In today's message we embark on a very familiar portion of Scripture in the book of Hebrews...that of the double-edged sword of the Word. Pastor Terry shares with us the duel nature of God's Word. Sometimes God's Word slices and cuts with powerful judgment and at other times, it calms and soothes with words of mercy.

The double-edged sword of the Word is more powerful than we can even imagine! Today Pastor Terry exhorts us to avail ourselves to the Word of God through the simple reading of it. By taking the time to read God's Word, we will expose ourselves to the power that it contains...the power to change our lives!

As Pastor Terry just shared the main point of the entire book of Hebrews is the fact that the earthly priesthood, as typified in the family of the Levites, is completely absolved. No longer do we need an earthly priest to have access to our Father in Heaven. Through Jesus, we can boldly enter the throne room of God.

The priesthood of Melchizedek is an eternal priesthood. Through the levitical priesthood people only had one opportunity to each year to have their sins cleansed. But, in Jesus, our sins are forgiven eternally...both those that we have committed and those that we will commit. The important distinction is the necessity for repentance.

Today Pastor begins sharing with us what the book of Hebrews has to say about spiritual growth. We know that it would be tragic if a twenty year old young man still behaved like a new born baby. And yet, in the book of Hebrews there's a group of people described in this same manner.

Perhaps there's someone listening to this program right now and Pastor Terry was just describing you. You've walked with God for many years now, but you aren't currently serving. Heed the exhortation...find a place to serve within the Body of Christ and you will find such blessing and fulfillment in your life.

One of the most amazing blessings that we can experience as Christians is the presence of God in our lives ALL the time! God's Holy Spirit is always with us, guiding and directing our lives. We learn today that one of the precautions we need to take each day is to listen for the voice of God through the Holy Spirit.

One of the best tricks that the enemy uses to deceive and discourage us is to make us believe that the struggles we face, are unique and that no one has ever been through what you're going through. That's simply not true. The Bible says that every temptation is common to man and our Savior experienced them all. He knows exactly what you're going through.

Simply saying that you believe in God doesn't mean much. And Pastor Terry's example a moment ago proves the point. In order to experience the benefit of a relationship with God, you have to live according to His Word. Don't be confused though...living according to God's Word doesn't save you, it simply proves that you're saved.

In this fast paced world in which we live, it's easy to lose track of the fact that we all need rest. We need that time to unwind and allow the LORD to speak to us. But, perhaps you're listening today and you haven't even entered the initial rest with God, which is a rest of the eternal consequences of your sin. Be sure to stay with us as Pastor Terry will invite you into God's rest.