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Things That God Has Prepared

”But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” | 1 Corinthians 2: 9

Preaching that is most blessed to my heart is that which is declared from a man truly taught of God…

…one who proclaims only the glory of Christ, but sees himself as one who desperately needs to be taught…

…a man who prayerfully considers the Divine truth of God’s word and plainly proclaims it in such a way that the Lord Jesus receives all the honor, glory and praise and therein, needy sinners can hear and feast upon the Bread of Heaven Himself.

~ Pastor Marvin Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Things That God Has Prepared” (28:45 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: 25 February, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

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There Is No Rejection In Election

”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

All men and women are born into this world spiritually “dead in trespasses and sins”.

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;” (Ephesians 2: 1)

All are under the curse of the law, and all are deserving of eternal damnation.

“But God”!

God chose to show mercy to some sinners through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Had God not chosen to do that, not one soul would have been saved.

Contrary to what many may believe, there is no rejection in election.

God did not chose for some to be saved and some to be damned.

Mankind was already damned.

God elected to save His people from damnation, and He reveals who He chose to do this for through The Holy Spirit giving a sinner “belief of the truth”.

Therefore, all who have been given this faith to believe on the saving work and blood of Christ alone are bound to give thanks to God for choosing to save them before the foundation of the world.

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Every One Written In The Book” (29:00 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: 22 July, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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His Name Is Lord Jesus Christ

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” | Ephesians 6: 1-3

It is most grievous to me to hear those who profess to fear, know and love the Lord… refer to Him simply as ‘Jesus.’

It is not intimacy, it is ignorance and irreverence, no matter who does so; though we or an angel from heaven. (Though no angel would do so!)

His disciples did not!

His disciples, who were closer and more intimate with the Lord than anyone, never called Him Jesus but always called Him Lord.

He said they did well in doing so. “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.” (John 13: 13)

I was very intimate with my earthly father but never referred to him as Henry, still don’t.

I had/have too much respect for him.

The unbelieving world refers to the Lord Jesus simply as Jesus.

The devils referred to Him as Jesus – “Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.” (Mark 1: 24)

“And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?” (Acts 19: 15)

The Pharisees called Him Jesus.

Some Greek men wanted to ‘see Jesus.’ Well, they never did. He didn’t give them audience. He did not speak to them.

If you want to see the King you must refer to Him as such.

He that cometh to God must believe that He is and must call Him so.

A.W. Pink once said: ‘The Holy Spirit can refer to the Lord Jesus as Jesus in scripture, like the queen can call the king (George) by his first name, but His servants and subjects must always call him King George.’

Paul wrote: ‘We see Jesus, made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death.’

He was a man named Jesus in order to die, but since He died, He is now ‘crowned with glory and honor… high and lifted up… seated in the Heavens and upon hearing the name of Jesus, you are to always call Him LORD Jesus.

Those who truly fear Him, reverence Him and love Him call Him Lord.

‘Lord’ is the name above every name.

Jesus, though a worthy name, a wonderful name, which means savior, is the name of His humanity, His humiliation… another man bore that name… Joshua.

You may refer to Joshua as Jesus, but never as Lord.

No one bears the Name Lord but the Lord of lords.

Every single person in scripture who was called by Him, saved by Him, came to know Him… called Him Lord.

Christ’s Most Intimate Disciples Call Him ‘Lord.’

Listen to brother Matthew Henry’s comment on John the apostle, who was closer and more intimate with the Lord than all the disciples… “He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto Him, Lord who is it?”

“He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?” (John 13: 25)

Though John whispered this in Christ’s ear, yet he called him ‘Lord’; the familiarity he was admitted to did not at all lessen his respect for his Master.

It becomes us to use a reverence in expression, and to observe a decorum even in our secret devotions, (which no eye is a witness to) as well as in public assemblies.

“And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:” (Genesis 18: 27)

The more intimate communion someone has with Christ, the more sensible they are of His worthiness and their own unworthiness, as Abraham, though the friend of God, says, “Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes”.

~ Matthew Henry

Click here to listen to the message “Children, Servants, Masters” (38:32 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: 1 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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Tie The Scarlet Line

Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law; that thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. | Psalm 94: 12-14

In most circles it is unfashionable to believe in the old gospel of substitution and atonement.

“Modern culture” and intellectualism have altered the Bible and religion until there is no real sin-offering and sacrifice left. The blood of His cross and the obedience of His life are only examples now, and not a propitiation, payment, nor imputed righteousness.

As for me, I tie the scarlet line in my window; I put the blood on my door; I stand amazed as my great High Priest enters within the veil with His own blood to make atonement for my soul.

In the midst of a thousand “new gospels” that aren’t worth the breath it takes to preach them, I hold in my heart and soul to the gospel of God concerning His Son, who was wounded for my transgressions, bruised for my iniquities, and by whose stripes I am healed.

Like Rahab of old, tie the scarlet line in your window.

If no one else sees it, GOD WILL!

If no one else is pleased – GOD IS!

~ Pastor Henry T. Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “The Lord Is My Light And 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: 12 September, 2021 | Previous post date: 11 September, 2022 | Pikeville, Kentucky

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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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I Will Help Thee

”Fear not, thy worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel, I WILL HELP THEE, saith the Lord and they Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel” | Isaiah 41: 14

God says to true Israel, “I WILL HELP THEE.”

And, when God says, “I will help thee,” there is something to it, brethren!

The will of God started the world into existence; the will of God sent Christ into the world and to the cross; the will of God called you by grace to faith in Christ.

And if God says to you, “I will help thee,” there is no doubt about it.

He does not say, “I will PROBABLY help you,” or “I MAY help you if you fit certain requirements,” or “It is possible to obtain help of the Lord.”

No!

Without any qualifications the Lord our Redeemer says, “I will help thee!”

Now, there is comfort there.

That is enough to cheer the heart of every believer.

Why should He not help us?

Consider what He has already done.

He loved us, chose us, died for us, called us, and intercedes for us.

If this be the case, He will surely help us at every point along our way; for, without Him, we can do nothing.

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “Brethren” (32:14 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 May, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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Children Of Love

”Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end” | John 13: 1

God showed His power in making us creatures, but He showed His love in making us sons.

A man may give thanks that God had made him a man rather than a beast, but how much more we ought to praise His glorious name for making us children of love rather than leaving us in our state of sin.

When I think of what and where I could be, my heart overflows with gratitude to my Redeemer!

~ Pastor Henry Mahan

Click here to listen to the message “HIS Mind, Will, Purpose & Work” (31:17 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: 15 July, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a

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More Than The Usual Religious Bargain

”And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.” | Acts 3: 5

Many spiritually lame sinners have grown accustomed to the usual religious bargain.

Sinners are brought by their friends to a place that should be beautifully filled with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ only to receive a carnal trinket to momentarily gratify the flesh.

In like manner, after years of receiving the usual religious bargain, this lame man expected to receive nothing more than the same from Peter.

Yet, that which Peter had he gave.

Through his gospel the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth sends forth the sovereign command with power from his throne of grace, saying, “Rise up and walk.”

Through his gospel from his throne of dominion, the Lord of heaven and earth takes hold of his redeemed, illustrated by Peter taking hold of the lame man.

Through the Holy Spirit, Christ’s Power becomes the strength of the sinner, even as this impotent man received strength in his ankle bones and feet.

When the Faithful One joins himself with a lame sinner he gives the gift of faith whereby the lame leap up to walk for the first time.

Through his gospel command the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth unites sinners with their brethren and together they enter into Christ the true Temple.

The sinner saved by the absolute, irresistible, free grace of God in Christ praises continually the Lord who healed him.

If Christ is our Life then he is our Life at the time of conversion, in every hour of trial, in every hour of joy, and for all eternity.

Believers do not go to Mt. Zion for eternal salvation then back to Mt. Sinai for matters of daily life.

God has given his Son a name which is above every name.

The more that name is declared the more the lame leap as a hart with joy.

It is through the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth that the lame receive more than we could have ever bargained for.

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “The Valley of Dry Bones” (39:01 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: 24 February, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey

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The Fear Of The LORD

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” | Psalm 111: 10

Once Job and his three friends had spoken, they were rebuked by Elihu and then by God, Himself.

The essence of Elihu’s and God’s response to all that had been said by Job and his three friends is this: God is the Maker and Sovereign Sustainer of all things.

Powers beyond your imagination are at His beck and call.

Who are you?

There is no fault in man that cannot be traced back to his lack of reverence or “the fear of the Lord.”

Paul concluded his prosecution of all mankind with, “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

In some, this lack of the fear of God results in outright atheism; in others, it results in a form of religion in which the works and/or will of men are the deciding factor in their eternal condition.

Some would say that the pride of man is the source of all sin and error, and they would be correct in saying that.

But we can go back even one more step, for the pride of man arises only in a heart that is devoid of the fear of the Lord.

No amount of intellectual, theological training can give a man the fear of the Lord.

The fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING of wisdom, not the end of it.

Only God can teach the fear of God. And I believe that His classroom for all His lessons on this subject is the cross of Christ.

Wherever this lesson is God-taught, mouths are shut, hearts are subdued, wills are broken, knees are bowed, and repentance and faith flow freely. And the answer to, “Who are you?” is “I am nobody; Christ is all.”

~ Pastor Joseph Terrell

Click here to listen to the message “God and His People” (50:28 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.

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

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Meat And Potatoes Of The Gospel

”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

“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)

What are the blessings that God‘s people have received 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:” (Ephesians 1: 4)

He chose us in Christ.

“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” (Ephesians 1: 5)

He predestinated us in Christ.

“To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1: 6)

He made us accepted in Christ.

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

He redeemed us in Christ.

“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)

He enlightened us, and called us in Christ.

“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: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” (Ephesians 1: 11,12)

He has enriched us 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: 13, 14)

He sealed us in Christ.

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Meat And Potatoes Of The Gospel” (41:45 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: 15 July, 2018 | Previous post date: n/a