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The Rule We Are Under

”For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” | Galatians 5: 13-15

How did Noah get the animals in the ark?

He simply said, “Here is the ark.”

”Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6: 1)

The LORD drew the animals into the ark, not Noah.

Noah simply displayed the ark.

This is the chief motive of the law of love written on the believer’s heart.

I know that Christ is in his throne; my heart is not to vainly attempt to do the work only Christ has the right and the power to perform.

I simply point them to Christ the Ark.

Christ will effectually work in our hearts to draw us in to him.

The law of Christ always remembers who is able to make us stand and who does not have that power.

”Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. ” (Galatians 6: 2-5)

The direct, effectual rule of Christ who works in the heart he has made new is the rule the believer is under.

Before Christ came in power I was only flesh attempting to obey God and appear righteous before men with only the Ten Commandments as my rule.

I could not even hear what the law said of me.

”Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6: 6-10)

Now I have something better than the flesh and the letter of of Ten Commandments.

I am one with Christ in spirit.

The Holy Spirit leads me in spirit and in truth.

I walk after the Spirit of Christ as a little child is led by a father who will not allow that child to turn out of the way they should go.

”For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” (Romans 8: 20-22)

The law was not made for a righteous man.

Believers are perfectly righteous in Christ Jesus our Lord.

His correction, his establishing, his building-up comes through the preaching of his glorious person and work, not through the Law of Moses.

His power and grace is so sovereign and so effectual that either you are under his grace, righteous in him, led of him and rejoice to say Amen; or you are yet in your sins and under the law.

”Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also.” (Luke 11: 45)

The law of love makes us aware, and behaves thus in a manner consistent with the understanding that only Christ has the rightful power to chasten and correct.

We may, at times, have to rebuke and correct.

But the authority by which we do so is not in ourselves but the word of God.

The Authority who alone is able to work it effectually in the heart is Christ Jesus our Lord.

The best way to rebuke and chasten is by setting Christ before the erring brother or sister.

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “Establishing The Law” (48:54 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.

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Bulletin Article date: 5 March, 2009 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey

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Straight Gate, Wide Gate

“Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.” | Matthew 7: 24

The Rock, of course, is Christ; the sand is self.

But the test, the mark, the evidence, the proof of the two builders and the two buildings is the hearing of Christ’s sayings and doing them, or the hearing of Christ’s saying and doing them not.

We may twist and wriggle under such a text, and try all manner of explanations to parry off its keen, cutting edge; we may fly to arguments and deductions drawn from the doctrines of grace to shelter ourselves from its heavy stroke, and seek to prove that the Lord was there preaching the law and not the gospel, and that we are saved by Christ’s blood and righteousness, and not by our own obedience or our good works, either before or after calling, all such tests and all such texts are inapplicable to our state as believers.

But after all our questionings and cavilings, our nice subtle arguments to quiet conscience and patch up a false peace, there the words of the Lord stand, and what is more, will stand forever, backed as they are by that solemn declaration from the same Lips of Eternal Truth: “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7: 19-21)

~ J.C. Philpot

Click here to listen to the message “Built Upon A Rock” (34:25 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 August, 2017 | Previous post date: 21 August, 2021 | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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Preaching Versus Debating

”For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” | 1 Corinthians 1: 21

No spiritual good will ever come from debating doctrinal points of view.

God never has and never will save or feed His people by debating.

God saves His people through the preaching of Christ alone.

”And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,” (Luke 1: 76-77)

Rather than debate what it means that Christ was made sin for His people, let’s declare there is full remission of sins for God’s elect because Christ took their sin away by His sacrifice for them.

”Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.” (1 Chronicles 16: 24)

Rather than debate the sovereignty of God, let’s declare God, as He has been pleased to reveal Himself in the Bible, who saves whom He will, when He will.

”Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” (Acts 13: 38-39)

Rather than debate when is the moment a man is justified, let’s declare there is justification for sinners in Christ.

Debating never blesses anyone because the goal of debating is the glory of the flesh when we think we have proved our point.

Preaching Christ always blesses God’s people because the goal of true preaching is to glorify Christ.

May the Lord be pleased to keep our eyes on the ball.

~ Pastor Frank Tate

Click here to listen to the message “The Believer’s Road to Glory” (33:47 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.

Hurricane Road Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 2 October, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky

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Wisdom From Above

”Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” | Psalm 24: 3-4

Seek not to be masters: teachers, rulers or judges over men.

“Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.” (Matthew 23: 1-3)

In the day in which James ministered this disease of the flesh spread throughout the land — men seeking a reputation as being the wisest among men.

“For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,” (Matthew 23: 4-5)

The most common avenue men took to achieve this coveted praise was to oppress sinners with religious rules and regulations — some from God’s word – others made up by men.

“And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” (Matthew 23: 6-8)

Then when the sinner committed an offense, the self-appointed wise man would expose them to others.

“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” (Matthew 23: 9)

The motive was ambition and pride — a desire to exalt oneself above others, in the eyes of men – so as to appear “more holy than any of their peers”.

“Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23: 10-11)

Knowing That The Greater the Judgment We Use Against Men, the Greater the Judgment God Will Use Against Us

“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23: 12)

Every man is an offender in many things and offending in one point is to break all the law of God — so then it is hypocritical of us to deny to others the mercy we need ourselves.

Nothing causes us to be merciful to our brethren like knowing our need of mercy.

The man who covets a reputation as being wise — with his ungracious rebuke and strictness over men – reveals he is not wise at all.

“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” (James 3: 3-5)

Like the small bit in the mouth of a horse and the small rudder on a ship our tongues are capable of turning the whole body — for good or for evil.

Both the bit and the rudder are at the command of the Rider and the Captain of the ship.

But the Holy Spirit says the man whose religion is vain can’t bridle his tongue or his body.

It is as if the tongue rules the man rather than the man ruling the tongue.

“When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;” (Proverbs 2: 10-12)

Christ our Wisdom is full of mercy and good fruits

He visited us orphans and widows in our affliction.

He gives ears to the deaf and sight to the blind

He feeds us the Bread from heaven – a feast of fat things.

He clothes us in his garments of righteousness

He hedges us about as a flaming fire to protect and keep us as the apple of his eye.

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” (1 Corinthians 1: 30)

Christ our Wisdom is without partiality, and without hypocrisy

He shows no respect of persons based on outward appearances

He does not prefer or despise men, because of their being of this nation or that nation.

Or because they are circumcised, or not circumcised

Or because they are high or low, rich or poor, free or bound, male or female

There is no deceitfulness in our Savior.

What he does is right, it is holy, no man can question him–shall not the God of the whole earth do right–he loves freely without a cause in us.

He is the PeaceMaker–He Made Peace Between His People and their offended God.

And through the Holy Spirit the seed that is sown in our heart is Christ – He sows the fruit of righteousness into our hearts in peace

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “Wisdom From Above” (54:30 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.

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Bulletin Article date: 29 June, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey

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The World Judged At The Cross

“Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.” | Mark 15: 31-32

A wonderful, prayerful resolve would be; Lord, let me look into the glorious glass of Thy Word and see the face of the Lord Jesus Christ, and let me conformed to His blessed image in all things.

Let me see Christ in all Thy Word.

Let me look to Him and look like Him.

Deliver me from this present evil world, deliver me from the god of this world, deliver me from my sinful self, and receive me into Thy Kingdom forever.

Let me be resolved to seek Thy will and do Thy will always.

~ Unknown

Click here to listen to the message “What Is It To Confess Christ” (32:17 minutes)

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.

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Central Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 13 August, 2017 | Previous post date: 18 August, 2021 | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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Let Us Go To The House Of The Lord

”I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” | Psalm 122: 1

What defines a true house of the Lord?

”And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.” (Exodus 9: 16)

It is a house where the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ is declared – God, Man, Mediator, Savior!

”And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16: 15)

It is a house where the Word of Christ is declared – every word that has proceeded out of the mouth of God.

”Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14: 6)

It is a house where the Spirit of Christ dwells – in truth.

”Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?” (Job 26: 14)

It is a house where the glory of Christ dwells – in power.

”By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13: 35)

It is a house where the people of Christ dwell – in love.

”And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3: 10-11)

It is a house where Christ is ALL and in all.

That is a house that all of God’s people are glad to go to.

May that be THIS house today!

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Believers Have All Things In Common” (67:22 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.

Hurricane Road Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 24 July, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky

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The Greatest Of All Charity

”To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. ” | Romans 3: 26

Ultimately, there have only ever been two beliefs among professing Christians throughout all generations.

One belief is that it is the sinner’s act of believing which justifies him before God.

The other is that it is God who is both just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

I do not doubt that many are sincere in their desire to show “charity” when they attempt to bridge these opposing beliefs.

I have heard it said that the issue is not what the Lord Jesus Christ did or did not accomplish by his one offering, but rather the issue is “justification by faith.”

Such error is the same as saying the issue is not on whom one believes but merely that he believes.

It is the same as saying it is not Christ’s work that justifies but “self’s act of believing” that justifies.

To say such a thing is to make the justifier, not God, but “self.”

The slightest agreement with such comprise is not only the opposite of love, it is blasphemous to God and murderous to our friends and family.

The very righteousness of God, witnessed throughout scripture by both the law and the prophets, is that sinners are justified freely by God showing grace to whom he is pleased to show grace.

Christ Jesus justified those for whom he fully paid the ransom.

God declared his righteousness clearly before the whole world by setting forth his Son in whom both justice and mercy are satisfied toward all whom God chose to save.

”Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” (Romans 3: 24-26)

God’s very righteousness is that he alone is both just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Justification by faith is the Spirit of God shutting sinner’s mouths and giving such vessel’s of mercy faith to believe on their Justifier.

The gospel is offensive to sinners because, by nature, we want the glory that belongs to God alone.

Yet, if we would truly be a friend to sinners, we must not attempt to save ourselves from the hurt we will incur by stating the truth of God according to his word.

”Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15: 13)

The Lord Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”.

If we would truly show love to all who will listen, we must lay down our lives and preach the gospel by which God is pleased to call out those he has justified – doing so is showing the greatest of all charity.

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “The Shepherd and His Sheep” (49:59 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: 8 March, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey

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Such Were Some Of You

”Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” | 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11

When the apostle came to this city of Corinth, he found it was given over to gross idolatry, sexual perverseness, obscene drunkenness, and corrupt, greedy extortioners.

”For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” (Colossians 2: 9-10)

These vial conditions did not discourage him from preaching the gospel, but rather gave him great incentive to declare the gospel of God’s sovereign mercy to sinners for Christ’s namesake. ”Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Hebrews 9: 12)

”O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7: 24)

In doing so, God was pleased to call out, save and reveal the gospel to many of His Elect.

”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)

Some of these had been most violent offenders of God’s law, others had been restrained by grace, but all were guilty and stood in need of mercy.

”That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5: 27)

Then the apostle reminds them of the great work of grace for them and in them.

”Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places 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: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1: 3-6)

“But you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

”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)

God has given all these blessings to every sinner He is pleased to save.

1. YOU ARE WASHED!
Paul plainly declared by the Spirit of God that sinners are cleansed, forgiven and made clean by the blood of Jesus Christ.

”But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1: 7)

Any notion that a man can purge himself from his sins is to be totally deceived.

”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: 3)

This verse has no reference to water baptism, water cannot make atonement for sin.

2. YOU ARE SANCTIFIED!
Sanctification is the work of God’s sovereign grace whereby He has separated us to be holy in Christ by election, declared us to be holy in Christ by redemption, made us to be holy in regeneration.

”To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” (Colossians 1: 27)

Believers are partakers of a divine nature implanted within. ”” (2 Peter 1: 4)

”Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” (1 John 3: 9)

This sinful flesh never gets sanctified, it is the new man that is sanctified in Christ! ”And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4: 24)

3. YOU ARE JUSTIFIED!
Sinners are never justified by their best efforts.

”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)

We are justified by the grace of God through the blood sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. ”But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3: 21-24)

”Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5: 9)

This is a glorious work done for the sheep at Calvary, applied to the soul of the believer by the work of the Holy Spirit and received by God-given faith. ”Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5: 1-2)

God accomplished all the believer’s salvation, for Paul says, “In the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit.”

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Jesus Christ Came to Save Sinners” (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.

Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 8 April, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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What Is Grace?

“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain” | Galatians 2: 21

Paul tells us repeatedly that we are saved and justified, called and sanctified, preserved and glorified by the grace of God, without our works; but what is grace?

Almost all professing christians say they believe that salvation is by grace.

The Word of God lays such heavy emphasis upon the fact that salvation is by grace that it is very difficult for anyone to claim to believe the Bible and yet openly deny that salvation is by grace.

Papists, pentecostals, and fundamentalists, all claim to believe in salvation by grace.

But most people think and speak about grace in such a way that they frustrate the grace of God.

That is the reason Paul declared, “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain!”

The grace that most people talk about is not grace at all.

It is so mixed with human merit and human works that it is ‘no more grace’.

“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)

Grace that looks to the worth of man, waits upon the will of man, or depends upon the work of man is frustrated grace; and frustrated grace is not the grace of God!

Grace is the unmerited favor of God.

Grace is free!

Grace is unconditional!

Anything earned, merited, or deserved by you is not grace.

The man who thinks he deserves God’s salvation does not believe in grace.

The person who imagines that his acceptance with God depends upon his will, his works, or his worth, does not believe in grace, as the Bible speaks of grace.

He has fallen from grace.

“Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” (Galatians 5: 2-4)

Such people may talk about grace, but grace does not mean to them what it does to poor, helpless, guilty, bankrupt, self-condemned sinners, whose only hope is Christ.

No one will ever honor and extol the grace of God until he has experienced it.

It was only after he had experienced it that Paul declared, “By the grace of God I am what I am.”

Before that, though he was religious, he was a blasphemer who hoped for salvation by something he did.

Paul took no credit for his conversion.

He ascribed the whole of his salvation to God’s free grace alone.

He knew he did not make himself to differ from others.

A great change had taken place in his heart.

His opinions, affections, ambitions, desires, hopes, and motives had been radically changed; and he attributed the change to the grace of God alone.

~ Pastor Don Fortner

Click here to listen to the message “The World Judged At The Cross” (27:14 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.

Central Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 13 August, 2017 | Previous post date: 15 August, 2021 | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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Render What Is Due

”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

Recently, my son became a lifeguard at a local water park.

He went through his training for CPR, basic first aid, swim tests, and finally his lifeguard certification exam.

”And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.” (Mark 2: 1)

In “modern terms”, he is now equipped to save lives.

”And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.” (Mark 2: 2)

However, the company’s policy for assisting a person in danger is to ask them if they are willing to receive aid.

While they attempt to rescue themselves, they may refuse any help.

If the one needing support is a small child, the lifeguard must ask permission from the parents to intervene.

”And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.” (Mark 2: 3)

Some refuse this “help”!

If the lifeguard is allowed to help, the swimmer would be assisting in some way.

”And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.” (Mark 2: 4)

Both could be praised.

But, when someone is unresponsive; when someone (child or adult) appears dead; when they are lifeless; when they cannot even request help; when they have no ability to save themselves; when no one is around to accept assistance on their behalf; it is then lawful for the lifeguard to rescue, resuscitate the injured and “save” them.

”When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” (Mark 2: 5)

Only the lifeguard can be praised.

Spiritually, there is a vast difference between helping and saving someone!

It is eternal life and death!

The Lord Jesus Christ did not come to help His people, He came to save His people, while we were dead in trespasses and sins.

He will receive all the glory for it!

~ Pastor Kevin Thacker

Click here to listen to the message “Render What Is Due” (35:02 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.

Hurricane Road Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 24 July, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky