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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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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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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

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Who Is Able

”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

Who is able and capable of rendering perfect satisfaction to the Law of God?

Who is qualified to meet the demands of Divine justice?

Who is competent to assume the responsibilities of a sinful people to pay all their sin-debts?

Who is willing to be their Surety and sacrifice for sin? Who has the power to redeem from all transgression?

Clearly the only solution to these problems and the only answer to these questions is the Lord Jesus Christ.

He alone is able.

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7: 25)

He alone is qualified to meet all the demands of the holy law.

“The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.” (Isaiah 42: 21)

He alone was manifested to put away sin. “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.” (1 John 3: 5)

“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: 2)

He alone has all power to save and redeem from all transgressions. “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.” (Hebrews 7: 22)

“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” (John 10: 17-18)

He alone was willing to be our Saviour and Surety.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “I Know, But Do I Need?” (25:53 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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Conviction Of Sin

”And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me;” | John 16: 8-9

Usually, when we think of conviction of sin we think of strong feeling of guilt or remorse over things we have done.

No doubt, feelings of remorse and guilt should come upon us when we have done wrong.

But when the Lord tells us what true conviction of sin is, He says “of sin, because they believe not on Me.”

The sin of sins is to not trust Christ for salvation.

You have experienced Holy Spirit conviction when you see the wickedness of attempting to come into God’s presence any other way than the way of Christ alone.

~ Pastor Todd Nibert

Click here to listen to the message “What Does it take to be a Disciple?” (40:50 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.

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

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Faith In Christ Alone

”What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us? My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set. His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.” | Song of Solomon 5: 9-16

Saving faith is in Christ alone, based upon the Word of God alone.

“And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.” (Acts 15: 1)

To add any other requirement such as what a person does or does not do, what a person wears or does not wear, or where a person goes or does not go is as damning to the soul as preaching “Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.”

“For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” (Galatians 5: 3-4)

Anyone who adds man-made requirements to faith in Christ alone, based on the Word of God alone, has made themselves “a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.”

“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)

May God be pleased to make us trust in Christ alone and “worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”

~ Pastor Frank Tate

Click here to listen to the message “Who Is Your Beloved?” (53:46 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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It Shall Be Perfect

“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.

~ Pastor Scott Richardson

Click here to listen to the message “Is Christ My Treasure?” (32:48 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: 11 July, 2021 | Previous post date: 26 August, 2021

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He Laid Down His Life For Us

”For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” | 1 John 3: 16

Children of God, this is the foundation of our faith, the rock of our salvation, and the hope of our souls.

Since Christ has died in the place of his people, they cannot perish.

I know that there are men whose minds are so distorted that they can conceive it possible that Christ died for men who in the end will be lost in hell.

I am sorry to say that there are men in the pulpits of the church today, whose brains have been so addled by religious tradition and false doctrine that they cannot see that the doctrine they hold is both a preposterous lie and a blasphemous error.

Their doctrine is this – Christ dies for a man, and then God punishes that man again; Christ suffers in the sinner’s stead, and then God condemns that sinner after all!

It shocks me to even mention such an error.

Were it not so commonly held, I would pass over it with the contempt that it deserves.

That would be a perversion of justice, a double-cross, and a requirement of double indemnity.

The doctrine of Scripture is this – God is just.

Christ died in the stead of his people, satisfying God’s justice; and now, as God is just, he will never punish one soul for whom the Savior shed his blood.

Justice will not allow a double payment for the same offense, first at the hands of Christ, and then from me.

The idea that Christ was the Substitute and Surety for all men is so inconsistent, both with reason and Holy Scripture, that we are obliged to reject it with abhorrence.

We cannot, for the glory and honor of our dear Savior, let go of the blessed gospel doctrine of particular and effectual redemption.

To deny the efficacy of Christ’s substitutionary atonement would be, for me, a total denial of the gospel.

And it would rob me of my soul’s greatest comfort.

~ Pastor Don Fortner

Click here to listen to the message “Tell Me the Story of Jesus” (57:57 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: 21 February, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky

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This Man Receiveth Sinners

”And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” | Luke 15: 2

“This Man receiveth sinners” – I love those four words.

What hope!

What joy for a soul who is drowning in his or her own sin, with no possible way of pulling himself or herself out.

“This Man” – the God-Man, the Almighty who manifested Himself in the flesh, the All Powerful One, the Sovereign who is able to do what He pleases with whom He pleases, the One who is able to save to the uttermost.

“Receiveth” – In His graciousness and His mercy, He receives, and receives, and receives, promising to never cast out.

“Sinners” – No matter how wretched. No matter how weak.

No matter how insufficient and unworthy – Christ shed His blood to put away ALL of the sin of His people.

And in His blood, the glorious message of hope goes out to every soul who is truly in need: “This Man receiveth sinners!”

If you are labored and heavy laden over your sin, come to Him.

He will give you rest.

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “A New Creature In Christ” (28:26 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: 29 August, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a

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We Preach Christ Jesus the Lord

”For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” | 2 Corinthians 4: 5

The apostle describes in this verse the ministry of every true preacher; we preach Christ, not ourselves!

We point you to Christ and not to us, our wisdom, or our organization.

With that in mind, when can it be said of us that we are preaching ourselves and not Christ?

1.) When we preach what we think instead of preaching what God says.

2.) When we preach what men want to hear instead of what men ought to hear.

3.) When we seek to please men by taking the offense out of the cross and glory in the flesh.

4.) When we set ourselves up as spiritual authorities over the consciences of our hearers, judging their salvation by their relationship with us and our requirements.

5.) When we try to impress men with our wisdom, knowledge, or piety.

6.) When we become ambitious for personal recognition and begin to boast of numbers and converts and attach our names to buildings, organizations, monuments, and movements.

7.) When we fear public opinion and court the friendship and approval of carnal men at the expense of truth.

8.) When we allow our hearers to entertain any hope of salvation except by the sovereign grace of God through the merits of Jesus Christ.

9.) When we preach for any other reason than the glory of Jesus Christ and the eternal good of our hearers.

We preach Christ, not ourselves!

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord” (29:28 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.

Kingsport Sovereign Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 1 July, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a