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Mercy Rejoiceth Against Judgement

”So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” | James 2: 12-13

Carnal reasoning shows partiality to one while neglecting another based on outward adornments.

God chose those who were too poor in sin to provide righteousness for themselves.

“Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?” (James 2: 5-6)

Evil judgments exalt those who appear to offer a return and reject those who have nothing.

“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?” (James 2: 1-4)

God rejects those who come in the goodly apparel of their own righteousness but freely gives the vilest wretch the riches of faith, making him an heir of his kingdom.

Unjustified religionists rejoice to draw men before the law.

“Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” (James 2: 7-9)

God satisfied his own justice in the person of his Son and therefore he delights to show mercy.

Carnal men blaspheme the name of God, setting themselves up as gods, rejecting those rich in grace because by outward appearance they seem vile.

We rejected the Just One for the same reason.

Yet, it is by that worthy name that sinners are called and made the very righteousness of God in him.

Brethren, one of the worst enemies we face is the old, legal, unjust judge that resides within each of us.

We may try to justify such legalism by saying that our partiality was an effort to fulfill the royal command.

“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.” (James 2: 10-11)

Yet, when we begin to vainly imagine that we have kept ourselves unspotted from the world, the Holy Spirit reminds us that one evil thought is enough to convict us as transgressors before the whole law of God.

Is your rejoicing in that soon you will stand alone before the thrice holy God in unbending justice?

Or is your rejoicing that you are now complete by faith in Christ through God’s abounding mercy?

Therefore, as believers, having beheld the wrath due to us poured out on our Substitute at Calvary, let us speak and do as they that shall be judged in the Lord our Righteousness.

Brethren, having received mercy from God instead of what we deserved may he give us grace to rejoice in the same mercy toward one another!

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “Sanctification Illustrated” (51:15 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.

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Bulletin Article date: 25 February, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey

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I Will Help Thee

”Fear not, thy worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel, I WILL HELP THEE, saith the Lord and they Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel” | Isaiah 41: 14

God says to true Israel, “I WILL HELP THEE.”

And, when God says, “I will help thee,” there is something to it, brethren!

The will of God started the world into existence; the will of God sent Christ into the world and to the cross; the will of God called you by grace to faith in Christ.

And if God says to you, “I will help thee,” there is no doubt about it.

He does not say, “I will PROBABLY help you,” or “I MAY help you if you fit certain requirements,” or “It is possible to obtain help of the Lord.”

No!

Without any qualifications the Lord our Redeemer says, “I will help thee!”

Now, there is comfort there.

That is enough to cheer the heart of every believer.

Why should He not help us?

Consider what He has already done.

He loved us, chose us, died for us, called us, and intercedes for us.

If this be the case, He will surely help us at every point along our way; for, without Him, we can do nothing.

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Brethren” (32:14 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 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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Children Of Love

”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

God showed His power in making us creatures, but He showed His love in making us sons.

A man may give thanks that God had made him a man rather than a beast, but how much more we ought to praise His glorious name for making us children of love rather than leaving us in our state of sin.

When I think of what and where I could be, my heart overflows with gratitude to my Redeemer!

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “HIS Mind, Will, Purpose & Work” (31:17 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: 15 July, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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More Than The Usual Religious Bargain

”And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.” | Acts 3: 5

Many spiritually lame sinners have grown accustomed to the usual religious bargain.

Sinners are brought by their friends to a place that should be beautifully filled with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ only to receive a carnal trinket to momentarily gratify the flesh.

In like manner, after years of receiving the usual religious bargain, this lame man expected to receive nothing more than the same from Peter.

Yet, that which Peter had he gave.

Through his gospel the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth sends forth the sovereign command with power from his throne of grace, saying, “Rise up and walk.”

Through his gospel from his throne of dominion, the Lord of heaven and earth takes hold of his redeemed, illustrated by Peter taking hold of the lame man.

Through the Holy Spirit, Christ’s Power becomes the strength of the sinner, even as this impotent man received strength in his ankle bones and feet.

When the Faithful One joins himself with a lame sinner he gives the gift of faith whereby the lame leap up to walk for the first time.

Through his gospel command the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth unites sinners with their brethren and together they enter into Christ the true Temple.

The sinner saved by the absolute, irresistible, free grace of God in Christ praises continually the Lord who healed him.

If Christ is our Life then he is our Life at the time of conversion, in every hour of trial, in every hour of joy, and for all eternity.

Believers do not go to Mt. Zion for eternal salvation then back to Mt. Sinai for matters of daily life.

God has given his Son a name which is above every name.

The more that name is declared the more the lame leap as a hart with joy.

It is through the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth that the lame receive more than we could have ever bargained for.

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “The Valley of Dry Bones” (39:01 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.

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Bulletin Article date: 24 February, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey

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The Fear Of The LORD

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” | Psalm 111: 10

Once Job and his three friends had spoken, they were rebuked by Elihu and then by God, Himself.

The essence of Elihu’s and God’s response to all that had been said by Job and his three friends is this: God is the Maker and Sovereign Sustainer of all things.

Powers beyond your imagination are at His beck and call.

Who are you?

There is no fault in man that cannot be traced back to his lack of reverence or “the fear of the Lord.”

Paul concluded his prosecution of all mankind with, “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

In some, this lack of the fear of God results in outright atheism; in others, it results in a form of religion in which the works and/or will of men are the deciding factor in their eternal condition.

Some would say that the pride of man is the source of all sin and error, and they would be correct in saying that.

But we can go back even one more step, for the pride of man arises only in a heart that is devoid of the fear of the Lord.

No amount of intellectual, theological training can give a man the fear of the Lord.

The fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING of wisdom, not the end of it.

Only God can teach the fear of God. And I believe that His classroom for all His lessons on this subject is the cross of Christ.

Wherever this lesson is God-taught, mouths are shut, hearts are subdued, wills are broken, knees are bowed, and repentance and faith flow freely. And the answer to, “Who are you?” is “I am nobody; Christ is all.”

~ Pastor Joseph Terrell

Click here to listen to the message “God and His People” (50:28 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.

Central Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 8 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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Meat And Potatoes Of The Gospel

”Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” | Ephesians 1: 1-2

“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)

What are the blessings that God‘s people have received 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:” (Ephesians 1: 4)

He chose us in Christ.

“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” (Ephesians 1: 5)

He predestinated us in Christ.

“To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1: 6)

He made us accepted in Christ.

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

He redeemed us in Christ.

“Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” (Ephesians 1: 8-10)

He enlightened us, and called us in Christ.

“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” (Ephesians 1: 11,12)

He has enriched us in Christ.

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1: 13, 14)

He sealed us in Christ.

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Meat And Potatoes Of The Gospel” (41:45 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: 15 July, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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Too Many Things To Choose From

“Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.” | Isaiah 42: 1-4

Have you ever made a phone call and a voice comes on and says push one or two or four, then when you push that number it starts all over again?

How frustrating.

In every part of life there are too many things to choose from, in going to a restaurant, in choosing a car, what kind of computer should I get, on and on it goes.

But there is one thing in which there are no options:

SALVATION from sin and condemnation.

“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)

God in His Holy Word has made it plain and straightforward; ‘This is my beloved Son, hear Him.’

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14: 6)

God says there is ONE WAY to come unto Him.

“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” (John 17: 1-2)

God says there is One who has the power to give eternal life.

“What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,” (Romans 9: 22-23)

God says there is One who has the power to make God the Father known.

“To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1: 6)

God says there is One in whom a sinner can be accepted.

“The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.” (Psalm 98: 2)

The Holy Scriptures tell us there is One Righteousness;

“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)

The Holy Scriptures tell us there is Onee Savior of sinners,

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

The Holy Scriptures tell us there is One Mediator between God and men, ‘The man Christ Jesus’.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (Psalm 119: 156)

The Holy Scriptures tell us there is One who has the power to give life and quicken whom He will.

“Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;” (Hebrews 1: 2)

God says there is One whom He appointed heir.

“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (2 Peter 1: 17)

God says there is One by whom He will be addressed.

“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” (1 Corinthians 8: 6)

God says there is One by whom He will address sinners, One – JUST ONE.

God will give no man any wiggle room here, freewill won’t do, works won’t do, merit has no place, and law keeping won’t be accepted.

The Lord God said it this way, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life: but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3: 36)

I am so thankful that God the Father brought me to the place where there was no way out from under the guilt and condemnation of my sin and revealed the ONE WAY in which He would accept and make me righteous.

That Way is through and by the Lord Jesus Christ.

~ Pastor Donnie Bell

Click here to listen to the message “How Sinners Come To Christ” (40:23 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: 25 July, 2021 | Previous post date: 9 September, 2021

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Pure Religion And Undefiled

”Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” | James 1: 27

The Son of God who took upon him the form of a servant and became obedient even unto the death of the cross is truly the only pure and undefiled worshipper before God the Father.

He visited this worldly orphanage and adopted a multitude of sons and daughters who were afflicted with no knowledge of the Father who loved them.

Christ Jesus visited his church revealing that though she thought herself a widow, fact was, she had a Husband who loved her with an everlasting love and bought her with his own blood.

This One who visited us orphans and widows kept himself undefiled from this world.

While carnal religion splattered itself with stains of hypocrisy by making known all their works, by taking advantage of the helpless, by using only those who could offer them gain in return, Christ our Lord quietly went about providing for those who could add nothing to him.

That is pure religion and undefiled before God the Father.

When this same gracious Spirit of Christ enters a sinner, his religion is made pure and undefiled before God the Father in spirit.

Now the former orphan is a son adopted and taken into the loving arms of his Father.

Once full of wrath, he now bridles his tongue so he can listen to priceless instruction drop like honey from the lips of his Father.

Now the former widow is adorned in the wedding garment of righteousness provided by her Husband who loved her and gave himself for her.

Though their old nature wars against them, neither the son nor the bride would dare return to their former state, but rest under the care of their Father and Husband.

Thus they keep themselves unspotted from this sinful world.

Moreover, sinners saved by grace behold their former state in those who are orphans and widows, poor and needy.

In a spirit made of love and mercy they visit the afflicted.

But visiting is more than giving carnal gifts during the holidays.

True visiting is a God-given spirit which willingly, continually, takes the oversight, not just with temporal provisions, but also with the gospel which provides for the soul.

Doing it without being noticed by anyone, for those who can offer you absolutely nothing in return, while knowing such acts add nothing whatsoever to your standing before God, that is keeping yourself unspotted from this world.

That is the spirit God gives to those who know what it is to be orphans and widows saved by God’s abounding grace.

That is pure religion and undefiled before God the Father.

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “Brotherly Love” (30:10 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.

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Bulletin Article date: 22 February, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey

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New Mercies Every Morning

”This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” | Lamentations 3: 21-23

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

When I think of the Lord’s mercies and compassions being new every morning, I must confess that I leave none of them unused each day.

There is never a carryover of unused mercies and compassions.

“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.”

~ Pastor John Chapman

Click here to listen to the message “I Know Whom I Have Chosen” (28:10 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 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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The Lord Jesus Christ Has Completed The Work Of Salvation

”And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” | Romans 11: 6

I spoke with a dear friend this week who I have known for the better part of thirty five years.

Since this was the first time we had spoke in nearly a year and a half we had a lot of catching up to do.

Towards the end of the conversation he told me that he had joined a particular religious denomination.

Without even hesitating for a second he said proudly. “I worked hard for over a year to become a part of this church and it was not an easy thing.”

As he continued speaking all I could think about was works religion.

If he had worked for a year to be a part of this religious organization, his work was far from done.

I am so thankful that the Lord saves His people by sovereign grace.

I am so glad that my salvation is not based upon my works.

I am so grateful that Christ paid my enormous sin debt for me and taught me that if it is by grace IT IS NO MORE OF WORKS.

All my works are works of iniquity, filthy rags, which produce only self-righteousness.

All the glory goes to Christ, my Savior, because he did all the work.

~ Pastor David Eddmenson

Click here to listen to the message “That No Flesh Should Glory” (23:26 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 July, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a