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Shall

”That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” | 1 Corinthians 1: 31

What do believers glory in when they glory in the Lord?

They glory in His holiness.

“And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.” (Exodus 24: 15-17)

They glory in His grace.

“And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings. And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.” (Leviticus 9: 22,23)

And they glory in His mercy.

“Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’S house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.” (2 Chronicles 7: 1-3)

What is the greatest display of the glory of the Lord’s holiness, grace, and mercy that the world has ever seen, and could ever know?

The Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of calvary!

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6: 14)

Holiness demanded a sacrifice for sin.

Grace provided one, and Mercy poured the Blood of that sacrifice all over the sinners that God chose to save!

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Shall” (27:05 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: 1 July, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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A Fallen Saint

“Peter went out and wept bitterly.” | Luke 22: 62

Peter had sat in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

He had walked on the water to go to Him.

He had lived in the full assurance that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God.

“We believe and are sure,” he said, “That thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” the words of blood redemption had gone to Peter’s heart from the very lips of Jesus Christ Himself.

“Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6: 68)

Peter had seen the power of the Lord when he spoke to the raging waves of the sea and stilled them – the Lord Jesus saved Peter’s life that day, and Peter knew it too.

Now this same Peter has denied the Lord he loved and believed – even cursed and swore he never knew him. Look at him now as he goes off in the darkness sobbing as he goes.

Imagine the guilt and fear that weighed upon his afflicted conscience?

Imagine the suggestions from Satan, the prince of darkness, saying to him, “There is no hope for you now.”

Only those who have experienced such a thing know how Satan can work with a guilty conscience to drive it to despair.

I am sure Peter thought, as many have since, “There is no way out of this dilemma I find myself in.”

A poor soul like this can despair of ever being recovered. He sank in deep mire where there was no standing.

I will tell you this, if Jesus Christ does not make intercession for such a person and strengthen his faith, and send some light into his darkness, Satan will sift him. Those who dream they are a match for Satan’s accusations are ignorant of his devices.

Does our Lord Jesus know all this?

Of course he knows.

His intercession had already secured Peter, not from falling but from falling away.

Not from bitter weeping but from final despair.

Peter had a sad and fearful fall, but he had a fearless and faithful Advocate with the Father.

Peter fell, but just about the time the enemy began to rejoice over him, he rose up again – forgiven and restored.

Dear fallen saint, don’t despair.

Maybe you see no way in your present darkness to be restored, but Jesus Christ can see for you, He is the way.

Look out of your wet eyes to him.

Your heart is aching but the Lord Jesus feels it.

Trust him.

Wait upon Him.

Your weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning.

~ Pastor Bruce Crabtree

Click here to listen to the message “Our eyes are upon thee” (59:37 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: 31 August, 2021

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What A Contrast

”When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” | Acts 7: 54-60

What a demonstration of contrast between the way of the wicked flesh and the way of sovereign grace when God’s servant, Stephen was being stoned to death for the gospel’s sake.

“For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” (Philippians 3: 3)

The enemies of the gospel were filled with rage; Stephen was filled with joy in the Lord. “And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” (Acts 7: 56)

“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.” (Romans 3: 9-11)

They were occupied with hatred; Stephen was bursting with the love of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Spirit. “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)

“They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:” (Romans 3: 12-14)

They were packed with fear; Stephen was occupied with faith. “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)

“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)

They were chock-full of persecution; Stephen was jam-packed with prayer. “And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7: 60)

“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” (1 Corinthians 4: 7)

Oh, what a difference the sovereign grace of God makes in the believer. “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: 15-16)

“Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3: 15-18)

Oh, how dreadfully wicked is the way of the sinful flesh.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Is Your Heart Right?” (33:21 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.

Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 18 February, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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The Gospel Rejected & Its Consequences

”If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.” | Psalm 130: 3-4

There is no greater news to a sinner saved by grace than to hear that there is forgiveness with the LORD.

What a sweet melody it is.

~ Pastor John Chapman

Click here to listen to the message “The Gospel Rejected & It’s Consequences” (34:27 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: 1 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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Receiving

”Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” | 1 Peter 1: 9

If you buy something, you purchased it.

If you earn something, you worked for it.

If you deserve something, then you merited it.

But when you receive something, it was a free gift.

Our free gift is grace and faith in Christ, even the salvation of our souls.

~ Pastor David Eddmenson

Click here to listen to the message “Does God Need Man?” (43:10 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: 24 June, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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Not Getting What We Deserve

”And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,” | Exodus 34: 6

God is merciful to sinners in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mercy is: “Not getting what we deserve.”

The Lord God did not give His people the wrath, punishment, and death that they deserved, because He gave it to Christ in their place.

Mercy truly is the hope of earth and joy of heaven!

For all eternity every saint in glory will be thanking Christ, the Lamb, for the Blood that brought mercy!

For those who are hoping in, trusting in, and pleading that mercy, here are seven glorious things to consider about it:

1.) Mercy is an attribute of God’s character! “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.” (Micah 7: 18)

2.) God’s mercy is Sovereign! He said in Exodus 33: 19 “…I will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.”

In spite of the fact that we do not deserve it, and in our wicked flesh do not want it, He freely gives to whomever He will!

3.) God’s mercy is what demands our salvation! “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)

With the price being paid, Justice said we had to go free!

4.) God’s mercy is bound by His covenant! “Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.” (Isaiah 55: 3)

Once He gives mercy to a sinner, He will never take it back!

5.) God’s mercy is tender. David said: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.” (Psalm 51: 1)

6.) God’s mercy is abundant!

He is “Plenteous in mercy”. “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” (Psalm 86: 5)

He is “Rich in mercy”. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,” (Ephesians 2: 4)

“Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.” (Psalm 130: 7)

Lamentations 3: 23 says, His compassionate mercy begins brand new every morning!

7.) God’s mercy is everlasting! “Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 106: 1)

Thank Christ, the Lamb, for the Blood that brought mercy!

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “A Look At God’s Mercy” (33:50 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

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If You Love Me

”Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.” | Matthew 27: 41, 42

Such is the blindness of natural man that when he attempts to speak of spiritual things, even the most intelligent among them become fools.

The intelligentsia of Jewish religion had long hated Christ.

They had often gone to where he was teaching to ply him with questions in an attempt to tricking Him into saying something they could use against Him.

In so doing they doubtless heard much of His teaching.

Yet, now they say, “Come down from the cross and we will believe you.”

Their taunt is utterly absurd.

If He comes down from the cross, they will have no reason to believe Him; He will have made Himself a liar.

Did He not say, “… the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many,” and, “The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men: And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again”?

If He had come down from the cross, he would have proven Himself a liar and undermined any reason for anyone to believe Him.

But there is a more serious issue.

If Christ were to have come down from the cross, there would have been no value in believing Him. Faith would not have brought salvation.

Had Christ not fulfilled this death-work, believing Him would leave believers in their condemned state.

Their sins would not have been paid for, leaving them in a state of guilt, and God will by no means clear the guilty.

Anyone who does not see the cross-work of the Lord Jesus as the linchpin of the whole scheme of grace does not understand the scheme of grace.

The whole of it rests upon “Christ and Him crucified!”

~ Pastor Joe Terrell

Click here to listen to the message “If You Love Me” (51:32 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.

Hurricane Road Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 29 November, 2020 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky

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Good News For Pilgrims!

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” | John 14: 1-3

Here is good news for weary, heavy-hearted pilgrims from our homeland in Heaven.

Do you have heartaches and troubles too numerous to count? It will do you good to receive some good news from home.

The Lord our God is still on His throne. Our Savior is still in Heaven, preparing a place for you, representing you, interceding for you.

There are many in Heaven just like you and me already.

There is a fallen David there.

There is a doubting Thomas there.

There is an angry Moses there.

There is a feeble Philip there.

There is an impetuous Peter there.

There is a righteous Lot there.

“Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” (Revelation 14: 7)

All are there by grace alone, through the merits of Christ’s blood and righteousness. And, soon, the Lord Jesus Christ will come again to take you there!

~ Pastor Don Fortner

Click here to listen to the message “An Urgent Message to Perishing Sinners”

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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: 11 July, 2021 | Previous post date: 28 August, 2021

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To Whom Coming

”To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” | 1 Peter 2: 4-5

To those of you who truly believe on the Lord Jesus Christ from the heart and are looking to Him for your salvation, hear the good news of the gospel again!

Don’t despair over your salvation because you constantly feel sinful (or fall into sin).

It is the work of the Holy Spirit of God to convict of sin.

It is not a one-time thing but an on-going work in all God’s children.

The Spirit’s first work in salvation is to convict of sin and point to Christ, and it is the continual work of this kind Comforter.

Like a faithful parent, He will never leave us to ourselves but is constantly reproving, rebuking, correcting, instructing, comforting, consoling, and encouraging.

It is true that we can “grieve” the Holy Spirit and “quench” Him.

This is much like when a child does not listen to nor abide by the teachings of its parent.

Every believer is a responsible child unto his heavenly Father and must heed the instructions of his Father.

But don’t ever despair of being His child when you fail or find yourself disobedient and sinful.

That is the Holy Spirit convicting you and calling the prodigal back to the Father.

Despair of yourselves (of ever having any good thing in your flesh) but keep looking to and coming to Christ.

Never despair of His Mercy, for it “endureth forever.”

No matter how sinful you are, come right back to Christ, and you will find that His mercy is “new every morning.”

That is what it means when it says, “Therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious unto you… and that He might have mercy upon you”

“And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.” (Isaiah 30: 18)

Spoken like a true and loving Father to His children, there is never a time when they will come to Him for mercy and forgiveness only to have Him “cast them out.”

We are always ready to receive our wayward children, so “how much more” the infinitely and eternally loving heavenly Father.

~ Pastor Paul Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “And There Sat A Certain Man” (44:36 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.

Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 18 February, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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That One Great Glorious Name

”If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 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: 9-12

What is hope?

Hope is expectation with a reasonable basis.

What the world calls hope is an empty wish.

It’s like a child holding a present on their birthday hoping to find what they want.

But, hope in the scriptures is defined as a person: Christ in you the hope of glory.

This hope comes through a Godly persuasion… “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1: 12)

Also, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8: 38-39)

The believer’s hope is not ‘I hope, I hope, I hope.’

But it is hope founded upon the Lord Jesus Christ.

“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (1 John 5: 12)

Our expectations fully depend on His appointments, His coming as the God man, His obedience, His suffering, His death, His resurrection, and His present reign in glory.

“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)

May the Lord be pleased to make Him our hope for the glory of His own name.

~ Pastor Darvin Pruitt

Click here to listen to the message “That One Great Glorious Name” (36:34 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: 29 August, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a