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Christ Receives Sinners

“Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them” | Luke 15: 1-2

While the self-righteous Pharisees and scribes withdrew from the Lord Jesus Christ and then harshly criticized Him, many publicans and sinners drew near to hear Him. What a blessing from the Lord to have a willingness to draw near to Him (John 6: 44) and then to have ears to actually hear a word from Him. (Acts 10: 33)

His words are words of life. (John 5: 24)

His words are words of salvation. (Romans 1: 16; Hebrews 4: 12)

The worst thing the Pharisees and scribes said of the Lord, “This man recieveth sinners, and eateth with them;” is the best thing any sinner could hear. It is not sin that keeps a man from hearing the good news of the gospel of Christ, it is his presumed righteousness he is going about to establish by his religious deeds. (Romans 10: 1-4)

No man will ever come to Christ while he is resting in the deeds of the law for salvation. (Romans 3: 19-20)

It is only by the almighty power of His sovereign grace that will effectually quicken us and make us alive in Christ that will cause us to draw near to Him, to hear Him and to believe Him. (John 5: 21; Ephesians 2: 1; 1 John 5: 1)

This Man receives sinners! What a miracle of amazing and sovereign grace. (2 Timothy 1: 9)

“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)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

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

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

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 25 October, 2020 | Previous post date: n/a

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A GOD READY TO PARDON

“Thou art a God ready to pardon” | Nehemiah 9: 17

God, as He has revealed Himself to us in the scriptures, delights to shew mercy and to pardon guilty sinners. He has not left us to guess about His character.

David said of Him, “Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee” (Psalm 86: 5) His readiness to pardon is seen in His long-suffering to Israel. God’s dealings with national Israel are very typical of His dealings with spiritual Israel. Though we are no more deserving of mercy than they were, yet God in Christ Jesus has been pleased to choose, justify and pardon His elect. (Romans 3: 24-26)

God’s readiness to pardon His people is seen in the following points:

1) In His Eternal Purpose! (Ephesians 3: 8-12) We must never think that Christ Jesus died to make God merciful. The death of the Lord Jesus is the result of the eternal purpose and love of God. (Revelation 13: 8) Before Adam’s rebellion ever took place, the remedy and redemption of the sheep of Christ was absolute and certain. (1 Corinthians 15: 22) Before Adam ever fell, Jesus Christ stood as the Surety and Mediator of the covenant of grace. (Hebrews 13: 20)

2) In His Gracious Provision! (Galatians 4: 4-7) God, at great cost to Himself, from His own bosom gave His only begotten, well-beloved Son. (John 3: 16) God, in His holiness and strict justice, cannot simply give the sinner pardon without honoring His justice. (Ezekiel 8: 20) Therefore, God took to Himself sinless humanity. Living as our representative, He perfectly obeyed the law for us in all its precepts & penalties. (Romans 8: 1-4)

3) In His Satisfying Propitiation! (Hebrews 2: 16-18) How can God be just and yet justify the ungodly; be a just God and Saviour? That is the vital question of the hour, that nobody is asking. The only way is for God Himself to satisfy His own justice. (Isaiah 53: 10) This is what happened at Calvary. The Lord Jesus Christ died in the place of His people, as the sinner’s Substitute. Bearing the sin of His people being laid upon Him, (Isaiah 53: 6) He suffered for them to satisfy God’s justice. (2 Corinthians 5: 21; 1 Peter 3: 18) The atonement doesn’t change the character of God, it honors and glorifies His justice and His mercy. (Psalm 85: 10)

4) In Preaching The Gospel! (1 Corinthians 1: 17-21) God, in His infinite wisdom, has devised very simple means to call out His elect. (Romans 10: 13-17) God effectually calls out His sheep through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. (John 10: 27) Wherever His people are, whoever they are, God will cross their path with the truth of salvation revealed in Jesus Christ. (Acts 8: 26-40; 1 Peter 1: 23-25; James 1: 18)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “The Conversion Of A Sinner”

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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: 6 June, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a

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This Man Receiveth Sinners

“And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” | Luke 15: 2

While the self-righteous Pharisees and Scribes withdrew from the Lord Jesus Christ and then harshly criticized Him, many publicans and sinners drew near to hear Him.

What a blessing from the Lord to have a willingness to draw near to Him (John 6: 44) and then to have ears to actually hear a word from Him. (Act 10: 33) His words are words of life. (John 5: 24) His words are words of salvation. (Romans 1: 16; Hebrews 4: 12)

The worst thing the Pharisees and scribes said of the Lord, “This man recieveth sinners, and eateth with them;” is the best thing any sinner could hear.

It is not sin that keeps a man from hearing the good news of the gospel of Christ, it is his presumed righteousness he is going about to establish by his religious deeds. (Romans 10: 1-4)

No man will ever come to Christ while he is resting in the deeds of the law for salvation. (Romans 3:1 9-20) It is only by the almighty power of His sovereign grace that will effectually quicken us and make us alive in Christ that will cause us to draw near to Him, to hear Him and to believe Him. (John 5: 21; Ephesians 2: 1; 1 John 5: 1)

This Man receives sinners! What a miracle of amazing grace.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “I’ll Never Despair of Anybody”

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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: 17 January, 2021 | Previous post date: 19 January, 2021

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THE GOSPEL PROCLAIMED

“Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” | Galatians 1: 3-5

Our Lord sent the apostle Paul to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentile world.

God was pleased to bless the message and call out a multitude of guilty sinners to Himself. Many churches were established in the region of Galatia. After Paul had been imprisoned in Rome for the gospel’s sake, many false teachers came among the churches preaching a false message of works salvation. The apostle called it, “another gospel” or a “perverted gospel.” He also pronounced a strong curse upon all who declared such a message of, “Christ plus our efforts and righteousness equal salvation” (Galatians 1: 6-12)

Let us consider four things Paul plainly states about the true gospel of the grace of God revealed in these verses.

1). The reason why the Lord came in the flesh, “That he might deliver us from this present evil world.” It is very obvious that no man is able to deliver Himself from the pit of sin and guilt. Only a fool would say, “I need no Redeemer.” This is why the Lord came, to completely deliver and effectually redeem His people from their sin. (Matthew 1: 21; Romans 11: 26) We can be certain that He did not fail. (Isaiah 42: 4; Romans 4: 25; Romans 8: 32) Any preaching that does not set Jesus Christ forth as the complete and effectual Deliverer, is “another gospel.”

2). How did He accomplish this deliverance? “Who gave himself for our sins.” The redemption of the Lord’s sheep came at a great price. (Acts 20: 28) He purchased us with His own blood. (1 Peter 1: 18) Atonement and payment for sin can only be achieved by Jesus Christ our great High Priest. (Hebrews 9: 12; 1 Peter 3: 18; 2 Corinthians 5: 21; 1 John 4: 10) Any preaching that does not declare Jesus Christ’s triumphant and complete atonement for sin is, “another gospel.”

3). Why Jesus Christ came and why He died, “According to the will of God and our Father.” If it had not been for the predestinating purpose of God and His eternal decree, Jesus Christ would not have died. (Acts 2: 23) If Christ had not died, none would be delivered. Salvation is always accomplished, determined and dependent upon God alone. Any preaching that makes salvation dependent and determined according to the will of men is “another gospel.” (John 1: 12-13; James 1: 18; Romans 9: 15-16)

4). What shall we say concerning this great salvation, “To whom be glory for ever and ever.” The grand design and ultimate end of everything God wills and performs is His glory. (Exodus 33: 18-19; Galatians 6: 14; 1 Corinthians 1: 30-31) Any preaching that does not give God all the glory in the salvation of sinners is, “another gospel.”

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “May God Grant You According To His Riches”

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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: 20 June, 2021 | Previous post date: 1987 | Pikeville, Kentucky

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Christ Is Precious To Those Who Believe

“Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them” | Luke 15: 1-2

While the self-righteous Pharisees and scribes withdrew from the Lord Jesus Christ and then harshly criticized Him, many publicans and sinners drew near to hear Him.

What a blessing from the Lord to have a willingness to draw near to Him (John 6: 44) and then to have ears to actually hear a word from Him. (Act 10: 33)

His words are words of life. (John 5: 24)

His words are words of salvation. (Romans 1: 16; Hebrews 4: 12)

The worst thing the Pharisees and scribes said of the Lord, “This man recieveth sinners, and eateth with them;” is the best thing any sinner could hear. It is not sin that keeps a man from hearing the good news of the gospel of Christ, it is his presumed righteousness he is going about to establish by his religious deeds. (Romans 10: 1-4)

No man will ever come to Christ while he is resting in the deeds of the law for salvation. (Romans 3: 19-20) It is only by the almighty power of His sovereign grace that will effectually quicken us and make us alive in Christ that will cause us to draw near to Him, to hear Him and to believe Him. (John 5: 21; Ephesians 2: 1; 1 John 5: 1)

This Man receives sinners! What a miracle of amazing and sovereign grace. (2 Timothy 1: 9)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Christ Is Precious To Those Who Believe”

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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 April, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a

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The Difference Between True Faith And False Faith

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” | 2 Corinthians 13: 5

Four points on what false faith can never produce:

1). False faith can never produce a broken heart over sin against God. David, when he sinned said, “Against thee and thee only have I sinned.” (Psalm 51: 4) True faith will readily confess sin unto the Lord and beg for mercy. (Luke 18: 13)

2). False faith will never produce a heart that hungers and thirsts for righteousness in Christ Jesus alone. False faith is always going about to establish a righteousness of their own making. (Romans 10: 1-4) True faith will find all the righteousness God has for a sinner is in Christ alone. (Romans 4: 6-8; Philippians 3: 7-9)

3). False faith will never own its total inability to please God. Where true faith is found in the heart of a sinner there is a confession of total dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ alone (2 Timothy 1: 12) Job said, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” (Job 13: 1-5)

4). False faith will never own the absolute Lordship of Christ and willingly bow to His will in all things. (Psalm 110: 3) True faith, the faith of God’s elect, will own and bow to His Lordship. (Titus 1: 1) As Job said in true faith, “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1: 21)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Examine Yourselves”

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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: 2 May, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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How Do We Get to God?

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 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: | 1 Peter 3: 15-18

One wise preacher friend of mine would always say, “Men die as they live.”

I have found that to be true over the years of observing people live and die, those who live to themselves, for themselves, who trust and look to themselves for righteousness shall die in their sin of unbelief and self-reliance. Our blessed Redeemer said, “If you believe not that I am, you shall die in your sins.” (John 8: 24)

Those sinners who by the grace of God, who are quickened together with Christ (Ephesians 2: 4-6) and live by God-given faith looking to the Lord Jesus Christ for all salvation, for all righteousness shall also lay down this robe of sinful flesh.　

But believers not only live by faith, “the just shall live by faith” but they also shall die in faith resting in Christ. (Hebrews 11: 13)　

It is no wonder that the death of a believer is called precious; “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116: 15)　

It is no wonder that the death of a believer is called a blessing from the Lord, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours.” (Revelation 14: 13)

Yes, it is true “men die as they live.”

Now consider this! How are you living?

Are you only concerned about the flesh? (Matthew 6: 33)

Do you have any thoughts about salvation and meeting the Lord in eternal judgment? (Hebrews 9: 27)

May the Lord be pleased to grant us faith in Christ, to look to Him, live in Him and to die in Him.

Won’t that be a blessing! (2 Corinthians 5: 8; Philippians 1: 21)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “How Do We Get to God”

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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.

Lantana Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 2 September, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a | Crossville, Tennessee

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Christ Receives Sinners

“Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them” | Luke 15: 1-2

While the self-righteous Pharisees and Scribes withdrew from the Lord Jesus Christ and then harshly criticized Him, many publicans and sinners drew near to hear Him.

What a blessing from the Lord to have a willingness to draw near to Him (John 6: 44) and then to have ears to actually hear a word from Him. (Acts 10: 33)

His words are words of life. (John 5: 24)

His words are words of salvation. (Romans 1: 16; Hebrews 4: 12)

The worst thing the Pharisees and scribes said of the Lord, “This man recieveth sinners, and eateth with them;” is the best thing any sinner could hear. It is not sin that keeps a man from hearing the good news of the gospel of Christ, it is his presumed righteousness he is going about to establish by his religious deeds. (Romans 10: 1-4)

No man will ever come to Christ while he is resting in the deeds of the law for salvation. (Romans 3: 19-20)

It is only by the almighty power of His sovereign grace that will effectually quicken us and make us alive in Christ that will cause us to draw near to Him, to hear Him and to believe Him. (John 5: 21; Ephesians 2: 1; 1 John 5: 1)

This Man receives sinners! What a miracle of amazing grace.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “How Excellent Is Thy Name”

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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: 26 January, 2020 | Previous post date: n/a

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This Man Recieveth Sinners, and Eateth With Them

“Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them” | Luke 15: 1-2

While the self-righteous Pharisees and scribes withdrew from the Lord Jesus Christ and then harshly criticized Him, many publicans and sinners drew near to hear Him.

What a blessing from the Lord to have a willingness to draw near to Him (John 6: 44) and then to have ears to actually hear a word from Him. (Acts 10: 33)

His words are words of life. (John 5: 24)

His words are words of salvation. (Romans 1: 16; Hebrews 4: 12)

The worst thing the Pharisees and scribes said of the Lord, “This man recieveth sinners, and eateth with them;” is the best thing any sinner could hear.

It is not sin that keeps a man from hearing the good news of the gospel of Christ, it is his presumed righteousness he is going about to establish by his religious deeds. (Romans 10: 1-4)

No man will ever come to Christ while he is resting in the deeds of the law for salvation. (Romans 3: 19-20)

It is only by the almighty power of His sovereign grace that will effectually quicken us and make us alive in Christ that will cause us to draw near to Him, to hear Him and to believe Him. (John 5: 21; Ephesians 2: 1; 1 John 5: 1)

This Man receives sinners! What a miracle of amazing and sovereign grace. (2 Timothy 1: 9)

-Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Some Believed and Some Believed Not”

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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 April, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a

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Salvation By Grace Alone

“But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” | Acts 15: 11

When that first Bible Conference at Jerusalem was assembled and the vital question about salvation was discussed, Peter stood up and declared that salvation is by the grace of God alone, not by the deeds of the law. (Galatians 2: 21; 1 Peter 5: 10) There are at least four things we know the scriptures plainly declare about the grace of God.

1). Grace is eternal. Grace was planned and purposed in Christ before it was imparted and applied to our heart. (2 Timothy 1: 9; Hebrews 13: 20; Revelation 13: 8)

2). Grace is free. No man ever purchased the grace of God. He bought us with His own blood and justified us with His grace alone. (Acts 20: 28; 1 Peter 1: 18; Romans 3: 24)

3). Grace is sovereign. God gives grace to whom He pleases. Grace is the free and sovereign favor of God freely given to undeserving, ill-deserving and hell-deserving sinners. (Romans 5: 19-21; Romans 9: 12-16)

4). Grace is always because of and in Christ. We only believe through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 1: 16-17; Acts 18: 27; Ephesians 1: 3-7; 2 Corinthians 8: 9)

Thank God for His grace. Every believer can say with Paul, “I am what I am by His grace.”

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Bring Me To You”

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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 February, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a