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Symptoms Of A Fatal Disease

“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

MOST fatal diseases do not show up immediately, nor do they kill someone overnight.

They generally begin little unsuspicious symptoms, such as a sniffle, a sore, a small lump or a brief pain.

Most times the person ignores these little symptoms until they become much worse and even others notice something wrong with them.

So it is most times with the fatal disease called Apostasy.

Apostasy is a fancy word for missing Christ, departing from the faith, leaving the gospel and leaving the church.

It most times begins with little symptoms, such as… no real desire to attend the worship services (but only do so to maintain appearances), no real fellowship with believers (quick to get in and out of services), avoidable absences from the worship service, little distractions at home, little temptations to work late, ‘little sins’ indulged (even enjoyed), the pull and call of the world, which, at one time was resisted, now quickly and easily answered.

The symptoms are many and varied, and if ignored, they eventually break out into glaring problems.

The person begins to be unsociable with God’s people, unreachable, not easily entreated.

They begin to resent and avoid the calls and concerns of their (supposed) brethren.

They begin to find fault with their ‘brethren’ and especially the preacher.

Until finally they see no need to gather with ‘those people’ anymore, or listen to ‘that fellow’ anymore.

Little do apostates realize, but THEY HAVE MISSED CHRIST, then they leave; “they went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt would have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be manifest (revealed, exposed to all) that they are not all of us.

Fact is, one who leaves never had life to begin with, never was born from above, never was quickened but was and is dead in trespasses and sins.

It is not too late if these words convict one’s conscience and prick one’s heart.

If the symptoms are recognized early it does not have to be fatal …hurtful and injurious, yes, but not fatal!

If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself and are concerned, perhaps the Great Physician is dealing with you.

The Lord will heal the backslidden in heart and readily receives every prodigal.

If left to our sinful selves we all would fall away.

It can happen to anyone.

Many have left and many more will do so, according to scripture.

But, by the grace of God, all who call on Him, come to Him, no matter how sinful, how fallen (or how many times), how wandering, how downcast and dirty, He mercifully receives and quickly and freely forgives.

~ Pastor Paul Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Lord I’m so frail” (34:39 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: 17 May, 2021

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The Façade Of Religion Covers The Smiling Face Of The Devil

“They That Observe Lying Vanities Forsake Their Own Mercy” | Jonah 2: 8

WHAT are the lying vanities of which the scripture speaks?

The wise man wrote: “Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher, ALL is vanity.” (Proverbs 12: 8)

The flesh, the world and the devil promise many things, but are all liars!

Riches are deceitful¸ promising happiness and contentment, when in fact they gender the opposite.

The world talks of wisdom, knowledge, enlightenment, when in fact they lie about most things (not revealing the facts, bringing up false ‘witnesses’, manufacturing ‘findings’ and ‘sources’).

David said in his haste “All men are liars.”

God’s people are not liars, but the world is so full of them, that all seem to be so.

And David’s son said: “Money answereth all things” i.e. behind every lying scheme is the love of money.

The devil, who is the father of lies, perpetrated and is perpetuating all his lies in the name of truth.

Behind the façade of religion is the smiling face of the devil, who has his ministers of righteousness, who are all liars, evil men and seducers, waxing worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

And money is behind it all.

For us to observe lying vanities, is to listen to the world and put stock in what it is saying.

It is to listen to the experts, the wise men and women of this world rather than God.

To observe lying vanities is to listen to and participate in the world’s religions.

To observe lying vanities is to walk with, talk with and commune with the liars of this world (evil communications corrupt good manners), for you cannot really believe anyone except a true believer, one who has the Spirit of Christ dwelling in them and leading them.

The natural man is out for himself, not truth, not the good of others.

To observe lying vanities is to think that anyone or anything in this world can be of some good to us.

Fact is, there is nothing truly good in this world except the things of God and the people of God.

God says of this world, “They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, NO, NOT ONE!” (Psalm 14: 3)

He said, “Love not the world, neither the things of this world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world.”

He said, “They (false prophets) are of the world: therefore speak they of the world (health, wealth, material things) and the world heareth them.” (1 John 2: 15-16; 1 John 4: 5)

To forsake our own mercy is to absent ourselves from the preaching of God’s Word, which exposes all lies within us and without us, and reveals to us the vanities of this world.

The Word of God is His mercy to hell-deserving sinners.

It is our mercy to hear and heed it.

It is full of warnings, rebukes, reproofs and corrections to save us from perishing with this world . . . to save us from this untoward generation.

To observe the lying vanities of science, medicine, politics, which tell us to stay in the ‘safety’ of our homes and not gather with God’s people, is a terrible lie that robs us of mercy.

To observe the lying vanity that there is peace, happiness, and comfort in the home with our family, rather than worship with God’s family, is a terrible lie and deception; for all homes and families will soon be gone and only God’s house and family will remain.

“See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12: 25-29)

Yes . . . They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

To listen to, pursue and court the things of this world and the people of this world rather than God, the things of God, and the people of God . . . is to cut your own throat . . . it is to cut off your own life-line . . . it is to commit spiritual suicide.

Wherefore . . . “Flee Idolatry” . . . “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord” . . . “Come thou with us and we will do thee good” . . . “Desire the sincere milk of the Word that you may grow thereby” . . . “Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher, all is vanity.”

~ Pastor Paul Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Intercession For A Sinner” (30:04 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: Special | Previous post date: 7 May, 2021

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My Sins Are Ever Before Me

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.” | 1Peter 3: 18

What is to be done about my sins?

It is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.

It is evident that no man is justified by the law.

The tears of Esau would not restore his birthright.

The water of baptism left Simon Magus in the gall of bitterness.

Judas’ confession that he had betrayed innocent blood only led him to suicide.

The wonderful works professed in Matthew 7 were called “works of iniquity” by Christ.

“How can he be clean that is born of a woman?”

Here is the answer: “HE (the Lord of glory) APPEARED (came to earth in flesh) TO PUT AWAY SIN (all sin–past, present, and future) BY THE SACRIFICE OF HIMSELF.“

“My sins are ever before me,” we cry with the fathers.

~ Pastor Paul Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “From Ichabod To Ebenezer” (38:45 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: Special | Previous post date: 27 March, 2021

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Brethren, Listen!

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” | Mark 16: 15-16

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned”… “He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the WRATH OF GOD abideth on him.”

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3: 36)

You have wives, husbands, parents, sons and daughters, grandchildren… that do not know the Lord; that do not believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

They are going to perish if they do not hear and believe the Truth.

Do you talk to them?

Are you able to bring them to hear the Word?

Are they under your roof and under your influence?

If you care for their souls you must tell them, you must talk to them, you must bring them.

You are their minister and they are your ministry.

It is your purpose in life to bear witness to your Lord.

Nothing else matters.

Nothing!

Do not let the god of this world blind your minds with the things of this world so that you do not see it for what it is.. TEMPORARY… PERISHING!

Scripture says, “Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.” (2 Peter 3: 11)

What do you talk to these lost ones about?

How we ought to have our affection set on things above, how we ought to talk of those things, rather than things on earth.

O’ what manner of persons we ought to be in all seriousness and earnestness, rather than vain, light, frivolous, and worldly minded persons.

Brethren, the time is short.

Very soon it will be as though we had no wives, husbands, children or things, and the only thing that will matter is whether we have the Son.

For “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life”… “shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

~ Pastor Paul Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Teach Us To Number Our Days” (37:30 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: Special | Previous post date: 22 March, 2021

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The Word Of God

”The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.” | Jeremiah 23: 28

It is certain that the Lord is speaking of false prophets who do not know God’s word nor use it, but rather tell their dreams and entertain with miracles, signs, and wonders.

But I am afraid this word also has some reference to believers as well, particularly preachers.

God’s word is His power.

His word is what He uses to call, break, save, create, sustain, keep, feed, mold, and shape His people.

One word of God is of infinite power and value.

The Holy Spirit can take one word and bring about what a multitude of ours cannot.

One word, such as LOOK!

One line, such as THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH, is sufficient, by the power of the Spirit, to bring a dead sinner to life.

It is not our comments upon God’s word, but God’s actual word that He uses.

PREACHING IS VITAL, whereby the sense of the word is given; but in reality IT IS NOT THE PREACHING THAT SAVES, BUT THE WORD!

When we witness to others, it is good to tell what we have learned; but when all is said and done, nothing will impress that person except the word of God applied by His Spirit.

This is why a word in season means a portion of God’s word.

Perhaps we would do well to say less and quote more from God’s word.

Even better, it would be good to just leave someone with a portion from, God’s word and say, “Go and learn what that means.”

~ Pastor Paul Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Turning God’s Glory Into Shame” (14:03 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 April, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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The Miracle Of Salvation

”Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.” | John 1: 22-23

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

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

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

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

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

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

May the Lord be pleased to perform a miracle today!

~ Pastor Paul E. Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Behold The Lamb Of God” (44:29 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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Unearned Favor

“Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.” | Matthew 26: 33-35

I recently heard of someone who claimed to believe the grace of God in salvation, yet they were having trouble with the doctrine of election.

The problem they are really having is with true grace.

You see, grace in the true meaning of the word can only mean one thing … UNEARNED FAVOR!

Most people think God looked down through time to see who would believe on Him and elected them accordingly.

But that means that person earned salvation by believing, and God had to choose that person because of what they did.

But NO!

GRACE IS UNEARNED FAVOR, and since no one has earned, or merited God’s salvation and favor, then it stands to reason that God must choose, or elect, whomever He decides.

~ Pastor Paul Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Pride And Humility” (22:45 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: 7 April, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

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Mercy For The Worst

“The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.” Psalm 147: 11

There was never a more evil king in the history of Israel than Manasseh. Scripture says, Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do WORSE than the heathen. “So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.” (2 Chronicles 33: 9)

As a result of the sins of Manasseh and the sins of Israel, judgment and wrath came down upon Israel as a nation.

They were delivered into captivity and suffered many things.

And then it says, ‘And when (Manasseh) was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself before the God of his fathers. And prayed unto Him: and he was intreated of (God), and heard his supplication… and (Manasseh) took away the strange gods and idol… and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel.’

“And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God. Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah. And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the LORD, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the LORD, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city. And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel.” (2 Chronicles 33: 12-16)

How amazing and wonderful is the mercy of God!

It is higher than the heavens.

The Lord is merciful to the worst of men and will pardon all manner of sin.

The Lord is able to save to the uttermost.

He is able to save the most sinful and rebellious man on earth.

There are no impossible cases with the all powerful Lord of Heaven and earth.

If there is hope for the likes of Manasseh, surely there is hope for you, O’ chief of sinners.

The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.

~ Pastor Paul Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “The Words of The Preacher” (23:05 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: 13 April, 2014 | Previous post date: n/a | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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The Purpose Of The Church

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

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

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

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

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

~ Pastor Paul Mahan

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

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

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

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The Miracle Of Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May the Lord be pleased to perform a miracle today.

~ Pastor Paul Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “What The Law Saith” (16:54 minutes)

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

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