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No Condemnation And No Separation

“I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” | Job 42: 5-6

Consider this dreadful truth for a moment.

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

But now consider this glorious truth for a moment.

Our sin has been separated from us forever.

Our Blessed Saviour came in the flesh apart from sin (Romans 8: 3) and in our nature to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (Hebrews 9: 26; Galatians 4: 4-6; 1 John 3: 5) Now because of His glorious, full and eternal atonement for sin the believer has no sin. (Hebrews 10: 14-17) Our Lord said, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103: 12) He has also assured us that He remembers our sin no more, “their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 10: 17) This is the good news of the gospel no condemnation and no separation but rather eternal reconciliation. (Romans 8: 1; Romans 8: 32-39; 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Redemption Only In Christ”

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

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

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Wait On The Lord

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

Waiting on the Lord is an attitude that is completely foreign to the natural man.

That’s why the new man struggles while he truly desires to wait on the One who loves him and gave Himself for him.

He knows that the Lord is working all things after the counsel of His own will and that whatsoever comes to pass has been eternally purposed by the Lord for His glory and the eternal good of His elect and shall not fail to be brought about.

But though these truths are known and loved by the people of God… still they experience the battle within to take matters into their own hands.

O may the Lord help us to wait upon Him.

~ Pastor Marvin Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Coals Of Fire That Melt The Heart”

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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 April, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a

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Sound Doctrine

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;” | 2 Timothy 4: 3

There are but two schemes of religion in this world.

One is true, the other is false.

One is saving, the other is damning.

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

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

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

Free grace declares that salvation is conditioned upon the obedience of Christ alone as the sinner’s Substitute. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5: 21)

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

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

To receive, believe or embrace such doctrine will be damning to your soul. “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (1 John 5: 10-12)

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

  1. TOTAL DEPRAVITY… All men by nature are both sinful and helpless, because all are spiritually dead. (Matthew 15: 19; Romans 5: 12; Ephesians 2: 1-4)
  2. UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION… God, from eternity, chose a people in Christ whom He determined to save, without consideration of anything in them or anything that might be done by them. (2 Thessalonians 2: 13; Ephesians 1: 3-6)
  3. LIMITED ATONEMENT… Christ died for and redeemed His elect only. The benefits of Christ’s death are limited to the elect. And His death effectually secures their salvation. (Isaiah 53: 8-11; John 10: 11; John 10: 15; Hebrews 9: 12)
  4. IRRESISTIBLE GRACE… God the Holy Spirit calls sinners from spiritual death to spiritual life in Christ by the power of His grace which cannot be successfully resisted. (Psalm 65: 4; Psalm 110: 3; John 6: 63; Ephesians 2: 8-9)
  5. PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS… Every sinner chosen by God in election, redeemed by Christ at Calvary, and called by the Spirit in grace shall persevere in grace unto eternal glory, because they are all preserved and kept by grace. (John 10: 27-30; Jeremiah 32: 38-40; 1 Peter 1: 5)

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

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

We are saved by His grace. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2: 8-9)

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

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

From election to glorification, salvation is all of GRACE! (Romans 8: 28-39) http://blb.sc/00F5OJ

Salvation is all of grace!

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Christ, The Good Shepherd”

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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: 23 May, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a

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A Believer Is A Mystery

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” | 1 Timothy 3: 16

The believer is a mystery to others and to himself also.

He is sanctified yet feels himself to be the chief of sinners.

He loves God’s law and will, yet he wrestles with an inward desire to have his own way.

He has great sorrow and heaviness of heart for many reasons, yet he rejoices in the Lord always.

His spirit longs to depart and be with Christ, yet his flesh clings to this earth.

He knows that he is secure in Christ, yet he examines his faith continually.

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “The Mystery of Godliness”

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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 April, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a

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Christ Himself Is Our Hope

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. | Hebrews 6: 19-20

Hope is an earnest desire for an object, accompanied with the expectation of obtaining it.

Spiritual hope includes that, but it also includes something natural hope does not.

It includes the sure and steadfast assurance that we shall receive what we hope for.

The object of the believer’s hope is Christ.

Our expectation is to be with Christ in glory in His perfect righteousness.

The assurance of our hope is Christ, who himself is our Hope.

Our hope is sure and steadfast because in and by Christ all God’s covenant-promises are fulfilled for us, apart from our works.

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “Wherefore Commit Ye Evil?”

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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 December, 2019 | Previous post date: n/a

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Comfort In Trouble

”Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” | Jeremiah 17: 5-8

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

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

But here is our comfort and help, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” “[[To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.]] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46: 1)

Our blessed Lord said, “Come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4: 16)

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

Grace to endure and bear the trial. “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12: 9)

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

Peace to rest in His purpose, knowing that this trial works to our eternal good. (Romans 8: 28-35) http://blb.sc/00F5OJ

Hope to rejoice in our Lord and Saviour, Who said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13: 5)

Surely, we must conclude that we are needy and sinful creatures and that the Lord Jesus Christ is our only resource of help and hope! “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 19)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Cursed In The Flesh, Blessed 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: 27 March, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else

”God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 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; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” | Hebrews 1: 1-3

When I look to Christ alone, I have assurance.

When I look for faith, or evidence of faith, I have no assurance.

Faith is only in operation as it looks to Christ alone.

If I look to a past experience or a time when I first believed, I am looking to an event rather than Christ alone.

If I am assuring myself that tomorrow I will believe that is nothing more than an act of presumption.

Look to Christ alone now!

Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else.

~ Pastor Todd Nibert

Click here to listen to the message “The Question That Answers All Others”

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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: 13 February, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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No Reason To Fear

”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

There is no fear of condemnation for the believer’s sin since Christ was made sin for us.

The Lord Jesus Christ took all of the sin of His people away from them and put that sin away by the blood of His sacrifice.

Christ has died for the sin of His people so justice is satisfied.

God’s holy justice can never condemn anyone for whom Christ died.

What blessed peace there is for everyone who trusts Christ the Savior!

What blessed peace to live life never having to fear punishment from God.

What peace of heart to not only not dread, but actually look forward to, the death of the body and going to see God without any fear of condemnation because of the sacrifice of Christ!

~ Pastor Frank Tate

Click here to listen to the message “What Kind of Grace Saves 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.

Hurricane Road Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 20 March, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky

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The Revelation Of God

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” | Genesis 2: 16-17

God’s first revelation to man was as his sovereign, telling him what he could and could not do.

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3: 15)

God’s second revelation to man was, as his Savior and Reconciler doing for him what he could not and would not do for himself and showing this to him in the light of a promised Redeemer.

~ Pastor Darvin Pruitt

Click here to listen to the message “The Religion Of Man”

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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 February, 2020 | Previous post date: 7 May, 2021

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Consider Him

”For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” | Hebrews 12: 3

The Greek word for “consider” is translated in another place, “proportion.”

It is a mathematical term, signifying to compute by comparing things together in their due proportions.

Consider who Christ is in light of who you are.

Consider what Christ endured in light of what you endure.

Consider how Christ endured in light of how you endure.

Consider who he is. This is God in human flesh, the second person in the Trinity; the Lord of glory; Creator of heaven and earth. This is the Son of God, the Beloved of the Father.

Consider who you are in relationship to him. He is the believer’s Redeemer and we are his Possession. The believer is his willing bond-servant; he is our Master.

Consider why he endured suffering. He was called on by God the Father to suffer here on earth — in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4: 15)

Believer, he suffered for the purpose of obeying God’s law as our Representative Man.

He was born to suffering that he might die in agony as the Substitute of his people, that God might be just and the justifier of all who believe on him. He suffered in order to make his people perfect and complete.

Christ finished this work by first being born and then living in a world of sin and sin’s consequences, despised and rejected of men. Is it a strange thing that you and I should be called on to endure a little suffering in his service. “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.” (John 15: 20, 21)

Consider what he was accused of.

He was accused of being a deceiver: “And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.” (John 7: 12)

He was accused of perverting the people: “Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:” (Luke 23: 14)

Religious people essentially accused him of being without the law because of those he received into his company: “And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” (Luke 15: 2)

He was accused of being a law-breaker: “And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.” (Mark 3: 2)

He was accused of healing sinners by the power of the devil: “But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.” (Matthew 12: 24)

He was looked down upon as a lowly, uneducated, uncouth Nazarene from Galilee: “Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?” (John 7: 41)

He was called a “glutton and a winebibber.” “The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.” (Matthew 11: 19)

He was falsely accused of speaking against Caesar: “And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.” (John 19: 12)

When we are reviled, rebuked, treated spitefully by men, we quickly become offended.

All too often we are quick to let folks know why we do not deserve to be spoken to in such a manner.

Then after we have wrestled with the accusations of others in our minds and gloated in how “we told them,” all we have done is weary ourselves to the point of fainting from this gospel of Christ. Oh, we’re somebody aren’t we!

Every grain of wisdom you and I have is total darkness in proportion to the infinite Wisdom of Christ Jesus.

Every good thought or deed you and I have ever done has been full of enough wickedness to send a million men to eternal hell; he was Holy from conception to the cross.

We flatter ourselves with the idea that we treat others the way we want to be treated but fact is our obedience makes the golden rule look like unpolished brass; he left the riches of heaven for you, believer.

The very presence of every single person he came into contact with stunk with such abomination of sin to him by just their very presence.

That is not to mention the cruelness, the venom, the ignorance and the rejection that foamed up out from beneath our tongues toward him the entire time he walked this earth.

Yet he opened not his mouth but trusted God to deliver him. “For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:” (1 Peter 2: 19-23)

Are you, believer, disheartened by the hard usage you are receiving from men, yea, from the religious world?

Are you fearful as you anticipate the persecutions which may yet attend your Christian profession; or, are you too ready to show resentment against those who oppose you?

Then consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself.

Do you desire to be strengthened by Christ as you strive against sin?

Consider him, look to him, and commit yourself to him that judgeth righteously.

What are our trials when compared with His agonies!

I want to blush with shame because of my murmurings.

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “O Wretched Man”

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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: 2 November, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey