From The Pastor, September 9, 2926
Isaiah 53:1 (KJV) Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
This verse opens the greatest chapter in the Old Testament on the substitutionary death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Before Isaiah ever describes the Man of sorrows, the smitten Saviour, or the Lamb led to the slaughter, the Holy Ghost puts a searching question in the prophet’s mouth: Who hath believed our report?
The report is the gospel. It is the message of a suffering Messiah who would be wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5). It is not a new report. It is the same report God has always given—that man is a sinner, that God has provided a Substitute, and that salvation is by faith in that Substitute. Yet the question hangs over every generation: Who hath believed it?
Israel as a nation did not. John 12:37–38 applies this very verse to the Jews who saw Christ’s miracles and still would not believe. The arm of the LORD was revealed in the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, and they would not receive Him. That same unbelief marks the world today. Men will believe almost anything except the simple report that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).
The second half of the verse explains the first. Belief is not produced by human intellect or religious effort. The arm of the LORD must be revealed. Salvation is a supernatural work. God must open the heart, as He did Lydia’s (Acts 16:14). The same God who stretched out His arm to redeem Israel from Egypt must stretch out His arm to open a sinner’s eyes. Until He does, the report falls on deaf ears.
That does not excuse unbelief. It magnifies grace. If any man believes, it is because the Lord has revealed His arm. If any man remains in unbelief, it is because he has rejected the light God gave him. The preacher’s duty is not to make the report more palatable. It is to preach it plainly, in the power of the Spirit, and leave the revealing to God.
For the child of God, this verse is both a warning and a comfort. It warns us that even a clear gospel can be refused. It comforts us that when a soul does believe, it is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. We sow. We water. God giveth the increase.
A word for the lost: The report has been given. Christ died for sinners. He is able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by Him. The question is not whether the report is true. It is whether you will believe it. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).
A word for the saint: Keep preaching the report. Do not be surprised when men will not hear it. Do not be proud when they do. The arm of the LORD must be revealed—and when it is, give Him all the glory.
Who hath believed our report? May God grant that some who hear it today would answer, “I believe.”
Happy In His Servie,
Pastor Scott Harvey
From The Pastor, September 3, 2026
Almost Persuaded
Acts 25:13–26:32 (KJV)
King Agrippa knew the Scriptures. He knew the Jews, the prophets, and the hope of Israel. When Paul stood before him in chains, Agrippa was not ignorant. He was informed—and still unconverted.
Paul did not plead for his own freedom first. He preached Christ: that He should suffer, that He should be the first that should rise from the dead, and that He should show light unto the people and to the Gentiles (Acts 26:23). Then came the king’s reply:
“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”
— Acts 26:28
Almost.
Almost is a dangerous word. It sounds near the kingdom, but it still stands outside. Agrippa was close enough to feel the pull of truth and far enough to keep his throne, his pride, and his delay. Festus called Paul mad. Agrippa called him almost convincing. Neither believed unto salvation.
Paul’s answer still searches the heart:
“I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.”
— Acts 26:29
Paul wanted no half-Christians. Not almost persuaded. Altogether Christ’s—whether in a palace or in chains.
For today
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Knowing about Jesus is not the same as belonging to Him. Agrippa had light; he lacked surrender.
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Conviction is not conversion. A stirred conscience can still walk away.
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“Almost” is often the last hiding place of an unwilling will. Tomorrow, more evidence, a better season—anything but now.
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The gospel does not ask to be admired. It asks to be obeyed: repent, believe, follow.
Agrippa heard the apostle, rose up, and went his way. History does not record that he ever came all the way to Christ. The tragedy is not that he was far. It is that he was near—and left it there.
Prayer
Lord, do not let me be almost Yours. Search me where I delay, excuse, or admire the truth without yielding to it. Make me altogether Christ’s—today, not tomorrow. Amen.
Happy In His Service,
Pastor Scott Hravey
From The Pastor, August 26,2026
WATER BAPTISM: A PUBLIC TESTIMONY OF FAITH
Scripture: Romans 6:4 (KJV)
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
WATER BAPTISM IS AN ACT OF OBEDIENCE
Water baptism does not save us. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul said in Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Baptism comes after salvation as an act of obedience to the Lord.
Jesus said in Matthew 28:19–20:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”
BAPTISM IDENTIFIES US WITH CHRIST
When a believer goes into the water, it pictures the death and burial of Christ.
When the believer comes up out of the water, it pictures Christ's resurrection.
Water baptism is therefore a beautiful picture of the Gospel:
Christ died.
Christ was buried.
Christ rose again.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4: “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
BAPTISM IS A PUBLIC CONFESSION
Baptism tells the world:
“I belong to Jesus Christ.”
It is an outward testimony of an inward change.
The water does not wash away sin. The blood of Jesus Christ washes away sin.
John said in 1 John 1:7: “...and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
The saved person is baptized because he has already trusted Christ—not in order to become saved.
BAPTISM SHOULD BE FOLLOWED BY A NEW LIFE
Romans 6:4 does not stop at the water.
It says: “...even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
The real testimony is not simply that we went into the water.
The real testimony is that we came out determined to live for Christ.
Our baptism should remind us:
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I have been saved by Christ.
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I belong to Christ.
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I am identified with Christ.
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I should live for Christ.
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I should obey Christ.
A THOUGHT TO CONSIDER
Someone can get wet without ever getting saved.
Someone can be baptized without ever being born again.
Someone can enter the baptismal waters without truly surrendering his heart to Christ.
Baptism is not the door to salvation.
Jesus Christ is the door.
Jesus said in John 10:9: “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved...”
THOUGHT:
Water baptism is more than a religious ceremony. It is a believer publicly declaring:
“I have trusted Jesus Christ, and I am not ashamed to identify myself with Him.”
Have you trusted Christ as your personal Saviour?
Have you followed Him in believer's baptism?
And after being baptized, are you walking in “newness of life”?
Baptism does not make you saved—but if you are saved, you should not be ashamed to identify yourself with the One who saved you.
Happy In His Service,
Pastor Scott Harvey
From The Pastor, Aug 16, 2026
Psalm 133:1
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Thought for Today
There is something special when God's people are united in heart, purpose, and love for the Lord. Unity does not mean that everyone has the same personality, opinions, or responsibilities. It means that Christ is more important than our differences.
The devil loves division. He knows that a divided church is a weakened church. When Christians allow bitterness, pride, gossip, offenses, or personal preferences to come between them, the testimony and effectiveness of the church suffer.
But when brethren dwell together in unity, there is peace in the church, strength in the fellowship, encouragement among believers, and a testimony before the world.
Notice David's words: “how good and how pleasant.” God delights when His children love one another and work together for His glory.
A Question for Us
Are we contributing to the unity of God's people, or are we contributing to division?
Sometimes the greatest thing we can do for our church is not to speak our mind, but to love our brother, forgive an offense, pray for one another, and keep our eyes on Christ.
Ephesians 4:3
“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Practical Application
Today, determine to be a peacemaker rather than a troublemaker.
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Encourage someone instead of criticizing them.
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Forgive instead of holding a grudge.
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Pray for your brethren instead of talking about them.
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Look for ways to serve rather than ways to be served.
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Put Christ and the work of God ahead of personal preferences.
Closing Thought:
A church does not become strong because everyone agrees on everything. A church becomes strong when everyone is determined to follow Christ together.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us to love our brethren, forgive quickly, speak graciously, and walk together in unity. Keep bitterness and division far from our hearts. Help our church to be united in truth, faithful in service, and pleasing in Thy sight. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Happy In His Service,
Pastor Scott Harvey
From The Pastor, August 9, 2026
IT IS BUBBLING IN MY HEART
“My heart is bubbling up with a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king…”
— Psalm 45:1 (KJV)
There are some things that God does in the heart that cannot remain hidden. When the Lord has truly touched our heart, something begins to bubble up within us. It is a joy that wants to be expressed, a testimony that wants to be told, and a love for Christ that cannot be contained.
1. A NEW HEART PRODUCES A NEW SONG
David said, “My heart is bubbling up with a good matter.”
What is in the heart eventually comes out of the mouth. When God changes the heart, He changes what comes from the heart.
Psalm 40:3 (KJV) says:
“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God…”
A heart that has experienced the grace of God has something to sing about!
We may not have everything we want, but we have something far greater—we have Jesus Christ.
2. A NEW HEART PRODUCES A NEW JOY
The world can give temporary happiness, but only Christ can give lasting joy.
1 Peter 1:8 (KJV) says:
“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:”
That is the kind of joy that bubbles up.
When we remember where He brought us from, what He saved us from, and what He has promised us, our hearts ought to overflow with thanksgiving.
Psalm 126:3 (KJV):
“The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.”
3. A NEW HEART PRODUCES A NEW TESTIMONY
David said, “I speak of the things which I have made touching the king.”
When something is real in your heart, you will talk about it.
If Christ has saved you, you have a testimony.
If Christ has forgiven you, you have a testimony.
If Christ has changed your life, you have a testimony.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV):
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
The Christian life is not simply turning over a new leaf. It is receiving a new life through Jesus Christ.
CONCLUSION
What is bubbling in your heart today?
Is it worry? Fear? Bitterness? Anger? The things of this world?
Or is it Jesus, His Word, His goodness, His salvation, and His blessings?
When Christ has first place in our hearts, something begins to overflow.
“My heart is bubbling up with a good matter…”
May our hearts be so full of Christ that we cannot help but praise Him, speak of Him, and tell others what He has done for us.
Happy In His Service,
Pastor Scott Harvey
From The Pastor, August 2, 2026
"Behold, the Bridegroom Cometh"
Text: Matthew 25:6 (KJV)
"And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him."
The parable of the ten virgins reminds us that the return of the Lord Jesus Christ will come suddenly. At midnight—the darkest hour—the cry rang out that the bridegroom had arrived. Five virgins were wise because they were prepared, while five were foolish because they delayed their preparation until it was too late.
Just as those virgins, every person will one day hear the final call. There will be no time then to get ready. Salvation must be settled today, and the believer must live daily in watchfulness and obedience. The Lord's return is not merely a doctrine to discuss; it is a promise that should shape the way we live.
1. The Bridegroom Is Surely Coming
"And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh..." — Matthew 25:6 (KJV)
The Lord Jesus Christ is coming again. His return is not a possibility—it is a certainty. Throughout the New Testament, believers are reminded to live with the expectation that Christ could return at any moment. While the world scoffs at the promise of His coming, God has never failed to keep a promise. The same Jesus who came the first time in humility will come again in glory and power.
Many people live as though tomorrow is guaranteed, but Scripture teaches that our lives are but a vapor (James 4:14). We do not know the day or the hour of Christ's return, nor do we know when our own life may end. Therefore, wisdom demands that we live in constant readiness.
Supporting Scriptures:
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John 14:3 (KJV) – "I will come again, and receive you unto myself..."
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Acts 1:11 (KJV) – "...this same Jesus... shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
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Revelation 22:20 (KJV) – "Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
Application:
Live every day as though today could be the day you stand before the Lord. Make every decision in light of eternity.
2. Preparation Cannot Be Borrowed
The wise virgins had oil in their lamps because they had prepared before the bridegroom arrived. The foolish virgins waited until the last moment and discovered that readiness cannot be borrowed from someone else.
No one can be saved by another person's faith. A godly spouse cannot save you. Faithful parents cannot save their children. Church membership, baptism, and good works cannot prepare you for eternity. Every individual must personally repent and place faith in Jesus Christ.
Likewise, believers should not depend on yesterday's walk with God. We need fresh fellowship with the Lord through His Word, prayer, and obedience. Spiritual preparation is a daily matter.
Supporting Scriptures:
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2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) – "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith..."
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Romans 14:12 (KJV) – "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."
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Philippians 2:12 (KJV) – "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
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Application:
Ask yourself: "Am I personally prepared to meet Christ?" Don't depend upon the faith of others. Make sure your relationship with Christ is real and growing.
3. The Door Will Not Remain Open Forever
Matthew 25:10 says,
"...and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut."
These are some of the most sobering words in Scripture. Today, God's grace extends an open invitation to all who will come to Christ. The gospel is still preached, mercy is still offered, and forgiveness is still available. But the day is coming when the opportunity to respond will end.
When Noah entered the ark, God shut the door. Those outside were left to face judgment. In the same way, when Christ returns, the day of grace will give way to the day of judgment. There will be no second opportunity after the door is shut.
This truth should stir every believer to faithful witnessing and every sinner to immediate repentance.
Supporting Scriptures:
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Isaiah 55:6 (KJV) – "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found..."
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Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) – "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
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Luke 13:24–25 (KJV) – "...when once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door..."
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Application:
Do not put off salvation. Do not delay obedience. If God is speaking to your heart today, respond while His invitation is still extended.
Closing Challenge
The midnight cry will one day become reality:
"Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him."
When that cry is heard, there will be only two kinds of people—those who are ready and those who are not. The wise prepared before it was too late. May we be found watching, serving, and faithfully living for Christ, so that when our Bridegroom appears, we will enter into His joy and not be left outside the closed door.
As Jesus Himself said:
"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." — Matthew 25:13 (KJV)
Happy In His Service,
Pastor Scott Harvey
From The Pastor, July 29, 2026
Life Has Many Choices, But Eternity Has Two
Text: Matthew 7:13–14 (KJV)
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
Introduction
Every day of life is filled with choices. We choose where we go, what we do, what we believe, and how we live. Some choices have temporary consequences, but one choice has eternal consequences.
Life offers many roads, many opinions, and many voices. But when it comes to eternity, there are only two destinations: Heaven or Hell. There are only two paths: the broad way or the narrow way.
I. Life Gives Many Choices
Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve..."
God created mankind with the ability to choose. We choose our friends, our priorities, and our direction in life.
Many choices can be changed:
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A wrong job choice can be corrected.
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A wrong financial choice can be repaired.
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A wrong direction can be changed.
But the choice concerning your soul must be settled before eternity comes.
Hebrews 9:27 (KJV)
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
II. Eternity Has Only Two Choices
Jesus made it clear there are two ways:
The Broad Way
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It is easy to enter.
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It follows the crowd.
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It requires no repentance.
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It allows people to live as they please.
But Jesus said it leads to destruction.
The Narrow Way
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It requires faith in Christ.
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It requires repentance.
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It requires surrender.
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It leads to everlasting life.
John 14:6 (KJV)
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
There are not many ways to Heaven. There is one Savior, one sacrifice, and one way—Jesus Christ.
III. The Most Important Choice Must Be Made Today
Many people put off the decision about eternity. They say, "Someday I will get right with God." But tomorrow is not promised.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)
"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
The greatest question anyone will ever answer is not:
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How successful was I?
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How much money did I make?
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How many accomplishments did I have?
The greatest question is:
"What have you done with Jesus Christ?"
Conclusion
Life has thousands of choices, but eternity has only two. One leads to everlasting joy in the presence of God; the other leads to everlasting separation from God.
Choose wisely.
Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV)
"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life..."
Today, choose Christ. Today, choose life.
Closing Thought:
You can make many wrong choices in life and recover, but the wrong choice about eternity cannot be undone.
Happy In His Service,
Pastor Scott Harvey
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