, in knowledge and understanding of Christ Jesus the Lord and become fruitful.

‘I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.’

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “Where Is Your Treasure?” (27:48 minutes) https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/11909820591

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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: 22 March, 2009 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey