Sunday's Message: The Word of God.

Pastor Michael preached today from Hebrews 4:12 that says, "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (NASB). I appreciate that pastor Michael explained how this verse illustrates the makeup of a person, that we are body, soul, and spirit. The body is the physical part of us, the soul our mind, emotions, and will, and the spirit is the part of us that God breathed into to make us a living spiritual being as He is. Of course we are not equal to God, but made in His "likeness" (Genesis 1:26). We then learned how God acts by means of His word. I immediately recalled how each creation day found in Genesis 1 begins with "Then God said." Yes, He spoke all of creation into existance—from nothing—by His word. That's pretty powerful! But Hebrews 4:12 focues on the effect God's word has on us as individuals, and it does so because it is "living and active." As pastor Michael explained, the Bible is much more than mere paper and ink. It's supernaturally inspired by God Himself. This is why it's able to pierce the hearts and judge the thoughts of those who read it seeking to know it's Author. And this is why all believers, new in the faith or mature in the faith, must make the regular study of Scripture, God's word, a part of their lives. We are blessed when we do!