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We Have An Advocate

“And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” | 1 John 2: 1

This scripture recognizes our frail, sinful, human nature.

A believer does not love sin, does not excuse nor justify sin, but grieves over sin and desires to be without sin.

Yet he owns and confesses his sin!

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1: 15)

As SPURGEON once said, “Sin is my name, sin is my nature; and to deny it is to deny the Word, deceive myself, and call God a liar. My old nature is such that I will sin until I die, for sin even pollutes the best thing I do.”

“And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” | (1 John 2: 1)

This scripture encourages the believer to trust and hope in the mercy of God AT ALL TIMES!

It does not say, “If any man is holy, prayerful, and always faithful, he has an advocate”; but, it says, “If any man SIN, he has an advocate with the Father.”

It does not say, “If any many sins, he forfeits his right to Christ’s advocacy.”

Grace that can be forfeited because of human failure is not grace at all.

Mercy that is conditioned upon the merit of the creature is not mercy at all.

If my title to glory rests upon my works, either BEFORE OR AFTER conversion, it is a total failure.

“And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” | (1 John 2: 1)

This scripture declares that at all times, under all conditions, Jesus Christ is our righteousness, our sanctification, our advocate, and our redemption.

So, when I sin, when I consider my past or present and come creeping to my closet with a guilty conscience and an aching heart, I can rejoice in the mercy of my Father; for I have an Advocate – JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS!

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “The Evidence Of Being Saved” (35:57 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 December, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

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We Preach Christ

“For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;” | 1 Corinthians 1: 22-23

Times have changed but men have not.

Most religionists still seek signs, tongues, feelings, and experiences like the religious Jews.

The other camp of religionists still seek wisdom, intellectualism, and philosophy like the worldly wisdom of the Greeks.

But God’s preachers PREACH CHRIST.

They know Christ, love Christ, and desire that others know and love Him too.

“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2: 2)

Such a vast, infinite, and heavenly gospel can never be exhausted; so, we preach Christ today and tomorrow, as our first and last message, and as the full sum of our theology.

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “The Promise Christ Swore To” (25:57 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: 14 April, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

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Eternally Beloved Of The Lord

“We are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation” | 2 Thessalonians 2: 13

If you are “beloved of the Lord,” you always were “beloved of the Lord.”

He did not begin to love you when you repented of sin and believed on Christ. God saw you in Christ in His eternal covenant and loved you then. That love for those “beloved of the Lord” was shown two thousand years ago when it pleased Him to bruise His Son for you.

Christ redeemed you not only before you were aware of His grace, but before you were born.

There was nothing in you to merit His eternal, infinite, and unchangeable love.

On the contrary, you were His enemies, profaned His name, and even despised His mercy after you heard about it.

“HEREIN IS LOVE, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and gave His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Unconditional Election” (34:04 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 June, 2021 | Previous post date: 24 August, 2021

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True Faith

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

True faith is built upon the strongest evidence possible – the WORD OF GOD!

True faith is a total dependence upon the LORD JESUS CHRIST for all our needs; such as forgiveness, sanctification, peace, and eternal life.

The believer renounces all confidence in his flesh, rejoices only in Christ Jesus, and worships God in spirit.

He feeds upon Christ as the Bread of Life, embraces Christ as his wedding garment, derives all strength and comfort from Christ, and trusts himself to the care of Christ as his Shepherd, Teacher, Priest, and King.

This is the life of faith.

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Yesterday, Today, Forever” (39:56 minutes)

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

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 7 April, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

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Knowing God

”God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;” | Hebrews 1: 1-3

How much religion, tradition, and ceremony can a man know and observe and yet not know God?

Well, the Jews observed thousands of Passovers yet never saw Christ, our passover.

They slew thousands of lambs yet never saw Christ, the Lamb of God.

They kept thousands of sabbaths yet never knew the rest of Christ, our Sabbath.

They ordained thousands of priests yet never saw Christ, the Great High Priest.

They actually carried the mercy-seat on their shoulders yet never came to Christ, our Mercy-Seat.

They ate the manna and drank from that Rock, yet never tasted the Bread and Water of Life – Christ Jesus.

Oh, Lord, open my eyes to see Him who is all and in all!

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “In Him Was Life” (24:14 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: 31 March, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

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A Good Hope Through Grace

”Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,” | 2 Thessalonians 2: 16

I have a hope of eternal life and eternal glory.

It is a “living hope” because my Lord Jesus lives!

As my surety and substitute “He lives, and was dead, and behold He is alive forevermore.”

“He EVER LIVETH to make intercession for us.”

My hope is a “good hope” because the Lord Jesus and the Father gave it to me through grace.

I did not earn it nor deserve it by my works.

It is the free gift of His love and mercy in Christ.

If my merit or works enter in at any point, it would not be a good hope.

Therefore, if I am asked a reason for my hope, I would ground my reply in the three foundations of the Great Reformation.

1.) THE SCRIPTURES ALONE. I believe the Word of God! I cannot trust my feelings, my thoughts, nor my experiences; but, I can rest my soul on His Word.

2.) GRACE ALONE. Salvation is by God’s free and sovereign grace from its origination to its consummation. All that I am, have, know, or shall ever be is the gift of God to me. “A beggar poor, at mercy’s door, lies such a wretch as I.”

3.) CHRIST ALONE. “I know WHOM I have believed and I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to HIM against that day.” If I have believed and trusted Christ alone, then I am sure that the Father will put forth all His power to preserve me, that His Son be not dishonored.

This is indeed A GOOD HOPE THROUGH GRACE.

~ Pastor Henry T. Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “How Is Salvation Received?” (14:47 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.

Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 1 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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Our Portion And Inheritance

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” | 1 Timothy 1: 15

One who is born of God has the Lord as his portion and inheritance.

He is thankful for who he is and what he has; for in Christ he has “all things” that are worth having.

Having food and clothing and believing friends, he is content.

He brought nothing into this world and will carry nothing out.

Earthly possessions, honors, and property have no value after death; but to be forgiven of sin and alive in Christ is the highest prize and glory.

As soon as a person really learns, believes, and embraces the grace of Christ, like Moses, “he esteems even the reproach of Christ greater than the riches of this world.”

“Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” (Hebrews 11: 26)

But they that seek after riches and worldly honor fall into many temptations, which drown men in destruction and misery.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6: 6-10)

This craving for the world’s wealth and approval has caused many to depart from the faith and pierce themselves through with many sorrows.

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Let’s Ask For These Things” (35:22 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.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 22 August, 2021 | Previous post date: 6 March, 2022

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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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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