A message shared by Pastor Nicholas Tsakis at Empower Christian Church, Sunday 14 March, 2010:Swords have different uses - both to attack and defend. We equate them with war and damage. In the Bible, however (Hebrews 4), the Word is likened to a double-edged sword.
It can bring life and death, beyond any person or thing we can name.
Jesus, the Word Himself, is powerful - our Word, double-impacting like a double-edged sword.
In Hebrews 4:12-13, we see how the sword touches every area of our lives. Our spiritual war is to both transform and renew.
The Word has, the Word is...
The Word has energy, is living. And that is the only thing that will truly sustain us. For example, supplements only support someone with a healthy diet.
The Word is powerful, entering all parts of the heart - even the secret places. See Jeremiah 23:19. It's power also offends, fatally wounding the stubborn.
The Word openly revives the believer.
The Word convicts the heart.
The Word is effective and powerful. Revelations 1:16.
The Word is effective and powerful. Revelations 1:16.
The Word transforms minds and changes hearts.
The Word penetrates, through the tough, hard layers of our life.
The Word separates thoroughly. So use it. Every day, for instance, read a Proverb and a Psalm. There is no substitute nor compromise for the Word of God.
The Word affects every area if your life: 2 Timothy 3:16.
The Word discerns, judging the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4). In fact, it goes deeper than anything or anyone can reach.
The Word assesses what is in there, covering the totality of a person.
God sees everything. The living, powerful Word of God is what you need. Isaiah 55:11 shows us the Word of God is there for a purpose, not returning empty.
The Word brings purpose to your life, THIS DAY!
Image source: By Ben Stead, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org
God's Word brings life and energy, and only through God and His word that we are refreshed spiritually and emotionally. Running around constantly.. although initially assuring ourselves that we're doing all these for God, it is too easy to lose sight of why we're doing these things in the first place.
ReplyDeleteIt's time to slow down, reflect, think and draw from His strength and not just our own. It's amazing what His word actually does to the soul.
It's time to dig deep.
-Priscilla :)
p.s One of my favourite services for the year. :D