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I Think Myself Happy

”I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews” | Acts 26: 2

When the apostle Paul stood before king Agrippa he had been in prison for two years. (Acts 24: 27)

The Lord now opens the door for Paul to declare the gospel unto both Festus the governor and Agrippa the king and he does so by first declaring that he was a happy man. Paul was saying that he was abundantly blessed of God. That is the reason even though in bondage he was rejoicing in the Lord. He writes to the Philippians from prison in Rome and says, “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice” (Philippians 4: 4)

That is the exact case of every believer.

Even though we live in this body of sin and in the bondage of death and are plagued by many trials, heartaches and much grief, we should always consider our case to be the same as Paul: “I think myself happy.”

“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)

“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. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1: 3-7)

Consider what David says in the Psalms about those who are blessed of God:

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” (Psalm 32: 1-2)

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” (Psalm 34: 8)

“Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee.” (Psalm 65: 4)

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.” (Psalm 84: 5)

Believers are abundantly blessed in Christ above all people of the earth and have every reason to rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ and be of good cheer.

-Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Christ Our Necessary Substitute”

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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: 7 November, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a

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To Him That Overcometh

”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

In the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 & 3 the Lord gives us some exceeding great and precious promises for us to enjoy right now and to enjoy for eternity.

Revelation 2: 7; “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

Revelation 2: 11; “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Revelation 2: 17; “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Revelation 2: 26-28; “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.

Revelation 3: 5; “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Revelation 3: 12; “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Revelation 3: 21; “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”

How do we overcome the power of the devil and the evil of our sin against God; only by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ? Revelation 12: 11; “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

How do we overcome the evil of our sinfulness and unbelief in this life?

By faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; 1 John 5: 4-5; “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Thanks be unto God for the victory we have in Christ! (Romans 8: 37-39; 1 Corinthians 15: 57)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Our Sin and God’s Solution For Our Sin”

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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: 19 December, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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God’s People Are Blessed Above All People

”Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance” | Psalm 89: 15

This Psalm declares in such a plain and powerful way all the covenant promises made with the Lord Jesus Christ that are eternal and certain.

Many commentators of scripture have called this Psalm, “The glorious covenant Psalm” and truly it is. We read about covenant mercies, covenant faithfulness of the Surety, the covenant God Who rules overall and the promise to the covenant seed being established forever in Christ Jesus. (Psalm 89: 4, 29, 36) He is a covenant God, therefore His covenant people must be blessed. (Ephesians 1: 3) God gives us this glorious description of His people in verses 15, 16, 17, 18 of this Psalm.

1). They know “the joyful sound of the gospel.” (Psalm 89: 15) The sheep of Christ know the effectual voice of the Great Shepherd and they delight to follow Him. (John 10: 27-30) It is the sound of victory over sin through His blood. It is the sound of love, peace and pardon in and through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 1: 6)

2). “They shall walk in the light of His countenance.” (Psalm 89: 15) Their darkened heart has been illuminated through the preaching of the gospel and the quickening of the Holy Spirit to see the beauty, glory and necessity of their great Redeemer and King. (2 Corinthians 4: 6)

3). “They shall rejoice in His name all the day.” (Psalm 89: 16) Believers have every reason to rejoice in Christ alone and have no confidence in the flesh. (Philipians 3: 3) They have been redeemed, justified and exalted in His name. (Acts 4: 12)

4). They shall be exalted in His righteousness. (Psalm 89: 16) The perfect righteousness that Jesus Christ worked out for His elect has been freely, eternally and fully imputed to them that believe. (Romans 4: 6) Christ Jesus is the Lord our Righteousness. (Jerimiah 23: 5; Philipians 3: 7-9)

5). The Lord Jesus Christ is “our glory and strength.” (Psalm 89: 17) Without Him we can do nothing and know nothing. (John 15: 5) Any spiritual strength or spiritual knowledge that we enjoy and experience must be because of His grace worked within us. (Philipians 1: 6; Philipians 4:13; Colossians 1: 27)

6). “The Lord is our defense.” (Psalm 89: 18) We are unable to defend ourselves against our spiritual enemies, there are too many of them and they are too powerful for us even to begin to fight. However, our Lord stood face to face with all our enemies and won the glorious victory for us. (Psalm 98: 1) He defeated sin by making atonement for it. (Hebrews 9: 26) He honored the law for us. (Galatians 3: 13; Colossians 2: 14-15) He defeated Satan by crushing his dominion and power. (Hebrews 2: 14) He defeated death by raising Himself from the dead. (Revelation 1: 18)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Are You A Thirsty 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.

Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 26 December, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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Being Justified Freely

“But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.” | Psalm 63: 11

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. (1 Peter 1: 18) It means to be acquitted and vindicated of all charges before the holy justice of God. (Jude 24) It means to be made and regarded righteous in God’s sight. (Colossians 1: 21-22)

How are sinners justified?

By God as the source, “It is God that justifieth.” (Romans 8: 33)

By grace as the spring and fountain, “Justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3: 24)

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

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

By faith as the means to receive this salvation in Christ, “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God.” (Romans 5: 1)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Psalm of a Thirsty Soul”

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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: 20 September, 2020 | Previous post date: n/a

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Some Believed and Some Believed Not

“REJOICE IN THE LORD” | Philippians 3: 1

Throughout the epistle to the believers at Philippi, Paul is always making reference to rejoicing in the Lord; “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice” (Philippians 4: 4)

I can truthfully say there have been times in my life when I rejoiced in everything but the Lord, in religious service, office, ceremony, heritage. But there was a time when our God taught me the saving and the true gospel and convinced me that all was vanity and dung, and that Jesus Christ is All and in All, that every believer is complete in Christ. (Colossians 2: 9) Once this was revealed to me, now I find that there are always abundant reasons to rejoice in Him no matter how difficult the day may be. Let me remind you of a few.

1). We rejoice in His glorious person. Totally and fully God and yet identified with our flesh ( John 1: 14; 1 Timothy 3: 16)

2). We rejoice in His perfect righteousness which He worked out for His people as our Mediator and Redeemer, He is the Lord our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23: 6; Romans 4: 6)

3). We rejoice in His glorious sacrifice which eternally puts away all our sin (Hebrews 9: 12; Hebrews 9: 26; Hebrews 10: 17)

4). We rejoice in His powerful grace that can transform us out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son (Colossians 1: 13)

5). We rejoice in His good and wise providence that works all things for our eternal good (Romans 8: 28)

6). We rejoice in His glorious resurrection by which we are justified (Romans 4: 25)

7). We rejoice in His eternal intercession for us as the Surety of the covenant of grace (Hebrews 7: 25; 1 John 2: 1-2)

8). We rejoice in His second coming, although we do not know the hour or the time, we do know that He will appear the second time without sin unto salvation (Hebrews 10: 28)

So, my friend, if you are a believer, you always have reasons to rejoice in the Lord! (Philippians 4: 4)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

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

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

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 20 September, 2020 | Previous post date: 11 March, 2021

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Contenders Or Pretenders?

”Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” | Jude 1: 3

Those who are not earnestly contending “for the faith” (the gospel of God’s sovereign and free grace in Christ) are only mere pretenders in a false refuge of lies. (Isaiah 28: 15; Matthew 7: 21-23)

Those who are earnestly and eagerly contending “for the faith” are those that are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. (Romans 1: 16-17)

Those who fervently contend “for the faith” are those who publicly preach it, (Acts 5: 42; Philippians 1: 27) faithfully support it, (Corinithians 9: 7) zealously identify themselves where the gospel is preached, (Hebrews 10: 25) ardently pray for God’s blessing upon it, (2 Thessalonians 3: 1) dogmatically defend it against all opposition, (Galatians 5: 1-5; Philippians 1: 17; 1 Timothy 6: 3-5) and assertively insist that there is but one gospel. (Galatians 1: 6-10; Ephesians 4: 4-6)

Now the question for us is this, are we genuine and legitimate contenders or wretched and desolate pretenders?

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “We Love God’s 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.

FreeGraceRadio.com Bulletin Article date: 14 October, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Danville, Kentuky

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The Lord’s Last Seven Beatitudes

”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,” | Romans 4: 1-6

We read in the Psalms many times about how believers are blessed in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” (Psalm 32: 1)

Our Lord Jesus Christ also on the Sermon on the Mount gave us nine beatitudes we read about in Matthew 5: 3-12. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, theirs is the kingdom of God.”

Then in the apostles Paul’s last word to the elders from Ephesus he gave the church the Lord’s words about giving, “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20: 35)

But we also find in the Book of Revelation of Jesus Christ the Lord’s last seven beatitudes given unto His church. What a great blessing the Lord pronounces upon every believer of the gospel.

Revelation 1: 3; “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”

Revelation 14: 13; “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

Revelation 16: 15; “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”

Revelation 19: 9; “Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.”

Revelation 20: 6; “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ.”

Revelation 22: 7; “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”

Revelation 22: 14; “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

May our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ give us grace to trust and rest in Him! (Psalm 62: 6-8; Isaiah 41: 10; John 5: 24)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “God Imputes Righteousness Without Our Works”

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

Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 2 January, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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A Sure Cure For Fretting

“And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.” | Mark 10: 48-49

David, a man after God’s own heart gives us some very inspired instruction and direction in Psalm 37: 1; when he says, “fret not.”

Surely, David writes to us with the experience of his own heart trouble, for he had much to fret about. Now, I will be the first to adrnit that our fallen, sinful nature is prone to fretting and worrying about most everything. Most of us have a worry-wart nature! Fretfulness and worrying are sins of their own punishment. How dreadful it is to lay awake all night worrying. But, David also gives us a sure cure for fretting in the following verses. He gives us a sevenfold cure!

1). TRUST IN THE LORD. (Psalm 37: 3) Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will cure fretting! When we trust Him to provide all our physical and spiritual needs, (Matthew 6: 33; Philippians 4: 19) we find comfort. We don’t look to the deeds or strength of the flesh to find our comfort, but to Him alone. We are to trust Him at all times. (Psalm 62: 8)

2). DELIGHT THYSELF ALSO IN THE LORD. (Psalm 37: 4) Rejoicing in the Lord also is a sure cure for fretting! (Philippians 3: 3) When we are taken up with the glory of His person, the power of His atonement, the freeness of His grace sureness of His mercy, it leaves no room for fretting.

3). COMMIT THY WAY UNTO THE LORD. (Psalm 37: 5) The marginal reading is, “Roll the whole burden of life upon Him” Peter put it this way, “casting all your care upon Him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 1: 5) When we realize that our Heavenly Father does all things well, surely we can commit our way to His wise providence and stop our fretting. (Romans 8: 28)

4). REST IN THE LORD. (Psalm 37: 7) Our Lord Jesus Christ having accomplished salvation for His elect, entered into His rest. (Hebrews 1: 3) Let us learn by His grace to cease from going about to establish a righteousness (Romans 10: 4) and make haste to enter into Him by faith and rest. (Hebrews 4: 10) When we are busy resting we have no time for fretting.

5). CEASE FROM ANGER. (Psalm 37: 8) When we try to take the matters into our own hands, we are bound to create a sure mess of things. Remember, that the wrath of man will never work the righteousness of God. (James 1: 18) God will take care of the sheep and subdue all our enemies under our feet. (Colossians 2: 14)

6). DEPART FROM EVIL. (Psalm 37: 27) We are exhorted in the scripture to put off the old man with his deeds. (Colossians 3: 8-15) By God’s grace and power He does restrain the believer from living for self and to strive to live for the glory of God. (Jeremiah 9: 23-24)

7). WAIT ON THE LORD. (Psalm 37: 34) We wait with great expectations on the certainties of His promises. (2 Peter 1: 4) God’s purpose of grace and mercy cannot fail. (Isaiah 42: 1-4; Isaiah 43: 1-5)

Believer, fret not.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Jesus Stood Still”

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

Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 2 September, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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Grace Brings Salvation

“Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, how is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” | John 4: 9

The woman of Samaria told the Lord Jesus that the religious Jews, out of their self-righteous pride, would have no dealings with the Samaritans, people who the Jews considered to be too sinful for salvation.

But thank God, the Lord Jesus Christ came to save and to have dealings with sinners.

He is the friend of sinners. (Matthew 11: 19)

Christ did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. (Matthew 9: 12:13)

The Lord Jesus Christ came to seek and to save the lost. (Luke 19: 10)

Now the question for us to consider, are we sinners? Yes!

Do we need the salvation from the hand of the Lord? Yes!

This is a faithful saying, Christ came to save sinners. (1 Timothy 1: 12)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Grace Brings 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: 2 January, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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ADDICTED TO THE GOSPEL

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

The word addicted means; to surrender one’s self habitually, or to become dependent upon, or to be very enthusiastic about. We usually use this word in a negative way, but here in reference to the believer it is very positive, “they have addicted themselves to the ministry.”

Believers have surrendered to Christ, submitted to Him, His rule and reign. (Psalm 110: 3; Acts 2: 36; Philippians 2: 9-10)

Believers are totally dependent upon Christ for all of their salvation. (1 Corinthians 1: 30; Philippians 4: 19)

Believers are very enthusiastic about the good news of God’s mercy to sinners in Christ. (Luke 18: 14; 1 Timothy 1: 15) Their confession of faith is, “He has done all things well,” (Mark 7: 37) in creation, (Genesis 1: 31) in providence (Romans 11: 36) and in salvation. (John 17: 2-4; John 19: 30)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Seven Stubborn Statements”

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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, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a