“My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.” | Song of Solomon 2: 16

Every soul has a beloved—something or someone in which to glory, rejoice and enjoy.

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

With some it is THE WORLD (its’ vanity, materialism, and honors).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” (Ephesians 1: 3)

With others it is THE FLESH.

They live to entertain the flesh, and to pamper the flesh.

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” (Ephesians 1: 4)

With others it is THE FAMILY.

Close and distant relatives, family trees, family reunions make up their past, present and future.

“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1: 5-6)

With others it is RELIGION and works of righteousness.

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

Their religion is not a PERSON; it is a CAUSE to which they are devoted in hope of a suitable reward.

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

And with some it is SELF, pure and simple; what can we do for me?

“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:” (Ephesians 1: 11)

To a believer, IT IS CHRIST!

He worships, loves, rejoices and glories in the Lord Jesus above all things.

“That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1: 12-14)

Christ is my Beloved and “my beloved is mine and I am His.”

“Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” (Psalm 73: 24-26)

Christ (His fellowship, His love, and His approval) is preferred above persons, possessions, pleasures, or pursuits.

Could ONE so illustrious and supreme deserve any less?

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Unto The Praise Of His Glory” (43:09 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 June, 2025 | Previous post date: n/a