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A Sign Of Vain Religion (Or, A Warning Against Vain Religion)

”If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” | James 1: 26

A man may appear religious, yet, an unbridled tongue comes from the spirit of a self-righteous heart puffed up in the vanity of the carnal mind.

All God’s saints say things on occasion that we wish we could take back.

But this text speaks of a man whose tongue continually reveals the hidden thoughts of his heart.

Here are some ways the tongue runs wild:

If a man insists on ascribing any part of salvation to “self” rather than every part of salvation to the triune God then the Holy Spirit says this man’s tongue reveals he has deceived his own heart.

When he speaks of how he made Christ “lord of his life” instead of confessing Christ is the Lord and the Life who graciously gives spiritual life to dead sinners then his unbridled tongue reveals his true god.

As he continually speaks of “his faith” instead of Christ who God says is the only Faithful One then he proves himself a wild ass unaccustomed to the bit.

When he brags of his “fleshly moral reform after conversion” instead of speaking of the holy, complete and perfect life that the saints have in spirit in Christ at God’s right hand, his run-away tongue brays into the wind like a stiff-necked mule bucks at the bridle.

And a favorite of all, the untamed tongue justifies his own unfaithfulness by kicking Christ’s redeemed into the mud by exposing their fleshly faults.

In short, an unbridled tongue is one which constantly exalts self while belittling the Lord Jesus Christ and those who are complete in him.

The Holy Spirit says this man’s religion — his attending worship services, his support, his reading scripture, his prayers, his singing, his witnessing unto others, his faith, his hope, his assurance, and every other part of his religion – is vain.

He loves self and hates God.

Oh, may God reveal the greatness of his glory in the face of Christ Jesus.

“That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Corinithians 1: 29-31)

When sinners behold Christ our Holiness they become submissive nobodies in reverence to him who alone is holy, just and good!

Only God bridles the tongue of the old corrupt nature when he creates the inward spiritual man.

The believer’s boasting ceases to be of his accomplishments but of the Excellencies of his Lord and his Savior, Jesus Christ the Son of God!

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “The Word Of This Salvation” (58:28 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.

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Bulletin Article date: 21 February, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey

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He Is Precious!

”Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,” | 1 Peter 2: 7

God sets forth His Son in the holy scriptures as a pearl of great price and a royal diadem.

He is high and lifted up, a one of a kind, who has been given preeminence in all things.

He will be found when He becomes precious in our minds and hearts.

A thing is precious as it is esteemed, rare, or has a personal affection.

Christ is all of this and more to the believer.

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” (John 17: 20-24)

He is precious and grows more precious as time goes by.

God help me to preach Him that way.

~ Pastor Darvin Pruitt

Click here to listen to the message “The Love Of God In Christ” (34:13 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 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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A Peculiar People In Perilous Times

”Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” |

The saints of God have doubts and fears.

They sometimes feel that they have no faith at all, and because of their sinfulness, they feel they may not be one of God’s elect after all.

But ask them where all their hope and trust is found and they will quickly tell you Christ is their only hope.

No true believer puts any hope of eternal life in his works, goodness, or faith, but all his hope is in Jesus Christ.

And that is a good hope; a sure hope.

And according to God’s promises, all who put their trust in Him are saved and shall be saved.

There are no doubts in the mind of God’s people as to Who does the saving.

They all know “Salvation is of the Lord.”

And they all know how God saves: through the blood and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ.

They all doubt themselves but never doubt God’s Word of Truth, the Gospel.

~ Pastor Paul Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “A Peculiar People in Perilous Times” (50:57 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.

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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Jesus Is The Christ

”I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.” | Psalm 17: 6-9

Jesus is the Christ.

“When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.” (1 John 2: 22-23)

He is the true, eternal Son of God.

There cannot be a father without a son, or a son without a father.

He that honors not the Son as such honors not the Father.

He is the very Christ and true Messiah spoken of by the prophets, typified in the sacrifices and looked for by Old Testament saints.

He is the God-man, Mediator and Saviour.

He is that Prophet, our great High Priest and sovereign King.

He is our sin-offering, propitiation and atonement!

Anyone who denies this, no matter what high office, position, or praise he gives to Jesus Christ, is a liar, an antichrist, and does not know the Father or the Son.

Jesus of Nazareth is either the Christ and all that is written, promised, prophesied, typified and expected of the Christ, or He is an impostor!

If He is the Christ and we compromise, deny or take away any aspect of his total deity, humanity, office, work, or glory, then we are impostors, liars, antichrists!

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Christ, The True Tabernacle” (25:34 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: 25 February, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky

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The Full Sum Of Our Preaching

“For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;” | 1 Corinthians 1: 22-23

Times have changed but men have not.

Most religionists still seek signs, tongues, feelings, and experiences.

The other camp of religionists still seek wisdom, intellectualism, and philosophy.

But God’s preachers preach Christ.

They know Christ, love Christ, and desire that others know him.

Such a vast, infinite, and heavenly gospel can never be exhausted.

So, we preach Christ today and tomorrow, as our first and last message, and as the full sum of our theology.

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “I Will, and They Shall” (36:21 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.

Central Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 8 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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Three Men On A Cross

”And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.” | Luke 23: 33

By nature and practice, I am that justly condemned criminal that spoke in rage against the innocent Son of God.

By grace, I am the other vile and wicked man on the other side which God granted eyes to see Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and was promised to be with Him in paradise that very day.

By substitution, I am now a perfect, sinless son of God who is completely righteous, wholly holy and absolutely sinless through Him who loved me and gave Himself for me while dying in my place.

What a picture of the believer is found in all three men that hung on a cross at Mount Calvary.

~ Pastor David Eddmenson

Click here to listen to the message “Saved From Sin” (26:59 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.

Hurricane Road Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 29 November, 2020 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky

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Shall

”That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” | 1 Corinthians 1: 31

What do believers glory in when they glory in the Lord?

They glory in His holiness.

“And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.” (Exodus 24: 15-17)

They glory in His grace.

“And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings. And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.” (Leviticus 9: 22,23)

And they glory in His mercy.

“Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’S house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.” (2 Chronicles 7: 1-3)

What is the greatest display of the glory of the Lord’s holiness, grace, and mercy that the world has ever seen, and could ever know?

The Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of calvary!

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6: 14)

Holiness demanded a sacrifice for sin.

Grace provided one, and Mercy poured the Blood of that sacrifice all over the sinners that God chose to save!

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Shall” (27:05 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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A Fallen Saint

“Peter went out and wept bitterly.” | Luke 22: 62

Peter had sat in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

He had walked on the water to go to Him.

He had lived in the full assurance that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God.

“We believe and are sure,” he said, “That thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” the words of blood redemption had gone to Peter’s heart from the very lips of Jesus Christ Himself.

“Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6: 68)

Peter had seen the power of the Lord when he spoke to the raging waves of the sea and stilled them – the Lord Jesus saved Peter’s life that day, and Peter knew it too.

Now this same Peter has denied the Lord he loved and believed – even cursed and swore he never knew him. Look at him now as he goes off in the darkness sobbing as he goes.

Imagine the guilt and fear that weighed upon his afflicted conscience?

Imagine the suggestions from Satan, the prince of darkness, saying to him, “There is no hope for you now.”

Only those who have experienced such a thing know how Satan can work with a guilty conscience to drive it to despair.

I am sure Peter thought, as many have since, “There is no way out of this dilemma I find myself in.”

A poor soul like this can despair of ever being recovered. He sank in deep mire where there was no standing.

I will tell you this, if Jesus Christ does not make intercession for such a person and strengthen his faith, and send some light into his darkness, Satan will sift him. Those who dream they are a match for Satan’s accusations are ignorant of his devices.

Does our Lord Jesus know all this?

Of course he knows.

His intercession had already secured Peter, not from falling but from falling away.

Not from bitter weeping but from final despair.

Peter had a sad and fearful fall, but he had a fearless and faithful Advocate with the Father.

Peter fell, but just about the time the enemy began to rejoice over him, he rose up again – forgiven and restored.

Dear fallen saint, don’t despair.

Maybe you see no way in your present darkness to be restored, but Jesus Christ can see for you, He is the way.

Look out of your wet eyes to him.

Your heart is aching but the Lord Jesus feels it.

Trust him.

Wait upon Him.

Your weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning.

~ Pastor Bruce Crabtree

Click here to listen to the message “Our eyes are upon thee” (59:37 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 August, 2021 | Previous post date: 31 August, 2021

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What A Contrast

”When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” | Acts 7: 54-60

What a demonstration of contrast between the way of the wicked flesh and the way of sovereign grace when God’s servant, Stephen was being stoned to death for the gospel’s sake.

“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)

The enemies of the gospel were filled with rage; Stephen was filled with joy in the Lord. “And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” (Acts 7: 56)

“What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.” (Romans 3: 9-11)

They were occupied with hatred; Stephen was bursting with the love of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Spirit. “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.” (Romans 5: 5)

“They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:” (Romans 3: 12-14)

They were packed with fear; Stephen was occupied with faith. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12: 2)

“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)

They were chock-full of persecution; Stephen was jam-packed with prayer. “And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7: 60)

“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” (1 Corinthians 4: 7)

Oh, what a difference the sovereign grace of God makes in the believer. “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” (Romans 9: 15-16)

“Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3: 15-18)

Oh, how dreadfully wicked is the way of the sinful flesh.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Is Your Heart Right?” (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: 18 February, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky