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Let Us Go To The House Of The Lord

”I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” | Psalm 122: 1

What defines a true house of the Lord?

”And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.” (Exodus 9: 16)

It is a house where the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ is declared – God, Man, Mediator, Savior!

”And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16: 15)

It is a house where the Word of Christ is declared – every word that has proceeded out of the mouth of God.

”Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14: 6)

It is a house where the Spirit of Christ dwells – in truth.

”Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?” (Job 26: 14)

It is a house where the glory of Christ dwells – in power.

”By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13: 35)

It is a house where the people of Christ dwell – in love.

”And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3: 10-11)

It is a house where Christ is ALL and in all.

That is a house that all of God’s people are glad to go to.

May that be THIS house today!

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Believers Have All Things In Common” (67:22 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: 24 July, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky

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Let The Righteous Smite Me

”Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.” | Psalm 141: 3-4

To me the end of all controversy is “Thus saith the Lord.”

Only let me know that the Lord hath said this or that, and though the revelation should seem impossible to believe, and though it should come into conflict with all my previous notions, I will bow before it without a question.

“The Lord hath said it,” stands to us instead of all reason, and argument, and evidence; yea, we believe God in the teeth of supposed evidence and reason, saying, “Let God be true, but every man a liar.”

~ Charles Spurgeon

Click here to listen to the message “Who Controls The Coronavirus?” (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: 9 February, 2020 | Previous post date: 9 May, 2022

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The Greatest Of All Charity

”To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. ” | Romans 3: 26

Ultimately, there have only ever been two beliefs among professing Christians throughout all generations.

One belief is that it is the sinner’s act of believing which justifies him before God.

The other is that it is God who is both just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

I do not doubt that many are sincere in their desire to show “charity” when they attempt to bridge these opposing beliefs.

I have heard it said that the issue is not what the Lord Jesus Christ did or did not accomplish by his one offering, but rather the issue is “justification by faith.”

Such error is the same as saying the issue is not on whom one believes but merely that he believes.

It is the same as saying it is not Christ’s work that justifies but “self’s act of believing” that justifies.

To say such a thing is to make the justifier, not God, but “self.”

The slightest agreement with such comprise is not only the opposite of love, it is blasphemous to God and murderous to our friends and family.

The very righteousness of God, witnessed throughout scripture by both the law and the prophets, is that sinners are justified freely by God showing grace to whom he is pleased to show grace.

Christ Jesus justified those for whom he fully paid the ransom.

God declared his righteousness clearly before the whole world by setting forth his Son in whom both justice and mercy are satisfied toward all whom God chose to save.

”Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” (Romans 3: 24-26)

God’s very righteousness is that he alone is both just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Justification by faith is the Spirit of God shutting sinner’s mouths and giving such vessel’s of mercy faith to believe on their Justifier.

The gospel is offensive to sinners because, by nature, we want the glory that belongs to God alone.

Yet, if we would truly be a friend to sinners, we must not attempt to save ourselves from the hurt we will incur by stating the truth of God according to his word.

”Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15: 13)

The Lord Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”.

If we would truly show love to all who will listen, we must lay down our lives and preach the gospel by which God is pleased to call out those he has justified – doing so is showing the greatest of all charity.

~ Pastor Clay Curtis

Click here to listen to the message “The Shepherd and His Sheep” (49:59 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.

Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Bulletin Article date: 8 March, 2008 | Previous post date: n/a | Ewing, New Jersey

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The Promise Christ Swore To

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” | 1 Timothy 1: 15

When I look at the cross of Christ I think, how holy must God be and how evil must I be for such a person as God’s Son to have to die such a death in order to save me.

“I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7: 21-24)

“O wretched man that I am…”

~ Pastor John Chapman

Click here to listen to the message “The Promise Christ Swore To” (25:57 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: 14 April, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

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Our Steps Are Ordered Of The Lord

”For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” | Romans 11: 36

What will happen in the days to come?

Everything the Lord has wisely decreed in His eternal purpose for us to experience. ”In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:” (Ephesians 1: 11)

”These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33)

The Lord gave David these words in Psalm 37:23; “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”

”And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.” (Joshua 23: 14)

Our Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples in their day; “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”.

”According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1: 3-4)

The apostle Paul declares that every believer has won the victory of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ forever; “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”.

”But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15: 57)

We can be assured by the word of our blessed God and Saviour; that every promise of God will be fulfilled; that our gracious Lord will provide for our every need; that He will never leave us or forsake us.

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

As the old writers used to express it; “The Lord will give us all grace now and glory forever. ”My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.” (Psalm 31: 15)

”Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13: 5-6)

We don’t know what the future holds but we know who holds the future.

~ Pastor Tom Harding

Click here to listen to the message “Promised Before The World Began” (23:05 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: 5 June, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a

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Whoso Walketh Wisely, He Shall Be Delivered

“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” | Proverbs 28: 26

The apostle Paul was moved of the Holy Spirit to write to the church at Ephesus that they were to, “walk as children of light”.

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” (Ephesians 5: 8)

As I thought upon this passage, my mind was made to consider, “How does a child of light walk?”

Well, he walks as a needy sinner who was mercifully rescued from the bondage of sin as Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus… he walks, by faith, as a needy sinner who is being kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time… and finally comes to the end of his days, as a needy sinner, with the same cry of faith that Peter gave when he saw the wind boisterous and was afraid and began to sink and cried, saying, “Lord, save me.”

~ Pastor Marvin Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Victory, Gladness, And Joy” (35:45 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: 14 April, 2024 | Previous post date: n/a

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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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What Is Grace?

“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain” | Galatians 2: 21

Paul tells us repeatedly that we are saved and justified, called and sanctified, preserved and glorified by the grace of God, without our works; but what is grace?

Almost all professing christians say they believe that salvation is by grace.

The Word of God lays such heavy emphasis upon the fact that salvation is by grace that it is very difficult for anyone to claim to believe the Bible and yet openly deny that salvation is by grace.

Papists, pentecostals, and fundamentalists, all claim to believe in salvation by grace.

But most people think and speak about grace in such a way that they frustrate the grace of God.

That is the reason Paul declared, “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain!”

The grace that most people talk about is not grace at all.

It is so mixed with human merit and human works that it is ‘no more grace’.

“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” (Romans 11: 6)

Grace that looks to the worth of man, waits upon the will of man, or depends upon the work of man is frustrated grace; and frustrated grace is not the grace of God!

Grace is the unmerited favor of God.

Grace is free!

Grace is unconditional!

Anything earned, merited, or deserved by you is not grace.

The man who thinks he deserves God’s salvation does not believe in grace.

The person who imagines that his acceptance with God depends upon his will, his works, or his worth, does not believe in grace, as the Bible speaks of grace.

He has fallen from grace.

“Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” (Galatians 5: 2-4)

Such people may talk about grace, but grace does not mean to them what it does to poor, helpless, guilty, bankrupt, self-condemned sinners, whose only hope is Christ.

No one will ever honor and extol the grace of God until he has experienced it.

It was only after he had experienced it that Paul declared, “By the grace of God I am what I am.”

Before that, though he was religious, he was a blasphemer who hoped for salvation by something he did.

Paul took no credit for his conversion.

He ascribed the whole of his salvation to God’s free grace alone.

He knew he did not make himself to differ from others.

A great change had taken place in his heart.

His opinions, affections, ambitions, desires, hopes, and motives had been radically changed; and he attributed the change to the grace of God alone.

~ Pastor Don Fortner

Click here to listen to the message “The World Judged At The Cross” (27:14 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.

Central Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 13 August, 2017 | Previous post date: 15 August, 2021 | Rocky Mount, Virginia

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Render What Is Due

”And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” | Matthew 1: 21

Recently, my son became a lifeguard at a local water park.

He went through his training for CPR, basic first aid, swim tests, and finally his lifeguard certification exam.

”And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.” (Mark 2: 1)

In “modern terms”, he is now equipped to save lives.

”And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.” (Mark 2: 2)

However, the company’s policy for assisting a person in danger is to ask them if they are willing to receive aid.

While they attempt to rescue themselves, they may refuse any help.

If the one needing support is a small child, the lifeguard must ask permission from the parents to intervene.

”And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.” (Mark 2: 3)

Some refuse this “help”!

If the lifeguard is allowed to help, the swimmer would be assisting in some way.

”And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.” (Mark 2: 4)

Both could be praised.

But, when someone is unresponsive; when someone (child or adult) appears dead; when they are lifeless; when they cannot even request help; when they have no ability to save themselves; when no one is around to accept assistance on their behalf; it is then lawful for the lifeguard to rescue, resuscitate the injured and “save” them.

”When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” (Mark 2: 5)

Only the lifeguard can be praised.

Spiritually, there is a vast difference between helping and saving someone!

It is eternal life and death!

The Lord Jesus Christ did not come to help His people, He came to save His people, while we were dead in trespasses and sins.

He will receive all the glory for it!

~ Pastor Kevin Thacker

Click here to listen to the message “Render What Is Due” (35:02 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: 24 July, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a | Cattletsburg, Kentucky

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Let Us Go To The House Of The Lord

”I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” | Psalm 122: 1

What defines a true house of the Lord?

It is a house where the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ is declared – God, Man, Mediator, Savior!

”Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.” (Psalm 62: 1)

It is a house where the Word of Christ is declared – every word that has proceeded out of the mouth of God.

”He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.” (Psalm 62: 2)

It is a house where the Spirit of Christ dwells – in truth.

”How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.” (Psalm 62: 3)

It is a house where the glory of Christ dwells – in power.

”They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly.” (Psalm 62: 4)

It is a house where the people of Christ dwell – in love.

”My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.” (Psalm 62: 5)

It is a house where Christ is ALL and in all.

”He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.” (Psalm 62: 6)

That is a house that all of God’s people are glad to go to.

May that be THIS house today!

~ Pastor Gabe Stalnaker

Click here to listen to the message “Truly My Soul Waiteth Upon God” (29:41 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: 5 June, 2022 | Previous post date: n/a