Baptism

“Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” | Acts 8: 35-37

Baptism is for everyone who believes the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:” (1 Corinthians 15: 3-5)

Philip asked the eunuch one question when he requested to be baptized. “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.”

“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,” (1 Thessalonians 5: 9)

He answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,” (Ephesians 1: 19-20)

You know the rest of the story, Philip baptized the eunuch and “he went on his way rejoicing.”

“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.” (Matthew 16: 21)

Baptism is for believers, it is their public confession of faith in Him.

“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 3: 21)

Peter says it is an “answer of a good conscience toward God”.

“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:” (Acts 2: 23)

Baptism is identification with the Lord in His appointed and sacrificial death, in His appointed burial and in His appointed resurrection from the dead.

“And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” (Acts 13: 48)

We only believe the gospel by the Lord’s appointed power and 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)

Believers are not baptized to be saved; they are baptized because they have been saved by the Lord’s grace.

“For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Hebrews 9: 26)

Believers are not baptized to put away our sin, they are baptized because Christ has already put away their sin by His sacrifice unto death.

“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)

Believers are not baptized to be regenerated or sanctified, they are baptized because they have already been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and made new creatures in Christ. “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,” (Ephesians 2: 1-4)

“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)

Believing the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is a powerful miracle of the Lord’s mighty and sovereign grace.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1: 16)

Those who are brought to Christ in saving faith are not ashamed to own, submit and identify with Him, His gospel and His people.

“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)

It is always the believer’s delight and joy to obey the Lord in believer’s baptism.

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

While it is not essential to salvation, it is essential to our obedience to the Lord who commanded every believer to be baptized.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “The Gospel Question” (36:59 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

Three Questions Concerning Our Faith!

”And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.” | Acts 12: 7-8

Rowland Hill once said that, “…when a man comes to know the Lord, even his dog and cat and farm animals will be the better for it”

”When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.” (Acts 12: 10-11)

It was William Jay who wrote that, “…a person, when he comes to Christ, will be better in every relationship. He is a better husband, father, master, worker, and friend than before or else his religion is not genuine.”

”And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.” (Acts 12: 12-13)

Charles Spurgeon once said, “Do you hear one saying, ‘I keep my religion to myself’? Well, friend, you do not have to worry about it being stolen. You do not have to put it under lock and key; there is not enough of it to even tempt Satan to take it from you. A man who can keep his godliness to himself has so small a portion, I am afraid it will be of no credit to him nor any blessing to anyone else.”

”But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.” (Acts 12: 16-17)

I ASK THREE QUESTIONS CONCERNING OUR FAITH!

(1) Does it cause us to pray? worship God? give thanks?

(2) Does it cause us to seek His will, His word, and His way?

(3) Does it cause us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven us?”

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Providence and Power” (28:35 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: 8 April, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

Caleb And Joshua

”For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.” | Numbers 26: 65

Caleb and Joshua were among the twelve men who went into the land of Canaan to spy out the land and people and bring the report to Moses.

”And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain:” (Numbers 13: 17)

Ten men brought an evil and unbelieving report, they said, “We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.

”But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.” (Numbers 13: 31)

God gave the nation forty years in the wilderness for their unbelief.

”Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me, Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised. But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.” (Numbers 14: 28-35)

Caleb and Joshua believed God and said, “Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it”.

”And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” (Numbers 13: 30)

None that were numbered among the men from age twenty and older entered into the promise land with exception of Caleb (the faithful dog) and Joshua (the faithful Saviour).

”And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;” (Numbers 27: 18)

This is another glorious picture of the gospel of Christ.

”Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 1: 6)

None will enter into glory but the Saviour and those sinners (dogs) for whom He died.

”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. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5: 5-9)

Christ the forerunner has entered in for us and every believer will enter upon His merits alone.

”That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 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: 18-20)

However, there is another picture of the gospel here.

”For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2: 13)

The scripture says of both Caleb and Joshua that they had another spirit.

”But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.” (Numbers 14: 24)

It was not the spirit and attitude of unbelief, but that of spirit of faith that honors and glorifies God.

”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)

It is said of Abraham, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God”.

”He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” (Romans 4: 20-21)

Something else is also said of Caleb and Joshua, “they have wholly followed the LORD”. ”Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.” (Numbers 32: 12)

”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)

Faith and conduct cannot be separated. ”If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3: 1)

”I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)” (1 Corinthians 16: 15)

One preacher of the past said, “Faith is the mother of obedience.” ”God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4: 24)

”But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” (Philippians 3: 7-9)

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ puts another spirit and attitude in the sinner, that spirit of love, obedience, devotion, hope and confidence in the Lord. ”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,” (Galatians 5: 22)

”I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4: 13)

It is right and commendable for every believer to fully and wholly follow the Lord with an undivided heart, unbridled spirit, unwavering commitment, unbroken addiction and uninterrupted dependence upon the gospel of the Lord Christ.

”And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” (Mark 8: 34-35)

Our Lord said, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.”

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “We Are Here to Hear All Things Commanded of God” (35:34 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.

Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 8 April, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

Faith, A Gift Of God

”Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.” | Romans 4: 16-17

Before any sinner can or will come to Christ, he must be born again.

Faith is the result, not the cause of the new birth.

That faith by which we receive God’s salvation in Christ is the gift of God.

“Salvation is of the Lord,” in its entirety!

It is not of works at any time in a believer’s life, God will never be brought into debt by the works of any man, He will never owe a blessing, all is of grace.

Faith in Christ is as much the gift and work of God’s free grace as election, redemption, and regeneration.

“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” (Philippians 1: 29)

If you believe, it is because God has given you faith.

“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,” (Ephesians 1: 19)

You “believe according to the working of his mighty power.”

Faith is not the work of the sinner’s imaginary “free will.”

Faith is the gift of God’s sovereign grace, the result of God’s operation upon the heart.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”

~ Pastor Don Bell

Click here to listen to the message “Foundation’s of Faith” (38:42 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.

Central Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 22 June, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Rocky Mount, Virginia

God Is Faithful

”Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with an holy kiss. All the saints salute you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.” | 2 Corinthians 13: 11-14

If we read the final words of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians with spiritual eyes, and hear his exhortation to them with spiritual ears, we will enter in to a believers “send off” from earth to glory!

In the “final farewell” to sin, sorrow, pain, and fear; in the very moment that a child of God drops his robe of flesh, and slips into his eternal, glorified robe of Christ’s Righteousness; as he finishes his last step on earth, and takes his first step into paradise, the glory of the gospel cries:

“Be perfect,” It’s time! The presence of sin is officially gone.

“Be of good comfort,” No more sorrow, pain or tears!

“Be of one mind,” Experience the joy and unity of having only one mind with all your brethren; the mind of Christ!

“Live in peace;” There will now be no more trouble or division.

“And the God of love and peace shall be with you.” No more separation from Him. He will dwell with you forever!

“Greet one another with an holy kiss.” Take as long as you want! You have all eternity to greet every soul there.

“All the saints salute you.” They’ve all been waiting for you!

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.” Welcome to the grace, love, and communion of the Godhead: Eternal fellowship with the Father, Son, and Spirit.

“Amen.”

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “GOD Is Faithful” (25:49 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

Only Sinners Saved By Grace

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” | Ephesians 2: 8

In Christ there is no great and small, no important and unimportant, but only sinners saved by the grace of God.

We are all brethren!

The servant is not greater than his Lord; and if the Lord humbled himself to become a servant, shall we not do likewise?

Happy are those who know this gracious truth by experience and perform the doing of it.

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “The Impossible Made Possible”

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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 June, 2021 | Previous post date: 19 August, 2021

The Just Shall Live By Faith

“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” | Genesis 15: 6

While it is true that all for whom Christ died cannot become unsaved, and the Holy Spirit will never leave one who is born of Him; every believer feels the worst thing that could happen to him is to be left to himself.

This is what led David to make this cry, “Cast me not away from Thy presence: and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51: 11)

David felt as though he deserved to be cast away from God’s presence, but he could not bear the thought.

He felt as though he deserved to have the Holy Spirit leave him, but he could not endure the thought of being left alone!

Cain went out from the presence of the Lord because he did not want to be in His presence.

But the believer must have His presence and His Spirit.

There is no life without this.

Whether we feel this or do not feel this, we always realize this.

We cannot be left to ourselves!

~ Pastor Todd Nibert

Click here to listen to the message “Willing To Do His Will?”

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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 June, 2021 | Previous post date: 17 August, 2021

Do We Have A License To Sin?

”Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” | Romans 3: 31

If God saved you in light of His consideration of something in you, no matter how small, it could not be grace!

No amount of immorality can hinder God in His work of grace, and no amount of morality can commend one’s self to God.

If one sin or one thousand of them can hinder a soul in the reception of grace, it ceases to be grace.

If any amount of morality can commend one to God, it ceases to be grace.

~ A. D. Muse

Click here to listen to the message “Do We Have A License To Sin?”

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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 May, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

Delivered From Defilement

”Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” | Mark 5: 19

A demoniac, obviously one not seeking the Lord, was powerfully sought out and converted by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Having been given faith to believe, he now is sitting and resting in the Lord, clothed with the righteousness of Christ, and possessing a new mind.

His desire was to stay personally with the Lord, but the Master called this enlightened sinner to another field.

The Lord Jesus told him to go home to his friends and tell them how great things the Lord had done for him, and did have compassion on him.

Obedient to the Lord’s commission the Scriptures declare that he did that very thing!

He began to publish (herald and preach) of the Lord’s marvelous grace in the very place where God was pleased to send the Gospel.

~ Pastor Marvin Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Delivered From Defilement”

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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 May, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

From Death To Life Eternal

”For me to live is Christ; and to die is gain.” | Philippians 1: 21

My Lord Jesus is the giver of life.

He is the sum and substance of life.

He is my hope of life eternal.

My hope is to see Him, to be like Him, and to be with Him forever.

Therefore, for me “TO DIE IS GAIN.”

I will be released from age and pain and gain a perfect body; I will be free from this sinful flesh and gain sinless perfection; I will be free from every trial, every heartache, and live in perfect rest and joy; I will enjoy perfect knowledge, immortality, and everlasting peace.

GAIN is a weak word to describe such glory!

What is it then that makes us so fearful of death and so reluctant to part with this world?

We may give a lot of reasons and feel that we are sincere and our reasons valid; but, to be perfectly honest, our problem is THE WEAKNESS OF OUR FAITH in Him and His Word.

Our Lord said, “O ye of little faith, wherein do you doubt?”

Wherein do we doubt?

His love for sinners?

He gave Himself for us!

The efficacy of His blood?

It cleanseth us from all sin!

The reality of heaven?

“If it were not so, I would have told you!”

The awesome miracle of being changed from the image of the earthy to the image of the heavenly?

Is anything too hard for God?

Here is where Abraham found righteousness.

“He believed God and was persuaded that what God had promised, He was ABLE ALSO TO PERFORM!”

Life eternal in Christ for those who believe is what He has promised, and He will perform!

“Sirs, I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.”

Welcome death, for with death comes LIFE ETERNAL!

~ Pastor Henry T. Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Who Did Christ Die For?”

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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: 3 April, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky