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More Than The Usual Religious Bargain

”And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.” | Acts 3: 5

Many spiritually lame sinners have grown accustomed to the usual religious bargain.

Sinners are brought by their friends to a place that should be beautifully filled with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ only to receive a carnal trinket to momentarily gratify the flesh.

In like manner, after years of receiving the usual religious bargain, this lame man expected to receive nothing more than the same from Peter.

Yet, that which Peter had he gave.

Through his gospel the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth sends forth the sovereign command with power from his throne of grace, saying, “Rise up and walk.”

Through his gospel from his throne of dominion, the Lord of heaven and earth takes hold of his redeemed, illustrated by Peter taking hold of the lame man.

Through the Holy Spirit, Christ’s Power becomes the strength of the sinner, even as this impotent man received strength in his ankle bones and feet.

When the Faithful One joins himself with a lame sinner he gives the gift of faith whereby the lame leap up to walk for the first time.

Through his gospel command the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth unites sinners with their brethren and together they enter into Christ the true Temple.

The sinner saved by the absolute, irresistible, free grace of God in Christ praises continually the Lord who healed him.

If Christ is our Life then he is our Life at the time of conversion, in every hour of trial, in every hour of joy, and for all eternity.

Believers do not go to Mt. Zion for eternal salvation then back to Mt. Sinai for matters of daily life.

God has given his Son a name which is above every name.

The more that name is declared the more the lame leap as a hart with joy.

It is through the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth that the lame receive more than we could have ever bargained for.

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “The Valley of Dry Bones” (39:01 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 February, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey

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The Fear Of The LORD

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” | Psalm 111: 10

Once Job and his three friends had spoken, they were rebuked by Elihu and then by God, Himself.

The essence of Elihu’s and God’s response to all that had been said by Job and his three friends is this: God is the Maker and Sovereign Sustainer of all things.

Powers beyond your imagination are at His beck and call.

Who are you?

There is no fault in man that cannot be traced back to his lack of reverence or “the fear of the Lord.”

Paul concluded his prosecution of all mankind with, “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

In some, this lack of the fear of God results in outright atheism; in others, it results in a form of religion in which the works and/or will of men are the deciding factor in their eternal condition.

Some would say that the pride of man is the source of all sin and error, and they would be correct in saying that.

But we can go back even one more step, for the pride of man arises only in a heart that is devoid of the fear of the Lord.

No amount of intellectual, theological training can give a man the fear of the Lord.

The fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING of wisdom, not the end of it.

Only God can teach the fear of God. And I believe that His classroom for all His lessons on this subject is the cross of Christ.

Wherever this lesson is God-taught, mouths are shut, hearts are subdued, wills are broken, knees are bowed, and repentance and faith flow freely. And the answer to, “Who are you?” is “I am nobody; Christ is all.”

~ Pastor Joseph Terrell

Click here to listen to the message “God and His People” (50:28 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: 8 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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Meat And Potatoes Of The Gospel

”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

“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)

What are the blessings that God‘s people have received 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:” (Ephesians 1: 4)

He chose us in Christ.

“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” (Ephesians 1: 5)

He predestinated us in Christ.

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

He made us accepted in Christ.

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

He redeemed us in Christ.

“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)

He enlightened us, and called us in Christ.

“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: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” (Ephesians 1: 11,12)

He has enriched us 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: 13, 14)

He sealed us in Christ.

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Meat And Potatoes Of The Gospel” (41:45 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: 15 July, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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Pure Religion And Undefiled

”Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” | James 1: 27

The Son of God who took upon him the form of a servant and became obedient even unto the death of the cross is truly the only pure and undefiled worshipper before God the Father.

He visited this worldly orphanage and adopted a multitude of sons and daughters who were afflicted with no knowledge of the Father who loved them.

Christ Jesus visited his church revealing that though she thought herself a widow, fact was, she had a Husband who loved her with an everlasting love and bought her with his own blood.

This One who visited us orphans and widows kept himself undefiled from this world.

While carnal religion splattered itself with stains of hypocrisy by making known all their works, by taking advantage of the helpless, by using only those who could offer them gain in return, Christ our Lord quietly went about providing for those who could add nothing to him.

That is pure religion and undefiled before God the Father.

When this same gracious Spirit of Christ enters a sinner, his religion is made pure and undefiled before God the Father in spirit.

Now the former orphan is a son adopted and taken into the loving arms of his Father.

Once full of wrath, he now bridles his tongue so he can listen to priceless instruction drop like honey from the lips of his Father.

Now the former widow is adorned in the wedding garment of righteousness provided by her Husband who loved her and gave himself for her.

Though their old nature wars against them, neither the son nor the bride would dare return to their former state, but rest under the care of their Father and Husband.

Thus they keep themselves unspotted from this sinful world.

Moreover, sinners saved by grace behold their former state in those who are orphans and widows, poor and needy.

In a spirit made of love and mercy they visit the afflicted.

But visiting is more than giving carnal gifts during the holidays.

True visiting is a God-given spirit which willingly, continually, takes the oversight, not just with temporal provisions, but also with the gospel which provides for the soul.

Doing it without being noticed by anyone, for those who can offer you absolutely nothing in return, while knowing such acts add nothing whatsoever to your standing before God, that is keeping yourself unspotted from this world.

That is the spirit God gives to those who know what it is to be orphans and widows saved by God’s abounding grace.

That is pure religion and undefiled before God the Father.

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “Brotherly Love” (30:10 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: 22 February, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey

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New Mercies Every Morning

”This I recall to my mind, therefore have I 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.” | Lamentations 3: 21-23

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I 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.

When I think of the Lord’s mercies and compassions being new every morning, I must confess that I leave none of them unused each day.

There is never a carryover of unused mercies and compassions.

“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.”

~ Pastor John Chapman

Click here to listen to the message “I Know Whom I Have Chosen” (28:10 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 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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The Lord Jesus Christ Has Completed The Work Of Salvation

”And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” | Romans 11: 6

I spoke with a dear friend this week who I have known for the better part of thirty five years.

Since this was the first time we had spoke in nearly a year and a half we had a lot of catching up to do.

Towards the end of the conversation he told me that he had joined a particular religious denomination.

Without even hesitating for a second he said proudly. “I worked hard for over a year to become a part of this church and it was not an easy thing.”

As he continued speaking all I could think about was works religion.

If he had worked for a year to be a part of this religious organization, his work was far from done.

I am so thankful that the Lord saves His people by sovereign grace.

I am so glad that my salvation is not based upon my works.

I am so grateful that Christ paid my enormous sin debt for me and taught me that if it is by grace IT IS NO MORE OF WORKS.

All my works are works of iniquity, filthy rags, which produce only self-righteousness.

All the glory goes to Christ, my Savior, because he did all the work.

~ Pastor David Eddmenson

Click here to listen to the message “That No Flesh Should Glory” (23:26 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: 8 July, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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Some Things Are Not Worth It

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” | Ephesians 5: 15-21

There are many ways to waste precious time other than by evil living.

There are books not worth reading.

There are television not worth watching.

There are thoughts not worth thinking.

There are places not worth going.

There are games not worth playing.

There are buildings not worth building.

There are wars not worth fighting.

There are victories not worth winning.

There are songs not worth singing.

There are appointments not worth keeping.

There is pain not worth causing.

There are enemies not worth hating.

There are prayers not worth praying.

There are sermons not worth preaching.

There are lessons not worth learning.

There are friends not worth making.

~ Pastor Scott Richardson

Click here to listen to the message “Redeeming the Time” (47:17 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.

Central Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 8 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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Those Who Hear and Do

”But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” | James 1: 25

Those who are “doers of the Word” look into the perfect law of liberty – they hear the gospel of Christ and behold their old, sinful bodies as dead and buried in Christ.

They see in Christ — their Perfect Liberty – that their acceptance with God is complete in him.

“Doers of the Word” hear their King declare that all who believe on him are no longer under the law of Mt. Sinai but are under his perfect law of freedom.

They go their way continuing in the liberty with which Christ has set them free.

“Doer’s of God’s Word” do not look to what they do — whether good or bad – they look to Christ alone.

The “doer of the Word” is said to be blessed in his deed.

His deed is simply continuing by faith in Christ, the great Liberator.

His blessing is that when every beguiling philosopher, every religious activist, every carnal friend or foe, even the old nature itself, attempts to turn him from Christ back to death, his King will not allow it.

Christ makes him lay down all his carnal weapons, lay aside the old man with his deeds and simply sit down at Christ’s feet where he continues in liberty by faith.

This is being a “doer of the Word and not a hearer only.”

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “Preparation For An Ordained Work” (36:16 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: 20 February, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey

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Return To Thy Rest, O My Soul

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” | Psalm 23: 2-3

Some believers are troubled because they cannot always and at all times feel the joy and comfort set forth in Psalm 23.

We should remember that, though David lived long and wrote much, he wrote only one twenty-third Psalm.

There are other psalms; psalms of conviction, praise, prayer, seeking, and mourning. In fact, even this Psalm closes with our walk through the valley of death.

This valley of death is our entire journey through life.

The fall of Adam put the stamp of death on everything and everyone.

But we are walking through.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23: 4)

It is not our home, and it is a valley of the SHADOW of death.

Christ has removed the substance and sting of death for us.

The shadow of a dog can’t hurt; the shadow of a gun can’t kill.

‘I will fear no evil’

He does not say: ‘there will be no evil’; but, because He is with me, I don’t FEAR the evil.

~ Pastor Henry T. Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Take No Thought For Your Life” (33:21 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: 25 July, 2021 | Previous post date: 7 Septembner, 2021

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A Sign Of Vain Religion (Or, A Warning Against Vain Religion)

”If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” | James 1: 26

A man may appear religious, yet, an unbridled tongue comes from the spirit of a self-righteous heart puffed up in the vanity of the carnal mind.

All God’s saints say things on occasion that we wish we could take back.

But this text speaks of a man whose tongue continually reveals the hidden thoughts of his heart.

Here are some ways the tongue runs wild:

If a man insists on ascribing any part of salvation to “self” rather than every part of salvation to the triune God then the Holy Spirit says this man’s tongue reveals he has deceived his own heart.

When he speaks of how he made Christ “lord of his life” instead of confessing Christ is the Lord and the Life who graciously gives spiritual life to dead sinners then his unbridled tongue reveals his true god.

As he continually speaks of “his faith” instead of Christ who God says is the only Faithful One then he proves himself a wild ass unaccustomed to the bit.

When he brags of his “fleshly moral reform after conversion” instead of speaking of the holy, complete and perfect life that the saints have in spirit in Christ at God’s right hand, his run-away tongue brays into the wind like a stiff-necked mule bucks at the bridle.

And a favorite of all, the untamed tongue justifies his own unfaithfulness by kicking Christ’s redeemed into the mud by exposing their fleshly faults.

In short, an unbridled tongue is one which constantly exalts self while belittling the Lord Jesus Christ and those who are complete in him.

The Holy Spirit says this man’s religion — his attending worship services, his support, his reading scripture, his prayers, his singing, his witnessing unto others, his faith, his hope, his assurance, and every other part of his religion – is vain.

He loves self and hates God.

Oh, may God reveal the greatness of his glory in the face of Christ Jesus.

“That no flesh should glory in his presence. 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 Corinithians 1: 29-31)

When sinners behold Christ our Holiness they become submissive nobodies in reverence to him who alone is holy, just and good!

Only God bridles the tongue of the old corrupt nature when he creates the inward spiritual man.

The believer’s boasting ceases to be of his accomplishments but of the Excellencies of his Lord and his Savior, Jesus Christ the Son of God!

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “The Word Of This Salvation” (58:28 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: 21 February, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey