Building the Family of God
… like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house… 1 Peter 2:5
A Study in 1 Peter.
Jesus told his disciple Peter, “I will build my church.” He then told Peter, “you are the rock.” Jesus was going to build his people, his family, his church on the ministry of this disciple. Thirty years later, Jesus’ church was fledgling amidst persecution, rival cultures and philosophies, and organizational uncertainty, and Peter was on the run for his life. This rock seemed to be shaking.
Into this chaos, Peter wrote a letter to a group of new churches. His words would create the foundation of what it means to live as part of the family of God. We know this letter as 1 Peter in our New Testaments. It words created a sure foundation that has allowed the church to thrive for more than 2,000 years.
This summer, Harvest invites you to learn what it means to be a part of the family of God. Our summer series will includes Sunday messages and a 10 week devotional book so you can study the letter of 1 Peter at home.
Click here to order your devotional on Amazon.
Message Topics Include:
Building the Family of God
May 31, 2026
Jeremy M. Gwaltney
Key Thought: In the chaos of our world, Jesus and his family —the church— provide a place for grace and peace to be multiplied.
Jesus, Our Living Hope (1 Peter 1:3-12)
June 7, 2026
Cory Witmer
How to be Holy and Happy
June 14, 2026
Steve Chupp
Key Thought: When God calls us to be holy, he doesn’t leave us on our own. He helps us, so we can be holy and happy.
The Family of God
June 21, 2026
Adam Young
Key Thought: Family is an important part of our lives. They are the people we rely on to celebrate the great times and cry with us in the hard times. In much the same way, the Family of God is meant to be an essential part of our lives, offering encouragement, support, and fellowship as we grow together in faith.
Welcome Home: VBS Sunday
June 28, 2026
Jeremy M. Gwaltney
Key Thought: You are God’s special child.
Honoring Authority
July 5, 2026
Jeremy M. Gwaltney
Key Thought: We honor God by honoring the authorities in our lives.
July 5 — Honoring Authority — 1 Peter 2:13-25
July 12 — Husband and Wives — 1 Peter 3:1-7
July 19 — Suffering for Christ — 1 Peter 3:8-22, 12-19
July 26 — Leadership in the Family of God — 1 Peter 5:1-5
August 2 — Humility and Exaltation — 1 Peter 5:6-11