Posted on by Sovereign Grace Bulletin Articles

Behold The King Cometh

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” |Zechariah 9: 9-11

God gave to His prophet the very exact description of our Lord Jesus Christ as He entered into Jerusalem to accomplish our salvation, 550 years before it actually happened, what He would accomplish.

“Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them. And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? And they said, The Lord hath need of him.” (Luke 19: 30-34)

Notice these vital things!

“Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” (Matthew 2: 2)

1). Jesus Christ is the King of our salvation. “Behold thy King cometh unto thee.”

“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:” (Galatians 3: 10-13)

The wise men ask, where is He that is born King?

“And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19: 13-16)

Our Lord as God incarnate, is King of Kings.

“Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” (Psalm 2: 6)

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” (Romans 5: 1)

As King He is sovereign in salvation.

“As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” (John 17: 2)

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (Acts 2: 36)

2). Jesus Christ is the Just God, “He is just.”

“And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.” (Acts 3: 12-15)

That means He is righteous in all His ways and Holy in His character.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” (Philipians 2: 5-9)

Stephen and Peter called Him, “the Just One.”

3). Jesus Christ is the only Saviour, “having salvation.”

“Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.” (Isaiah 45: 21)

He is not only a Just God but also our righteous Saviour.

“The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.” (Isaiah 42: 21)

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;” (Hebrews 2: 14)

Paul often calls Christ God our Saviour.

“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20: 28)

He came to give His life as a ransom to purchase His covenant people.

“It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” (Romans 9: 12-16)

“Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:” (Acts 7: 52)

4). Jesus Christ is also identified with our humanity, “lowly, and riding upon an ass.”

“But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;” (Titus 1: 3)

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20: 28)

Totally, fully God Almighty, yet also a real man.

“For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,” (Luke 2: 30)

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1: 14)

As the Godman He honored the law and perfected righteousness for us.

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (1 Timothy 3: 16)

“And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.” (Ephesians 2: 16-17)

5). Jesus Christ is our Peace with God, “he shall speak peace unto the heathen.”

“And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.” (Zechariah 9: 10)

“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: 21)

Surely, no one else has the authority to speak peace unto the sinner, but Jesus Christ Himself.

“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)

“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: 18)

He made peace with God for His people through the blood of His sacrifice.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,” (Luke 4: 18)

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Romans 6: 14)

6). Jesus Christ is our Deliverer, “by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.”

“As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.” (Zechariah 9: 11)

“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:” (Colossians 1: 19-22)

Our blessed Lord came to set His people free; from the curse of the law, from the bondage of sin, from the terror of death, from the grip of the devil.

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (Revelation 1: 18)

“And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:” (Romans 11: 26)

What a great Deliverer we have in the Lord Jesus Christ!

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “The Lord God Of Israel Was Their Inheritance” (41:43 minutes)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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: July 22, 2018 | Previous post date: 14 August, 2021 | Pikeville, Kentucky

Posted on by Sovereign Grace Bulletin Articles

Our Compassionate Priest

“Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.” | Hebrews 5: 2

Thanks be unto God for our compassionate and faithful Great High Priest, Jesus Christ.

“Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2: 17)

Our blessed Saviour knows our frame; He knows that we are but sinful dust. “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” (Psalm 103: 13-14)

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3: 23)

But in spite of all that we are and all that we have done the Lord is longsuffering and compassionate toward His children. “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)

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3: 9)

So much that He loves the unlovely, so much that Christ justifies the ungodly, so much that the Redeemer died to save sinners. “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4: 5)

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly… But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5: 6, 8)

We read that His compassions fail not and are new every morning. “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” (Lamentations 3: 22)

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” (Matthew 9: 36)

We read when He saw a multitude of sinners as sheep that were scattered having no shepherd, He was moved with compassion.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23: 1)

What a blessed Shepherd the Lord has provided for us!

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “The Faith Of God’s Elect” (34:56 minutes)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 14 April, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

Posted on by Sovereign Grace Bulletin Articles

Caleb And Joshua

”For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.” | Numbers 26: 65

Caleb and Joshua were among the twelve men who went into the land of Canaan to spy out the land and people and bring the report to Moses.

”And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain:” (Numbers 13: 17)

Ten men brought an evil and unbelieving report, they said, “We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.

”But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.” (Numbers 13: 31)

God gave the nation forty years in the wilderness for their unbelief.

”Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me, Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised. But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.” (Numbers 14: 28-35)

Caleb and Joshua believed God and said, “Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it”.

”And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” (Numbers 13: 30)

None that were numbered among the men from age twenty and older entered into the promise land with exception of Caleb (the faithful dog) and Joshua (the faithful Saviour).

”And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;” (Numbers 27: 18)

This is another glorious picture of the gospel of Christ.

”Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 1: 6)

None will enter into glory but the Saviour and those sinners (dogs) for whom He died.

”And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5: 5-9)

Christ the forerunner has entered in for us and every believer will enter upon His merits alone.

”That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Hebrews 6: 18-20)

However, there is another picture of the gospel here.

”For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2: 13)

The scripture says of both Caleb and Joshua that they had another spirit.

”But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.” (Numbers 14: 24)

It was not the spirit and attitude of unbelief, but that of spirit of faith that honors and glorifies God.

”For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” (Philippians 3: 3)

It is said of Abraham, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God”.

”He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” (Romans 4: 20-21)

Something else is also said of Caleb and Joshua, “they have wholly followed the LORD”. ”Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.” (Numbers 32: 12)

”For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1: 12)

Faith and conduct cannot be separated. ”If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3: 1)

”I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)” (1 Corinthians 16: 15)

One preacher of the past said, “Faith is the mother of obedience.” ”God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4: 24)

”But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” (Philippians 3: 7-9)

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ puts another spirit and attitude in the sinner, that spirit of love, obedience, devotion, hope and confidence in the Lord. ”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,” (Galatians 5: 22)

”I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4: 13)

It is right and commendable for every believer to fully and wholly follow the Lord with an undivided heart, unbridled spirit, unwavering commitment, unbroken addiction and uninterrupted dependence upon the gospel of the Lord Christ.

”And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” (Mark 8: 34-35)

Our Lord said, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.”

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “We Are Here to Hear All Things Commanded of God” (35:34 minutes)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

Posted on by Sovereign Grace Bulletin Articles

Repentance And Faith

“When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” | Acts 11: 18

Paul, when giving his farewell words to the faithful elders of Ephesus reminded them of his ministry when he first came among them.

He said, “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20: 20-21)

Consider for a moment how important faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance toward God is. Our Lord said, “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:” (Mark 13: 1-5)

Again He said, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11: 6)

What does the scripture teach us about faith and repentance?

Here are seven things to remember.

1). Both faith and repentance are sovereign gifts of God given to the sinner “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 5: 29-31)

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2: 8-9)

“And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.” (Philippians 1: 29)

2). Both faith and repentance are the commands of God. “” (Isaiah 45: 22)

“Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.; Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” (Acts 17: 3; 29-31)

“And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.” (1 John 3: 23)

3). Both faith and repentance own, bow, believe and submit to the true Lord Jesus Christ, the true and living God and His gospel. “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;” (2 Timothy 2: 25)

“Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;” (Titus 1: 1)

4). Both faith and repentance are not isolated experiences of the believer, but rather a life-long state of being that is both powerful, permanent and perpetual. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5: 24)

“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.” (Hebrews 12: 2)

“To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,” (1 Peter 2: 4)

5). Both faith and repentance are not the ground or cause of our salvation but rather the fruit of life in Christ Jesus. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,” (Galatians 5: 22)

“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.” (1 John 5: 1)

6). Both faith and repentance come together at the same time not apart from each other. “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 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. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” (Romans 7: 18-24) Where you find a broken and repentant heart you find a believing heart. “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” (Philippians 3: 7-9) Read these testimonies from the word. “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51: 1-10)

“I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42: 5-6)

7). As repentance grows so does faith. As faith grows so does repentance. The deeper our conviction of sin, the greater our esteem of Christ, who put away our sin. “” (Hebrews 9: 26) The deeper our faith grows in Christ, as we see more of His beauty, the more we see the repulsiveness of our own depravity. “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” (Isaiah 6: 5)

“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 “A Chosen Bride” (32:17 minutes)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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: 24 November, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

Posted on by Sovereign Grace Bulletin Articles

Think On These Things

”Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” | Philippians 4: 8

Finally brethren, last but not least, give yourselves to meditate on these things of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Paul says in other scripture, ”Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.” (1 Timothy 4: 15)

Take note of these eight words that describe the gospel.

1). The gospel of Christ is unquestionably true. In the word of the gospel we have the truth declared about sin ”What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;” (Romans 3: 9); the truth declared about salvation ”Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” (2 Timothy 1: 9); the truth declared about God ”God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” (Romans 3: 4). Our Lord said it is the truth that sets sinners free ”And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8: 32).

”Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4: 12)

”Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45: 21-22)

2). The gospel of Christ is indisputably honest or honorable. When God justifies a sinner through the blood atonement of Jesus Christ ”Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4: 10), God always justifies the ungodly in His described way that honors His holy law and satisfies His righteous justice ”The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.” (Isaiah 42: 21).

”Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,” (1 Peter 1: 18-20)

3). The gospel of Christ is undeniably just or righteous. The question of all questions is, how can God be just and justify the ungodly? The only right answer is found in the gospel of grace ”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). It is only revealed in the gospel how God can show mercy not at the expense of His holy justice. ”Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” (Psalm 85: 10)

”Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45: 20-22)

4). The gospel of Christ is irrefutably pure or perfect. Nothing but the blood of Christ can cleanse us from all sin ”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). Jesus Christ alone, by Himself purged us from our all our sin ”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)

5). The gospel of Christ is incontestably lovely. To you who believe Jesus Christ is most precious ”Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,” (1 Peter 2: 7); He is altogether lovely ”His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.” (Song of Solomon 5: 16) We love Him only because He first loved us ”We love him, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4: 19).

6). The gospel of Christ is obviously a good report, or good news. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that will believe it ”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.” (Romans 1: 16) Christ died for the ungodly ”For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5: 6) God justifies the ungodly ”But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4: 5) Jesus Christ came to save sinners ”But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Matthew 9: 13)

7). The gospel of Christ is definitely a virtue or excellent. Christ completely provides for all His church everything that God demands ”But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 19)

”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)

8). The gospel of Christ is absolutely worthy of all our praise and glory to God alone. ”And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.” (Revelation 5: 9-14)

”Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.” (Psalm 115: 1)

”But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6: 14)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Honey Out Of The Rock” (42:22 minutes)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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: 24 April, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

Posted on by Sovereign Grace Bulletin Articles

The Family Of God

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” | Isaiah 43: 1

All those adopted into God’s family should cultivate a continual care and concern for each family member.

How can we do this?

Look at what the Scriptures say:

“Care one for another.” (1 Corinthians 12: 25)

“Love one another.” (John 13: 34)

“Pray for one another.” (James 5: 16)

“Comfort one another.” (1 Thessalonians 4: 18)

“Admonish one another.” (Romans 15: 14)

“Edify one another.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 11)

“Be at peace with one another.” (Mark 9: 50)

“Forgive one another.” (Ephesians 4: 32)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “The Voice Of The Lord In Power And Majesty” (37:28 minutes)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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 September, 2021 | Previous post date: 30 March, 2022

Posted on by Sovereign Grace Bulletin Articles

We Glory Only In Jesus Christ

“I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.” | Romans 15: 17

Paul was very careful throughout his ministry not to glory, boast or brag in the flesh.

“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” (Philippians 3: 7-9)

He taught others not to do this and certainly he would not glory in himself; not in his religious heritage, nor in his attainments or gifts, nor in his labors and success in the ministry but only “through Jesus Christ”.

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6: 14)

All the apostles and those who truly believe the gospel of God’s grace only glory “in those things that pertain to God.”

As a result of Adam’s sin, rebellion and fall into condemnation, we have absolutely no reason to glory in the flesh.

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5: 19-21)

The things that pertain to our sinful nature give us no motivation to glory or honor the old man and his deeds.

“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” (Colossians 3: 9)

We are told in scripture to, “put off the old man with his deeds”.

We truly can only glory in those things that pertain to God.

What are those things?

1). We glory in Christ incarnate as the only hope for sinners. “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (1 Timothy 3: 16)

2). We glory in Christ crucified as the only remedy to put away our sin. “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: 18)

3). We glory in Christ Jesus Who is all our sufficient righteousness and acceptance before a thrice holy God. “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1: 6-7)

“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” (Psalm 17: 15)

4). We glory in Christ Jesus exalted and seated at God’s right hand as all our justification before God. “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4: 25)

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3: 1-2)

5). We glory in Christ Jesus coming again as all our hope throughout eternity. When He comes we shall not only see Him as He is, but we shall also be made like Him forever. Every believer can say with David, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34: 1-4)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “A Living Hope” (35:45 minutes)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 1 December, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

Posted on by Sovereign Grace Bulletin Articles

God’s Grace Is Sufficient

”And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” | 2 Corinthians 12: 9

What a glorious promise is given to every believer.

God’s grace, given through our Lord Jesus Christ is all sufficient to the saving purpose of His people.

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

Grace is never said to be insufficient but always sufficient to accomplish its intent, purpose and glorious end; “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” (2 Timothy 1: 9)

“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.” (Romans 1: 16)

Grace is never said to be insufficient but always sufficient, enough, plenty and adequate to justify. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3: 24)

“For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” (Psalms 27: 5)

Grace is never said to be insufficient but always sufficient to redeem. “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1: 6-7)

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalms 46: 1)

Grace is never said to be insufficient but always sufficient to supply all our every need. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 19)

“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1: 5)

Grace is never said to be insufficient but always sufficient to sustain us through all trials. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13: 5)

“But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” (John 10: 2-30)

Grace is never said to be insufficient but always sufficient to strengthen us when weak. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4: 16)

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15: 57)

This mighty and sovereign grace appears to us most glorious, sufficient and appreciated when we realize our own weakness, inability and utter helplessness before God. “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” (Romans 7: 24-25)

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (2 Corinthians 9: 15)

“Most gladly therefore,”do we rejoice in our own infirmities, and weakness that the power of our Lord Jesus Christ may rest upon us, or tabernacle over us, sheltering, preserving, protecting us from all adversaries and enemies of the gospel.

Thank God for His unfailing, everlasting, saving, redeeming, electing and all sufficient grace!

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Christ Performs All Things For Us” (31:12 minutes)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

Posted on by Sovereign Grace Bulletin Articles

I Commend You To God

“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” | Acts 20: 32

As Paul departs from the elders from Ephesus he gives them this good and true word by inspiration of God.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3: 16)

It was not only good for those to hear in that day but also for us today.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10: 17)

What blessing to be given over to the total care and keeping of the Lord Jesus Christ; the good, great and chief Shepherd of the sheep.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23: 1-4)

We are truly and fully in His almighty hands.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” (John 10: 27-30)

We are truly and fully kept by His power.

“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1: 5)

We are truly and fully justified by His grace.

“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3: 24)

We are truly and fully redeemed by His blood.

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;” (1 Peter 1: 18)

We are truly and fully blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ.

“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)

But the apostle Paul also adds to that recommendation, “To the word of His grace;” this is the same as the gospel of His grace that is the power of God unto salvation, who is also the God of all grace and glory. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Peter 5: 10)

“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.” (Romans 1: 16)

“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20: 24)

And then Paul tells us what the word of His grace will do for the believer in Christ, “Which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance;” not puff us up with religious pride but rather build us up in faith, grace and love in Christ.

Our Lord said, “Upon this rock, (foundation) I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” (Isaiah 28: 16)

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16: 18)

The Lord Jesus Christ is our total and complete inheritance. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Romans 8: 17)

“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:” (Ephesians 1: 11)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1: 3)

These blessings of the gospel are sovereignly and exclusively given only to those that are sanctified in Christ; “Among all them which are sanctified.”

“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)

How are sinners sanctified?

Not by anything we do!

“For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10: 14)

But rather upon the sacrifice of Christ for us, “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Our Precious Unity In Christ” (36:42 minutes)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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: 10 March, 2022

Posted on by Sovereign Grace Bulletin Articles

Complete In Christ

”I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” | Psalm 138: 1-2

All that is necessary to secure our eternal salvation is to be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

”But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 19)

There is a completion or a complete filling up in Him, so as to leave nothing lacking in the sinner. In the Lord Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of God.

”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)

All that is lacking in us by our ruin and sin in Adam is abundantly, freely and eternally supplied to us in the Lord Jesus Christ, “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound”.

”Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5: 20-21)

His perfect obedience is our righteousness.

”But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2: 7-8)

His sacrifice for sin is our atonement.

”Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2: 17)

His word is our instruction.

”All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3: 16)

His wisdom is our direction.

”In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2: 3)

His power is our protection.

”Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1: 5)

His blood sacrifice is our justification.

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

His grace is our salvation. ”Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3: 24)

”My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” (1 John 2: 1)

His eternal love is our security.

”He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8: 32-39)

His everlasting mercy is our hope.

”It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3: 22-26)

His fullness is our completeness. ”And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” (John 1: 16)

”But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” (Romans 8: 9-10)

His immutability is our strength. ”For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Malachi 3: 6)

”Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” (Jude 1: 24-25)

His resurrection is the guarantee of our full and final glory. ”Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4: 25)

”I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (Revelation 1: 18)

His intercession is the assurance of all our deliverance from sin. ”Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7: 25)

Tell me my friend, what could we possibly want for, when all the Godhead is engaged to make the believer complete in the Lord Jesus Christ, to His eternal glory.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Whole Hearted Worship” (35:49 minutes)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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