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Such Were Some Of You

”Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” | 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11

When the apostle came to this city of Corinth, he found it was given over to gross idolatry, sexual perverseness, obscene drunkenness, and corrupt, greedy extortioners.

”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)

These vial conditions did not discourage him from preaching the gospel, but rather gave him great incentive to declare the gospel of God’s sovereign mercy to sinners for Christ’s namesake. ”Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Hebrews 9: 12)

”O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7: 24)

In doing so, God was pleased to call out, save and reveal the gospel to many of His Elect.

”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:” (2 Thessalonians 2: 13)

Some of these had been most violent offenders of God’s law, others had been restrained by grace, but all were guilty and stood in need of mercy.

”That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5: 27)

Then the apostle reminds them of the great work of grace for them and in them.

”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: 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: 3-6)

“But you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

”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)

God has given all these blessings to every sinner He is pleased to save.

1. YOU ARE WASHED!
Paul plainly declared by the Spirit of God that sinners are cleansed, forgiven and made clean by the blood of Jesus Christ.

”But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1: 7)

Any notion that a man can purge himself from his sins is to be totally deceived.

”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: 3)

This verse has no reference to water baptism, water cannot make atonement for sin.

2. YOU ARE SANCTIFIED!
Sanctification is the work of God’s sovereign grace whereby He has separated us to be holy in Christ by election, declared us to be holy in Christ by redemption, made us to be holy in regeneration.

”To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” (Colossians 1: 27)

Believers are partakers of a divine nature implanted within. ”” (2 Peter 1: 4)

”Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” (1 John 3: 9)

This sinful flesh never gets sanctified, it is the new man that is sanctified in Christ! ”And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Ephesians 4: 24)

3. YOU ARE JUSTIFIED!
Sinners are never justified by their best efforts.

”Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Romans 3: 19-20)

We are justified by the grace of God through the blood sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. ”But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3: 21-24)

”Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5: 9)

This is a glorious work done for the sheep at Calvary, applied to the soul of the believer by the work of the Holy Spirit and received by God-given faith. ”Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5: 1-2)

God accomplished all the believer’s salvation, for Paul says, “In the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit.”

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Jesus Christ Came to Save Sinners” (33:21 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

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Complete In Christ

”I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” | Psalm 138: 1-2

All that is necessary to secure our eternal salvation is to be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

”But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 19)

There is a completion or a complete filling up in Him, so as to leave nothing lacking in the sinner. In the Lord Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of God.

”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)

All that is lacking in us by our ruin and sin in Adam is abundantly, freely and eternally supplied to us in the Lord Jesus Christ, “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound”.

”Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5: 20-21)

His perfect obedience is our righteousness.

”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.” (Philippians 2: 7-8)

His sacrifice for sin is our atonement.

”Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2: 17)

His word is our instruction.

”All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3: 16)

His wisdom is our direction.

”In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2: 3)

His power is our protection.

”Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1: 5)

His blood sacrifice is our justification.

”Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5: 9)

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

”My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” (1 John 2: 1)

His eternal love is our security.

”He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8: 32-39)

His everlasting mercy is our hope.

”It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3: 22-26)

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

”But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” (Romans 8: 9-10)

His immutability is our strength. ”For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Malachi 3: 6)

”Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” (Jude 1: 24-25)

His resurrection is the guarantee of our full and final glory. ”Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4: 25)

”I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (Revelation 1: 18)

His intercession is the assurance of all our deliverance from sin. ”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)

Tell me my friend, what could we possibly want for, when all the Godhead is engaged to make the believer complete in the Lord Jesus Christ, to His eternal glory.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Whole Hearted Worship” (35:49 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.

Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 8 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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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 Summary of True Religion”

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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: 16 June, 2021

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In Christ

“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8: 33-34

Often someone asks what “position” you hold on a particular doctrine, such as particular redemption, or the depravity of man.

But the word of God never tells us to come to a position, but to a person, to Christ Jesus the Lord.

He himself said, “Come unto me.”

Again, “All that the Father gives me shall come unto me, no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”

The scriptures speak of believers being “in Christ” in several places. This is the place I want to be found – In Christ.

This is the only place where a sinner can have a secure position from sin, death, hell, and the judgment and wrath of God.

When a sinner comes to Christ, trusts Christ and learns that he was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, then he has the most blessed position a poor sinner can have.

Justified!

Accepted!

Righteous!

Where?

Before God, who is holy and inhabits eternity.

Before Him who knows our thoughts afar off.

Before Him who knows the heart.

“Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.”

How?

“It is Christ that died, yea rather is risen again, who sitteth at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”

~ Pastor Donnie Bell

Click here to listen to the message “Freely gives us all things”

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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: 17 May, 2020 | Previous post date: n/a

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BEING JUSTIFIED FREELY

“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” | Romans 3: 24

What does it mean to be justified?

I am sure that there have been many definitions given and I by no means can fully expound all that is involved in sinners being justified before God. However, I am sure that it means to be eternally pardoned from all sin by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1: 18)

It means to be acquitted and vindicated of all charges before the holy justice of God. (Jude 24)

It means to be made and regarded righteous in God’s sight. (Colossians 1: 21-22)

How are sinners justified?

By God as the source, “It is God that justifieth.” (Romans 8: 33)

By grace as the spring and fountain, “Justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3: 24)

By Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and blood atonement as the ground, “Being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5: 9)

By His resurrection as the proof and evidence, “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4: 25)

By faith as the means to receive this salvation in Christ, “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God.” (Romans 5: 1)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Who, What, When, Where and Why of Salvation”

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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 October, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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How Do We Get to God?

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: | 1 Peter 3: 15-18

One wise preacher friend of mine would always say, “Men die as they live.”

I have found that to be true over the years of observing people live and die, those who live to themselves, for themselves, who trust and look to themselves for righteousness shall die in their sin of unbelief and self-reliance. Our blessed Redeemer said, “If you believe not that I am, you shall die in your sins.” (John 8: 24)

Those sinners who by the grace of God, who are quickened together with Christ (Ephesians 2: 4-6) and live by God-given faith looking to the Lord Jesus Christ for all salvation, for all righteousness shall also lay down this robe of sinful flesh.　

But believers not only live by faith, “the just shall live by faith” but they also shall die in faith resting in Christ. (Hebrews 11: 13)　

It is no wonder that the death of a believer is called precious; “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116: 15)　

It is no wonder that the death of a believer is called a blessing from the Lord, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours.” (Revelation 14: 13)

Yes, it is true “men die as they live.”

Now consider this! How are you living?

Are you only concerned about the flesh? (Matthew 6: 33)

Do you have any thoughts about salvation and meeting the Lord in eternal judgment? (Hebrews 9: 27)

May the Lord be pleased to grant us faith in Christ, to look to Him, live in Him and to die in Him.

Won’t that be a blessing! (2 Corinthians 5: 8; Philippians 1: 21)

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “How Do We Get to God”

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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.

Lantana Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 2 September, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a | Crossville, Tennessee

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Who Did God Appoint To Salvation?

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

Here are five truths concerning the salvation that is IN and OF our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

#1 Jesus Christ came into this world to save SINNERS. (Matthew 1: 21)

#2 Jesus Christ came into this world to save the CHIEF sinners. (1 Timothy 1: 15)

#3 Jesus Christ ONLY saves sinners. (Luke 5: 32)

#4 Jesus Christ only saves sinners FREELY. (Isaiah 55: 1, Romans 3: 24, Revelation 22: 17)

#5 Jesus Christ only saves sinners FULLY/COMPLETELY. (John 19: 30, Colossians 2: 10)

Our Lord came on purpose, to save a particular people, and He accomplished what He came to do!

If you are one of those particular people, and if He accomplished salvation for you, then He will notify you of it through the preaching of His Word.

In His notification, He will convince you of the fact that you are a sinner; the worst sinner you’ve ever known! That is the very reason why He had to die. It was to save you from your sins. His death was God the Father’s free gift to you. And in His free gift, you are completely redeemed!

It was all appointed by the Father, and obtained by the Son.

To Him be glory forever!

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Thank God There Is A Remnant”

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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: 21 February, 2021 | Previous post date: n/a