Hearing and Holding Fast to God's Word

Summary

The service opened with Psalm 91 and thanks for a new year lived under God's protection, then the main message turned to Jeremiah 23. God rebukes prophets who soothe stubborn hearts with "peace, all is well" instead of speaking His true word. His word is meant to be like fire and a hammer that breaks the hard heart and produces real change; had those prophets truly stood in the Lord's counsel and listened, the people would have turned from their evil ways. The preacher pressed two questions: do those who carry the word deliver God's truth or merely pleasant human opinions, and can each of us discern God's voice from man's? To listen means to lean in, shut out distractions, incline the ear, and depend on the Holy Spirit, who alone transforms a life.

A brother then gave thanks, recalling Psalm 107, Romans 8:28, and how Moses recounted God's mercies to Jethro (Exodus 18). He testified that around 2005 his eyesight failed rapidly and a doctor offered no hope; seeing a blind man led by a guide dog, he grasped what a gift sight is. He cried out to God and read every passage where Jesus healed the blind until the Word came alive, and for more than fifteen years his vision has been restored and healthy. Our eyes are God's gift, best used to read His Word.

With a reminder that God supplies seed to the sower (2 Corinthians 9:10), the offering became an act of trust. The closing message from Revelation 3:11 urged the church to hold fast what it has, that no one take its crown. Christ is coming soon - for some at His appearing, for others through death - so we must value and guard the faith, grace, and love we have received, refusing to let go as Esau and Samson did, and clinging to Christ to the very end.

Key Points

• God's true word is like fire and a hammer: it breaks the hard heart and brings real change, not just comfortable feelings.
• Beware messages that only say "peace, all is well"; faithful preaching declares the whole counsel of God, even when it calls for repentance.
• To hear God we must truly listen - lean in, silence distractions, and incline our ear to His voice.
• Only the power of the Holy Spirit, not human wisdom, can transform a life.
• Give thanks in every season; God's mercy endures forever and works all things for good.
• Your eyes, your health, and your time are gifts from God - use them to seek Him and read His Word.
• Hold fast the faith and grace you have received, for Christ is coming soon; guard your crown to the end.