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And The Word Was God

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” | John 1: 14

My friends, if you will carefully consider it, this is the most extraordinary fact ever declared in human language.

God became a man and “took upon him the likeness of sinful flesh.”

The Ancient of Days became an infant of days.

The Son of the Most-High God became a man of sorrows.

He made the world; but as a man, “he had no place to lay his head.”

He who made the rivers asked a woman to give him a drink of water.

He who cast out devils was tempted of the devil, and the author of life died and lay in a tomb.

“The sun that hid from Him its face
By His own hand was hung in space;
The sky which darkened o’er His head
By Him above the world was spread;
The spear that shed His precious blood
Was tempered in the fires of God;
The grave in which His form was laid
Was hewn in rocks His hand had made.”

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Four Things Essential to Salvation” (49:36 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.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: Special | Previous post date: 13 February, 2021

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 27 September, 2020 | Previous post date: n/a

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The Saints Of God

“To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ” | Romans 1: 7

Who are these saints to whom Paul is writing?

Every believer who is saved by the grace of God is a saint.

“For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10: 14)

We are totally sanctified in the Lord Jesus Christ, by His effectual blood sacrifice for us.

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,” (1 Peter 1: 18-20)

The Lord Jesus Christ is made to the believer sanctification; He is our total sanctification before God the Father.

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” (1 Corinthians 1: 30)

There is no such thing as progressive sanctification. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3: 18)

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” (Romans 7: 18-20)

We grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ but our wicked flesh is never sanctified in our salvation. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5: 17)

“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)

Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit making us new creatures in Christ, giving unto us a new holy nature in the new birth. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3: 6)

“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4: 24)

That which is of the flesh is just that flesh but that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Peter 5: 10)

Thank God salvation is all of grace!

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “What Is Repentance?” (37:45 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: Special | Previous post date: 8 February, 2021

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A Message To Remember

“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.” | 1 John 5: 1

All who are born of God believe that Jesus is the Christ.

The title THE CHRIST signifies anointed and includes all the offices of the Son of God.

To believe Him to be THE CHRIST is to believe Him to be that Prophet which Moses said should come, who has declared the whole mind and will of the Father.

It is to believe He is that Priest which should arise after the order of Melchizedek and make full atonement for sin and effectual intercession for transgressors.

It is to believe He is King of kings and Lord of lords, whom God hath set over all things from all ages and for all time.

“And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.” (Luke 4: 41)

This faith in Christ is not a mere assent to the fact nor merely acknowledging it as the demons have done.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10: 9-10)

It is to believe with the heart.

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

It is to bow the knee in repentance and to look to Christ, trust in Him, receive Him as our righteousness, to rest in His blood for cleansing, and to lay hold of Him as our Savior, Redeemer, and Mediator.

Such faith is far above and beyond the reach of the human mind.

It is the gift of God.

“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.” (John 6: 44-45)

It is the result of regeneration and a new birth, for we must be drawn to Christ and taught of God.

~ Pastor Henry T. Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “A Message to Remember” (44:17 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: Special | Previous post date: 16 February, 2022

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The Lord Jesus Christ Set His Love On Sinners

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” | 1 Timothy 1: 15

Do you know who will love to hear that Christ came to save sinners?

Sinners will!

Do you know who will love to hear that Christ came not to call the righteous, but sinners?

Sinners will!

Do you know who will love to hear that Christ died on purpose, for a particular people, whom the word of God calls ungodly sinners?

Ungodly (in the flesh) sinners will love to hear that!

The blood of Christ was not shed for the self righteous world, but it was shed for sinners.

Christ did not set His love on the self righteous world, but He set His love on sinners.

Christ will not receive the self righteous world, but He said He would receive sinners!

So, let me ask you this question: Are you a sinner?

If you are, like I am, this is the greatest news we will ever hear in our lives… “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “That’s Who The Savior Is” (27:31 minutes)

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

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: Special | Previous post date: 20 January, 2021
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Perfect To Be Accepted

“And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.” | Leviticus 22: 21

The voice from the cross did not summon men to do, but to be satisfied with what was done, “It is finished.”

The sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ is the only perfect thing which has ever been presented to God on man’s behalf.

“It shall be perfect to be accepted, there shall be no blemish therein.”

~ Pastor Scott Richardson

Click here to listen to the message “My Salvation Shall Be Forever” (38:18 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: Special | Previous post date: 18 January, 2023
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By Grace Alone

“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

“By grace are ye saved.”

There is no present salvation except that which begins and ends with grace!

No man can preach or possess a present salvation except those who preach and believe that we are saved by grace alone!

The work is finished!

Any other way of salvation is dependent on the sinner and it will fail.

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Jesus – Friend of Sinners” (33:16 minutes)

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

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: Special | Previous post date: 17 January, 2021
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The Purpose Of God

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” | Romans 8: 28-30

We believe, according to the scriptures, that the Lord our God is a God of purpose, absolute and unalterable purpose.

“According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:” (Ephesians 3: 11)

Before the world began, Almighty God sovereignly purposed all that ever comes to pass in time.

“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:” (Ephesians 1: 3-4)

Nothing in this world is left to chance.

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Romans 11: 33-36)

Everything is moving toward the predetermined end of God’s eternal purpose with absolute, precise accuracy.

“So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” (Romans 9: 16)

Even a casual reader of Holy Scripture has to face this fact: The God of the Bible is a God of purpose.

“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)

These passages plainly state that the Triune Jehovah is a God of purpose, and clearly teach several things about the purpose of God:

  • The purpose of God is eternal.
  • The purpose of God includes all things.
  • The purpose of God has for its peculiar design the everlasting benefit of God’s elect. Everything that God has purposed is for the ultimate, spiritual, and eternal benefit of his covenant people.
  • The purpose of God is immutable and sure. The Lord himself says, “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”

“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:” (Isaiah 46: 10)

And in its ultimate end, God’s purpose will accomplish the eternal salvation of his chosen people and the glory of his own great name.

~ Pastor Don Fortner

Click here to listen to the message “The Simplicity That Is In Christ” (47:07 minutes)

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

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: Special | Previous post date: 14 January, 2021
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Nothing But Christ

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” | Mark 16: 16

Is salvation a mixture of grace and works? God forbid!

“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)

Salvation is of the Lord!

“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)

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36: 26)

Salvation is a work of God’s grace within the object of His mercy.

“As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10: 15)

Salvation is a work evidenced by a willing heart of obedience to openly confess Christ Who died for the sins of His people.

“Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4: 25)

Salvation is who was buried and three days later was raised for their justification.

~ Pastor Marvin Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Nothing But Christ” (32:38 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: 20 July, 2025 | Previous post date: n/a

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Grace Alone, Christ Alone

”Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” | 2 Timothy 1: 9

If any man thinks that he is justified before God by his good works he is tragically and dreadfully mistaken. ”Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” (Titus 3: 5)

”For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:” (Colossians 1: 19-22)

”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)

What a horrible rebuke of the effectual, substitutionary sacrifice and perfect obedience of the Lord Jesus Christ, to entertain thoughts of self-glory, self-righteousness and self-salvation. ”Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” (Philippians 2: 6-9)

”Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” (Isaiah 28: 16)

”Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4: 12)

Paul made this very argument to the Galatians church: ”I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” (Galatians 2: 21)

”And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16: 15)

The Lord Jesus Christ alone is all any sinner needs to stand in God’s presence justified.

”But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,” (2 Thessalonians 2: 13-16)

”Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3: 11)

Those in Christ by sovereign adoption, effectual calling, powerful regeneration and saving faith have no other hope nor ground on which to stand.

”For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” (Colossians 2: 9-10)

”And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” (John 1: 16)

Some might ask, “Is the Lord Jesus Christ enough?”

If the Lord Jesus Christ is all you have, God says that is enough!

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Counting Down Our Days To Christ” (34:51 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: 12 June, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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Can These Bones Live?

”And this is the will of him that me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” | John 6: 40

Christ will never have finished his work upon believers till he has raised their bodies from the grave and glorified them like his own resurrection body.

He will never cease from the work which he has commenced on any one of his people till he has laid the top stone in the glorious perfections of heaven; and this truth is the joy of our hearts even now.

~ Charles Spurgeon

Click here to listen to the message “Can These Bones Live?” (23:51 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: 27 February, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a