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Lord, Don’t Leave Us Alone

”And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God” | Mark 1: 23-24

When the Lord Jesus went among the people preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, the people in the synagogue were astonished at His doctrine, for He taught them with authority.

They did not recognize, acknowledge nor confess His person as God the Son, but they were amazed at His words.

What is most remarkable the “unclean spirit,” knew exactly Who He was and confessed that Jesus Christ is the, “Holy One of God.” The demon spirit also confessed he was deserving of God’s righteous judgment, “art thou come to destroy us.” The demon spirit also cried out and said, “Let us alone; what have we to do with thee.”

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2: 9-11)

The believer’s cry before the Lord is similar, yet completely different. We, by His grace do confess that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour, but not only acknowledging His Lordship over us, but we willingly submit to Him and love Him supremely.

“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)

We say with Thomas, Jesus Christ is, “My Lord and my God”. “Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.” (John 20: 28)

“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.” (Psalm 51: 1-4)

Believers also confess they are deserving of God’s righteous judgment against our sin and plead for mercy.

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18: 13-14)

However, our plea before the Lord is, don’t leave us alone, we need thee every hour in every way.

“By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.” (Hebrews 7: 22)

We need Thee, to be Surety and Sacrifice for us.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2: 5)

We need Thee, to be Mediator representing us.

“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)

We need Thee, to be Advocate pleading for us.

“For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” (Hebrews 2: 10)

We need Thee, to be Captain guiding and fighting for us.

“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; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 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: 14-17)

We need Thee, to be Redeemer delivering us.

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 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: 14-16)

We need Thee, to be Great High Priest interceding for us.

“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 need Thee, to be the Chief, Great, and Good Shepherd providing all things for us. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 19)

This is the Lord’s unwavering and steadfast promise to His covenant people that, He never will leave us. “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)

“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?” (Romans 8: 32)

What sweet comfort this affords the believer!

As one old writer put it, “The Lord Jesus Christ freely gives us all grace now and all glory hereafter”.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Christ Shall Have All Dominion” (36:59 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.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 17 June, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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No Condemnation And No Separation

”Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” | 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21

Consider this dreadful truth for a moment.

”But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59: 2)

Our sin in fallen Adam charged to us has separated us from God.

In Adam we are ”The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.” (Psalm 58: 3)

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5: 12)

In Adam death and sin entered into us.

“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:” (Romans 8: 3)

But now consider this glorious truth for a moment.

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4: 4-6)

Our sin has been separated from us forever.

Our Blessed Saviour came in the flesh apart from sin and in our nature to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. “For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Hebrews 9: 26)

“And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.” (1 John 3: 5)

Now because of His glorious, full and eternal atonement for sin the believer has no sin. “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 10: 14-17)

Our Lord said, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103: 12)

He has also assured us that “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 10: 17)

“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)

This is the good news of the gospel no condemnation and no separation but rather eternal reconciliation. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8: 1)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “What Does It Mean To Be Justified”

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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: 21 February, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky

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Being Justified Freely

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

What does it mean to be justified?

I am sure that there have been many definitions given and I by no means can fully expound all that is involved in sinners being justified before God.

However, I am sure that it means to be eternally pardoned from all sin by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. “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)

It means to be acquitted and vindicated of all charges before the holy justice of God. “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,” (Jude 24)

It means to be made and regarded righteous in God’s sight. “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: 21-22)

How are sinners justified?

Sinners are justified by God as the source. “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.” (Romans 8: 33)

Sinners are justified by grace as the spring and fountain. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3: 24)

Sinners are justified by Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and blood atonement as the ground. “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5: 9)

Sinners are justified by His resurrection as the proof and evidence. “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4: 25)

Sinners are justified by faith as the means to receive this salvation in Christ. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” (Romans 5: 1)

~ 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.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 19 September, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a

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Salvation Is Of The Lord

“But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble” | Psalm 37: 39

What glorious and blessed truth that shines on every page of Holy Scripture.

“Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” (Isaiah 63: 1)

We as needy, great and guilty sinners need a mighty and victorious Saviour, who is almighty to save.

“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)

The Lord Jesus Christ is the only answer and remedy for our sin. He is the Saviour that saves, the Redeemer that delivers and justifies. “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)

“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)

What a full and complete revelation God gives of His so great salvation… it is ALL of the Lord! “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” (Hebrews 2: 3)

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5: 6)

Notice each of these five words:

1). Salvation; is the total and complete deliverance from all our sin. From the penalty, guilt and power of sin to condemn us. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8: 1)

“For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?” (Romans 11: 32-35)

2). Salvation IS; because our great God is the God of salvation.

God is love. “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 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: 8-10)

God is good. “Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.” (Psalm 73: 1)

“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)

God is merciful and delights to show it to sinners. “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7: 18-19)

3). Salvation is OF; Not of works, not of merit, not of the law but rather all of grace alone. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” (2 Corinthians 8: 9)

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

“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)

4). Salvation is of THE Lord; there is just one way of salvation. Our Lord plainly said that He is The Way, The Truth, The Life, The Door, The Light, The Bread of life, The Good Shepherd, and The Resurrection. “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)

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10: 9)

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8: 12)

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6: 35)

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” (John 11: 25)

5). Salvation is of the LORD; the Lord Jesus Christ. It is who He is that gives infinite power to what He accomplished for us upon the cross. “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)

“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)

Christ crucified is the only sacrifice for sin. “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2: 2)

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19: 30)

The Lord did not die to make an effort to put away sin but rather to make complete atonement for sin of His people that God might be the just God and Saviour.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “So Great Salvation”

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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: 27 June, 2021 | Previous post date: 14 August, 2021

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Faith, Hope And Love

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” | 1 Corinthians 13: 13

What great blessings the Lord has freely and eternally given unto His church!

“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?” (Romans 8: 32)

Indeed, Christ has blessed us with all spiritual blessings.

“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)

The apostle Paul makes mention of these three great and spiritual blessings that abide in every believer; faith, hope and love.

But the greatest of these is love.

Why would Paul say that?

Because it is true!

Every believer lives by faith. “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1: 17)

Every believer walks by faith. “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)” (2 Corinthians 5: 7)

Every believer will die in faith, always looking to and trusting in Christ. “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)

“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)

But one day faith will end in perfect and complete sight, when we behold the Lord Jesus Christ face to face. “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: 2)

Likewise, every believer lives with a fervent hope, a living hope and a blessed hope; because it is a good hope through grace. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” (Titus 2: 13)

“Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,” (2 Thessalonians 2: 16)

Hope springs from faith in Christ, for He is our hope. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11: 1)

“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)

But the good hope we have in Christ, that too will one day come to an end in the certain expectation of the reality of that hope being predestinated to be just like the Lord Jesus Christ. “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” (Romans 8: 29-30)

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;” (1 Timothy 1: 1)

But the greatest of these gifts is love; the love of God that is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit will never end. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. “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.” (Romans 5: 5)

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,” (Romans 8: 38)

Our love for the Lord Jesus Christ had a beginning but it will never have an end. We only love Him because He first loved us. “We love him, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4: 19)

When did the Lord start loving His own?

From eternity in the covenant of grace! “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (Jeremiah 31: 3)

The Lord’s love for His church is a sacrificial love. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” (Ephesians 5: 25)

“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)

He laid down His life for His church. “Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” (John 13: 1)

Oh how precious is that love for us!

May God grant us to be always thankful for this gift of His love unto us and may He cause it to grow in such a way as to glorify Him now and forever.

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 1: 5-6)

One day soon every believer will sing forever: “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.”

“Amen.”

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Knowledge Too Wonderful for Me” (29:32 minutes)

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

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 8 August, 2021 | Previous post date: 2 September, 2021

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What Is The Gospel?

”Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.” | Matthew 1: 21

When we feel oppressed and overcome by our sin and our sins, what a precious promise “He shall save His people from their sins.”

He shall save.

Notice the certainty of the language.

His people are the objects of this great salvation from their sins.

Here is what I need saved from… my sins!

He shall save His people from the punishment of sin.

He shall save His people from the power of sin.

We can now do what we previously could not do when we were under the power of sin.

We can now believe, repent, and love because sin no longer has dominion.

And one day, blessed thought, we will be saved from the presence of sin.

We will commit sin no longer.

We will no longer remember what it was to be a sinner.

Then we will understand.

“Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.”

~ Pastor Todd Nibert

Click here to listen to the message “What Is The Gospel?”

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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: 10 June, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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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.

“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6: 44)

What a blessing from the Lord to have a willingness to draw near to Him and then to have ears to actually hear a word from Him.

“Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” (Acts 10: 33)

His words are words of life. “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)

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4: 12)

His words are words of salvation. “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)

“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)

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.

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;” (Ephesians 2: 1)

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.

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” (Romans 10: 1-4)

This Man receives sinners! What a miracle of amazing and sovereign grace. “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 as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.” (John 5: 21)

No man will ever come to Christ while he is resting in the deeds of the law for salvation. “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 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)

“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)

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.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Believers Love God’s Salvation In Christ”

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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: 21 July, 2021

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The Way They Call Heresy

”But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:” | Acts 24: 14

“I commend you to God.”

What better instruction could any minister give to his congregation.

Don’t look to the Law; it will only serve to condemn you.

Don’t look to religious ceremony; it will only serve to befuddle you.

Don’t look to yourself; it will only serve to make you self righteous.

Don’t even look to the preacher; he is a sinner and needs grace just like you.

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” (Isaiah 45: 22)

Look to the Lord Jesus Christ to provide all things in salvation.

“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)

He is made to the believer wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12: 1-2)

Keep looking always to Him.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “The Way They Call Heresy”

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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.

FreeGraceRadio.com Bulletin Article date: 4 February, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Danville, Kentuky

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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! 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)

“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” (Ephesians 3: 8-12)

2) In His Gracious Provision! 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)

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” (Galatians 4: 4-7)

3) In His Satisfying Propitiation! 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)

“For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 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. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” (Hebrews 2: 16-18)

4) In Preaching The Gospel! 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)

“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 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: 17-21)

God is ready to pardon His people.

~ 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: 21 July 2021

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The Sun Of Righteousness

”But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall” | Malachi 4: 2

This is one of the many promises found throughout the scriptures that proclaim and declare unto us the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and salvation accomplished by HIM.

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1: 4)

This promise is given to those that fear and reverence His name.

“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3: 18)

We know the scriptures describe the ungodly as, “having no fear of God before their eyes”.

“Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3: 11)

However, those that are humbled by Almighty grace, do have a saving and loving knowledge of God in Christ Jesus and truly worship and confess that Jesus Christ is all and all.

Notice several blessings that are given in this scripture:

1). The Sun of Righteousness shall arise. The Lord Jesus Christ is the very power and glory of the righteousness that every believer desires to be found in. “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: 9)

“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.” (Jeremiah 23: 5)

It is only through the obedience of our Saviour unto death that fully answers to the demand of God’s Holy Law. “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Galatians 3: 1-3)

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

As there is but one Sun, so also there is but one Righteousness that justifies the ungodly, the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,” (Romans 4: 6)

2). There is healing (salvation) in His wings (person). Our Lord Jesus Christ is known as, Jehovah Rapha: the Lord that healeth thee.

“And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.” (Exodus 15: 26)

Our Redeemer declared He was sent to heal the broken hearted.

“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)

Pardon of our iniquities and the cleansing of our sins are only through His blood atonement.

“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; 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 1: 7; 4: 10)

3). You shall go forth. (Set at liberty.)

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8: 32-36)

Believers have been set free from spiritual death and made new creatures in Christ.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5: 17)

Set at liberty to serve the Lord as a loving bond slave and given spiritual life to honor and worship.

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4: 24)

4). Grow up as calves of the stall. Every believer, upon whom the Sun of Righteousness shall arise, shall grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” (1 Peter 2: 2)

“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 commanded that the Light should abundantly shine in us. “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4: 6)

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

Believers are like the calves of the stall, that are lavishly fed; comfortably housed. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46: 1)

“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)

Regularly attended with much concern.

“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)

Assured of full growth.“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3: 18)

“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)

Even so, the elect of God are blessed in Christ Jesus with every spiritual blessing and are assured of complete salvation.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “How Great Things The Lord Hath Done”

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