The Words That Will Break Your Heart | Pastor Brinton Laing | 22 August 2026

Pastor Brinton Laing reflects on the painful words people can hear in life, but draws attention to the most serious words found in Matthew 7:23: “I never knew you.” The sermon emphasizes that these words are directed not at openly irreligious people, but at those who appear deeply religious and have even performed works in Christ’s name. The central warning is that knowing about Jesus is not the same as having an intimate relationship with Him. The Greek concept of “knowing” points to a deep, personal relationship rather than mere intellectual knowledge.The sermon connects this warning with the parable of the ten virgins, emphasizing that preparation for Christ’s return must involve more than outward religious activity. We can attend church, serve, wear uniforms, participate in ministries, and appear spiritually prepared while still lacking a genuine relationship with Christ. Pastor Laing challenges the congregation to examine whether Christ truly knows them and whether their daily devotional life, family life, and spiritual foundation are rooted in Him.Using the illustration of the two houses built on rock and sand, the message concludes that outward appearance is not what matters when the storms come. What matters is the foundation. The appeal is therefore to pursue both preparation for Christ’s return and a personal relationship with Christ, building our lives on Jesus—the solid Rock—so that when the winds and waves come, our faith will stand.The sermon closes with a call to recommit ourselves to Christ and ensure that when He returns, we will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” rather than “I never knew you.”