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Hear Him

”And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.” | Luke 9: 35

On this occasion the Lord Jesus was glorified before the apostles.

“While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” (Matthew 17: 5)

There also appeared with Him Moses and Elijah when He was transfigured. Both Moses and Elijah were occupied and discussing the Lord’s death, “his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.”

When Peter saw this glorious sight he thought that it might be good to build three tabernacles honoring them, Moses the great lawgiver and Elijah the mighty prophet of God.

About this time God was pleased to overshadow them with a cloud and to speak out of heaven unto the disciple. The instructions of God were plain and simple,

“Hear Him.”

Peter, don’t build, don’t sacrifice, don’t worship Moses and Elijah; “Hear Him.”

The command of the gospel has not changed.

“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24: 27)

The command of God is as appropriate today as it was then, “Hear Him.” God has given the whole testimony of scripture as an accurate record to bear witness to the glorious person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself”

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2: 13)

May God give us much wisdom and grace to hear the word of the Lord and receive and believe it in our hearts.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Why Have I Found Grace In Thine Eyes”

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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: 18 April, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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Who Will Be Justified Before God?

”For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:” | John 5: 21-22

I recently asked a local religious leader: ‘who would be justified before God at the judgment seat of Christ?’

To which he replied, ‘I believe all good people will be in heaven.’

To which I said, ‘What is the basis or root cause of goodness?’

The religious man said he thought ‘that the standard to which we would gain eternal heaven was based upon how many goods works we produced.’

This man, like most religious lost people have no concept what God Almighty requires.

“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.” (Galatians 3: 10)

Because God is Holy and all men sinful, the best we can produce will never satisfy His demand.

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” (Isaiah 64: 6)

The scriptures plainly and powerfully proclaim that, “there is none good, no not one.”

“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; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Romans 3: 9-12)

Certainly, any thinking person would see that creature merit and righteousness is excluded in the scheme of God’s salvation.

“What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.” (Romans 4: 1-7)

The only way any guilty sinner can be justified before God is to have a perfect justifying righteousness provided by God Himself without any contribution from the sinner.

This indeed is the good news of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.” (Psalm 57: 2)

Salvation is based upon His performance, not ours.

No wonder the apostle said, “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: 8-9)

“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)

If any man thinks that he is justified before God by his good works he is tragically and dreadfully mistaken. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” (Titus 3: 5)

What a horrible rebuke of the effectual, substitutionary sacrifice and perfect obedience of the Lord Jesus Christ, to entertain thoughts of self glory, self righteousness and self salvation! “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:” (Philippians 2: 6-9)

“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16: 15)

Paul made this very argument to the Galatians church. “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain” (Galatians 2: 21)

“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)

The Lord Jesus Christ alone is all any sinner needs to stand in God’s presence justified. “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)

“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)

Those in Christ by sovereign adoption, effectual calling, powerful regeneration and saving faith have no other hope nor ground on which to stand. “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 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: 13-16)

“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)

Some might ask, “Is the Lord Jesus Christ enough?”

“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)

If the Lord Jesus Christ is all you have, God says that is enough!

Here is one of many scriptures that tells us this blessed truth, “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)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Things Concerning the Kingdom of God”

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

Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 14 January, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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Waiting On The Lord

”I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning” | Psalm 130: 5-6

Waiting on the Lord does not imply idleness on the part of the believer.

His people are active in the kingdom of God:

Zealous of good works. “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:14)

Diligent about their Father’s business. “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2: 49)

Vigorous in spreading the gospel by whatever means the Lord supplies. “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” (Acts 5: 41- 42)

Our God highly disapproves of idleness. “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!” (Amos 6: 1)

However, we do wait on Him for direction, open doors, liberty, wisdom, and for results.

Here is the source, strength and the sweetness of our waiting, “In His WORD I do hope.”

His WORD is always successful. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55: 11)

His WORD is always true. “For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.” (Psalm 33: 4)

His WORD is living. “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)

His WORD is powerful. “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)

“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15: 10)

The apostle Paul declared that he labored much in preaching the WORD, but also he waited on the Lord for the results. Listen to what he said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3: 6)

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;” (2 Timothy 4: 1)

Let us be diligent laborers in the kingdom of God, always striving to preach the WORD; (Jesus Christ) knowing our labors in the Lord are never fruitless. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15: 58)

However, let us be just as diligent to wait on the Lord for the results.

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27: 14)

His blessings are worth waiting for.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Repent, The Kingdom Of Heaven Is At Hand”

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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: 29 April, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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Our Sins And Our Guilt

”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

As the people of God, we don’t deny Adam’s sin and guilt before Him.

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

We also confess and own that in Adam all have sinned, all have spiritually died, that we are all guilty by imputed and actual sin and imputed and actual guilt.

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

However, I have never read in the scriptures of anyone praying forgive me for Adam’s sin, or Adam’s guilt.

“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)

Rather, the people of God are always praying, Lord forgive me for my sin, like the publican prayed, “Lord have mercy on me the sinner” or like David prayed, “Against thee and thee only have I sinned.”

We must understand, (and that only by sovereign revelation) that we are the guilty party, that we are ruined and lost and guilty before God.

Until we do, we will never earnestly beg for pardon, mercy or say with Job, “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)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “The Church Bought With His Blood”

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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: 7 January, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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Sound Doctrine

”I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” | Galatians 1: 6-9

There are but two schemes of religion in this world.

“But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.” (Jonah 2: 9)

One is true the other is false. One is saving the other is damning.

“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)

The two schemes of religion are free grace and free will.

“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)

Free grace declares that salvation is the work of God alone.

“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)

Free will declares that salvation is, at least in part, the work of man.

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6: 63)

Free grace declares that salvation is conditioned upon the obedience of Christ alone as the sinner’s Substitute.

“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)

Free will declares that salvation is ultimately and finally conditioned upon the obedience of the sinner himself.

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

Any doctrine that makes salvation, eternal life, acceptance with God, and the reward of the heavenly inheritance to be dependent upon, or determined by you, at any point or in any measure, is contrary to sound doctrine and must be rejected.

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” (1 Timothy 4: 6-7)

To receive, believe, or embrace such doctrine will be damning to your soul.

Here are five points of Divine truth revealed in Holy Scripture. Anything that is contrary to, or in any measure diminishes these five points of sound doctrine must be rejected as heresy.

  1. TOTAL DEPRAVITY – All men by nature are both sinful and helpless, because all are spiritually dead in sin “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:” (Matthew 15: 19)

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,” (Ephesians 2: 1-4)

  1. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION – God, from eternity, chose a people in Christ whom he determined to save, without consideration of anything in them or anything that might be done by them “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:” (2 Thessalonians 2: 13)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1: 3-6)

  1. LIMITED ATONEMENT – Christ died for and redeemed his elect only. The benefits of Christ’s death are limited to the elect. His death effectually accomplished and secured their eternal salvation “He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.” (Isaiah 53: 8-11)

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep… As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10: 11, 15)

  1. IRRESISTIBLE GRACE – God the Holy Spirit calls sinners from spiritual death to spiritual life in Christ by the power of his grace, which cannot be successfully resisted “Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.” (Psalm 65: 4)

“Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.” (Psalm 110: 3)

  1. PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS – Every sinner chosen by God in election, redeemed by Christ at Calvary, and called by the Spirit in grace shall persevere in grace unto eternal glory, because they are all preserved and kept by grace. “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)

“And they shall be my people, and I will be their God: And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:” (Jeremiah 32: 38-40)

Those who preach any doctrine contrary to God’s testimony, concerning Who Christ is and what He accomplished, we as believers should immediately identify it as false and reject it as heresy.

“Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” (Romans 11: 5)

Salvation is all of grace!

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

We were chosen by his grace. “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)

“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,” (Galatians 1: 15)

We are justified by his grace.

“That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2: 7)

We are saved by his grace. (Romans 8: 28-39) http://blb.sc/00F5OJ

We are called by his grace.

“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)

We are glorified by his 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)

From election to glorification, salvation is all of GRACE!

~ 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.

Central Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 3 April, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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The Blood Of Jesus Christ

”The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.” | 1 John 1: 7

Oh, what good news the gospel of Jesus Christ declares to sinners!

We are by birth and nature children of darkness, loving darkness rather than the Light of the truth. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3: 19)

“That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:” (Ephesians 2: 12)

However, by the marvelous power of God through the gospel of Christ, “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) God has delivered us from the power of darkness into the kingdom of the Son of His love.

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” (Colossians 1: 13)

That we should show forth the praises of Him Who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. “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)

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” (1 Peter 2: 9)

Furthermore, the gospel declares unto all that believe, that the precious blood atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.

“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)

Not the blood of bulls and goats, not the ceremony and traditions of men, but the glorious blood offering of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, nothing less and nothing more, cleanses from all sin.

“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)

Original sin, actual sin, spiritual and natural sin, ALL sin forever!!

Oh, the glory of this perfect, full and finished salvation we are blessed to possess and enjoy through our victorious Lord.

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

“Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Freewill or Free Grace?”

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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: 7 January, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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Christ Is Precious To Those Who Believe

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

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

“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.” (Act 10: 33)

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

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)

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)

“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)

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

It is not sin that keeps a man from hearing the good news of the gospel of Christ, it is his presumed righteousness he is going about to establish by his religious deeds. “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)

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)

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

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. “For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.” (John 5: 21)

“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)

This Man receives sinners!

“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)

What a miracle of amazing and sovereign grace.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Christ Is The Rose Of Sharon”

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

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 18 April, 2021 | Previous post date: 6 June, 2021

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The Lord Gave And The Lord Hath Taken Away

”And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” | Job 1: 21

When God had sent Job severe trials he fell down upon the ground and worshipped.

In his worship he magnified his Lord as the absolute sovereign in all things.

“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Romans 11: 36)

Some people would only recognize that the Lord gives, which He abundantly does.

“Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” (Psalm 40: 5)

However, the believer rejoices that the Lord gives and that the Lord does take away.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3: 16)

The Lord Jesus Christ does abundantly give His people all things in salvation, “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)

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” (1 Corinthians 2: 12)

The believer can also rejoice that the Lord does also take away, He has taken away all our sin, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1: 29)

“But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9: 26)

Believers like Job, bow before the Lord and worship Him.

We do rejoice that our great God does all things well, as David said, “As for God, His way is perfect” (2 Samuel 22: 31)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Sovereign Mercy Demonstrated”

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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: 11 January, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Danville, Kentuky

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Comfort In Trouble

”So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 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. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” | Romans 1: 15-17

Being a believer in Jesus Christ and resting in His good providence does not exempt us from trouble, trial, sorrow and heartache in this life.

Our Lord said, “In this world you shall have tribulation.” “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33)

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

Our blessed Lord said, “Come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” “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)

Our gracious God has promised wisdom to understand the trial “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1: 5)

Grace to endure and bear the trial “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)

Faith to trust and believe God through the trial “And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God” (Romans 4: 19-20)

Peace to rest in His purpose, knowing that this trial works to our eternal good. (Romans 8: 28-35)

Hope to rejoice in our Lord and Saviour, Who said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” “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 my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 19)

Surely, we must conclude that we are needy and sinful creatures and that the Lord Jesus Christ is our only resource of help and hope!

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “The Powerful Gospel Of 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: 27 March, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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No Condemnation And No Separation

“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

Consider this dreadful truth for a moment.

Our sin in fallen Adam charged to us has separated us from God, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God.” (Isaiah 59: 2) In Adam we are, “Estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.” (Psalm 58: 3) In Adam death and sin entered into us, “By one-man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men.” (Romans 5: 12)

But now consider this glorious truth for a moment.

Our sin has been separated from us forever.

Our Blessed Saviour came in the flesh apart from sin (Romans 8: 3) and in our nature to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (Hebrews 9: 26; Galatians 4: 4-6; 1 John 3: 5) Now because of His glorious, full and eternal atonement for sin the believer has no sin. (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 He remembers our sin no more, “their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 10: 17) This is the good news of the gospel no condemnation and no separation but rather eternal reconciliation. (Romans 8: 1; Romans 8: 32-39; 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21)

REPENTANCE | “For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge!” (2 Corinthians 7: 11)

Now Paul gives us seven evidences of true, sincere and genuine-godly repentance that is the gift of God.

1). What carefulness (eagerness, diligence and haste) it wrought in you; to correct our behavior before God and to avoid future offences, diligence and carefulness; as opposed to our past negligence in the gospel and in spiritual matters. (1 Thessalonians 1: 4-9)

2). What clearing of yourself; not by denying our sin, (what we are before God) and our guilt (because of our transgressions against God), but rather by confessing and owning them and seeking forgiveness for them only thru Christ) (1 John 1: 7-9; Hebrews 9: 12-14)

3). What indignation, (righteous anger), not against God’s holy law, nor against God’s servant for declaring the truth, but rather against our own selves, because of our own sin and foolishness. For true repentance is taking God’s side against ourselves because of our own folly and sin. (Job 42: 5-6; Isaiah 6: 5; Romans 7: 24-25)

4). What fear; (alarm) not of eternal condemnation; (Romans 8: 1) no condemnation to them that are in Christ, but rather of the Father’s disapproval and chastisement, and the fear of bringing reproach on the gospel of Christ. “By the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” (Proverbs 16: 6) What fear and reverence the Lord does give us when He grants unto us repentance! (Psalm 111: 9)

5). What a vehement desire; (longing for) to honor God and to live for His glory in the present evil world. When God gives repentance He changes our desires, of self-glory, self-centeredness, self-righteousness to seeking His glory; (Galatians 6:14; Philippians 3: 7-14)

6). What zeal; to promote God’s gospel. (1 Peter 2: 9) To stand for the true gospel of grace in Christ, having nothing to do with those who promote salvation by deeds of the law. (Galatians 1: 7-10; Galatians 2: 16)

7). What revenge; not against any person in a private way, for vengeance belongs unto God, but rather against anything contrary to the gospel of Christ. (Psalm 119: 104) These sweet and gracious effects wrought in us spring from the first great cause, God’s sovereign grace in Christ. They come from God and always lead to Him. “The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance” (Romans 2: 4)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Redemption Only 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.

Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 29 January, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky