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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

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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

Posted on by Sovereign Grace Bulletin Articles

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