And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness." Matthew 7:23 The Greek term translated as "knew" is ἔγνων (egnōn), derived from the verb γινώσκω (ginōskō). This word signifies more than just intellectual understanding; it often refers to a personal, close, and relational kind of knowledge. This same sense of knowing describes God's covenant relationship with His people, as seen in John 10:14 and Galatians 4:9. Jesus is not sa

But our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 As we gather for worship on this Independence Day weekend, we do so during a historic year. In 2026, our nation commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For two and a half centuries, God has graciously blessed the United States with remarkable freedoms, abundant resources, and opportunities to proclaim the gospel. As Chri

Therefore, comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 As believers, we live between two great realities: Christ has risen, and Christ is coming again. Because Jesus conquered the grave, death no longer has the final word. The resurrection was not merely an event in history; it is the guarantee of our future. As Paul declares, “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). The risen Christ Himself

It is a trustworthy saying: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work. 1 Timothy 3:1 One of the greatest blessings Christ gives His church is godly leadership. The office of elder is not merely a position to be filled but a sacred calling entrusted to qualified men who shepherd God's flock through prayer, teaching, oversight, and personal example. Today, our elders will begin the formal examination of Ian Hix and Bill Malaney as candidates for the o

Let all bitterness and anger and wrath and shouting and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Instead, be kind to one another, tender-hearted, graciously forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has graciously forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32 Must I Always Forgive? Yes! As Christians, we are called to forgive because we have been forgiven so much. Notice Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:31–32. He does not merely suggest forgiveness; he commands it. Believers

Now Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in Goshen, and they took possession of property in it and were fruitful and became very numerous. Genesis 47:27 Genesis 47:27 illustrates how God’s favor on His people can subtly provoke resentment in others. As Egypt suffered losses of land, livestock, and freedom during the famine, Israel was experiencing increased stability, property, and growth. What appeared as mercy to one group felt like injustice to another. When people compare t

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Graduates, you are stepping into a new season of life—one filled with opportunity, uncertainty, and countless voices telling you what matters most. Some will tell you to chase success, others to pursue comfort, and many will urge you to define your own truth. But God’s Word gives you something far better: a

For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and continuing to minister to the saints. Hebrews 6:10 Today we say goodbye to Wes and Michelle Parrish with both gratitude and sadness. After many years of faithful service, they are relocating to Connecticut to care for Michelle’s mother. Wes and Michelle have been part of Grace Harvest since our early days, meeting at Amelia High School in 2008, join

So then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as God is pleading through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20 When an ambassador is appointed by the President of the United States, they move to the US embassy in the country to which they are assigned. For example, the US ambassador to China, David Perdue, resides in Beijing. The ambassador represents the interests of the United States of America, not the interests of China. He understands that China is not his home. Every believer experiences a