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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

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Live In An Attitude Of Thanksgiving And Prayer

”Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” | 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

The Apostle Paul says, “Rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing and give thanks to God in all things”.

This is the will of God; that we rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks.

What we are, what we have, where we are, and all that happens in the life of a believer are all according to the will of God for us.

Let us rejoice in prosperity or adversity, and live in an attitude of thanksgiving and prayer, even when we have no particular request.

Very ungrateful is the man who does not set so high a value on the love of God, the righteousness of Christ, and the hope of eternal life that he allows anything in this life to overshadow that wonderful gift of grace.

How can I murmur and complain when I am a child of the King of kings?

~ Pastor Henry T. Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Saved and Gathered to Praise Him” (37:21 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.

Central Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 17 April, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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Jesus, The Example

”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, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” | Hebrews 12: 1-3

I am sure that some who lived in the days of our Lord’s visitation to earth, and many who heard the Gospel from the apostles, and the faithful preachers who followed them, could tell you the exact day they met the risen Redeemer, and bowed to His sovereign rule.

I have never felt that it was important for a person to be able to tell when he was saved, but rather that he was able now to state he has experienced repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, that now he is looking to Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King, and is now resting in his righteousness, and an effectual sin-offering.

Too often men and women like to establish a time of conversion and an experience, in order to have something to look back upon for comfort and assurance.

This is dangerous!

We are not to look to anything or to anyone but Christ for our hope, our assurance, and our comfort.

Paul said something about “forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward onto those things which are before,” and, “looking unto the Lord Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.”

Most of us came through the confusion, errors, and false professions of modern fundamentalism and had so much to unlearn, so many false foundations which had to be destroyed, that it is difficult to set an exact hour when our eyes were turned, totally from our idols of religion to our living Lord — when our hearts were weaned from the pride of our religious works and professions and brought to rest in him alone!

This is the unaided work of the Spirit of God, and the Word of God; and this is a living union which shall never be dissolved.

This is accomplished when sinners hear the Gospel of God‘s grace and glory.

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Paul’s Doxology” (49:48 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: 18 February, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

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A Heart Of Thanksgiving

”Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” | Psalm 40: 5

I recently read that somewhere, years ago in New England, there was a day of fasting each month to mourn over the sins of the land.

At last, some public official suggested that, instead of the day of mourning each month, they should appoint a feast and thank God for the mercies and blessings which He had given.

I was deeply convicted and strongly impressed by this article.

Do we dwell on our troubles and trials so much that we forget to give thanks for our blessings?

Instead of counting our blessings, we exaggerate our misfortunes.

Instead of praising God for many friends, our minds dwell on two or three contentious persons who wish us evil.

Instead of talking about our years of good health, we discuss our hours of pain.

Instead of rejoicing in our obedient and loving children, we complain about our prodigals.

It is good to fast, mourn over sin, and to take our burdens to the Lord; but it is right to LEAVE THEM THERE!

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” I plan to take this exhortation seriously and lift both my heart and voice to Him Who is the fountain of all mercies.

His mercies far outweigh His chastisements.

David said, “Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” (Psalm 40: 5)

If I would declare and speak of them, they are “more than can be numbered”.

John Newton once wrote, “Lord, if I have not loved Thee before, let me begin today.”

Today is a good day to love Him, thank Him, and praise Him.

Let this be “The day of beginning again.”

~ Pastor Henry T. Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “O How Blessed We Are” (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 July, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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Wisdom In Death

”LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.” | Psalm 39: 4

When we, by God’s grace, are wise enough to face death, judgement, and eternity, things are seen in their proper light.

“Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity.” (Psalm 39: 5)

All these fine ideas of fame, fortune, and friends, and our so-called importance melts like frost in the sun.

“Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.” (Psalm 39: 6)

Death reveals the truth, blows away the chaff, shuts a man’s mouth, and opens the books!

“Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish. I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.” (Psalm 39: 8-9)

Death takes no notice of what I thought nor what others thought of me, but only of what God thinks.

“Oh, that I may win Christ and be found in him.”

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “David Deals With Death and Life” (29:01 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.

Central Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 17 April, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Rocky Mount, Virginia