The message was brought by Rev. Tim Powers on Jan 11, 2026. The background scripture is Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
I like watching the history channel, in particular the show called Forged in Fire. They take old weapons and re-forge them into something else using fire. I brought a real sword today. It’s heavy. It’s sharp on both sides. It represents the Word of God for today’s message.
There are 66 books in the Bible consisting of thousands of words, verses, and chapters. It’s all the Bible or as the verse above tells us, it’s all the SWORD. One sword. If you were a soldier back in the days when swords were used, you were trained so well that the sword became an extension of your body. Soldiers are trained the same today. Whatever weapon you are trained to use, it becomes an extension of you. You know all its parts, how it works, and how to use it properly to defeat the enemy. Using the verse above, let’s look at a few things about the Sword we as Christians have at our disposal, if we just learn how to use it.
It is QUICK. This doesn’t just mean fast like we use this word today. The root word means alive; it has energy. God flows through this book, and we can tap into that energy when we know how. This is stronger than nuclear power and literally shines through us when we get saved. This sword is the power of God unto salvation. If the word is preached and nothing happens, it is not the fault of the Word. It’s either not being preached authentically or the receiver is not taking it in. The Word of God never returns void, as if nothing happens. We don’t always see the result, but there is one anytime it’s preached under the anointing of God.
It is SHARP. This root word means to cut. A soldier put an iron stone to this blade to keep it sharp. The Bible says iron sharpens iron. If the blade is not sharp all a soldier can do is hack with it. It won’t cut. A two-edged sword cuts both ways. I can swing it this way or this way and it will cut whatever it hits. The Word of God is that sharp! Some people make false professions of salvation. They may not have meant it or were operating purely under an emotional experience. The Word is what brings change. Nothing else works. That’s why it’s important to meet together regularly. We are the iron sharpening iron as we help each other grow in the Lord.
It is PIERCING. Here the root word means to go through completely. A sword goes all the way through its target if it is sharp. It pricks the hearts of the lost to convict them and of the saved to convict of unconfessed sin. A Roman soldier’s blade was so sharp he could shave with it. That’s what the Word does; it shaves off sin.
It is DISCERNING with a root word meaning critic. It lets a person critique things. It is to discern–or judge. It discerns the thoughts and intents of our own heart. The meaning here is to look at oneself, not others. Don’t be a talebearer. Let the Word of God speak to you while it does the speaking to others.
Let the Sword do its work. I like good singing as much as the next person, but too much emphasis shouldn’t be put on singing. That won’t save anyone. Put emphasis on the Word. Let it equip you to face the wiles–those tricks–of the devil. Make it an extension that can be pulled out of its sheath whenever you need it. The Word tells us to cut off, get rid of, anything in our life that hinders our walk with God. This isn’t necessarily something sinful. Is anything keeping you away from God? Cut it off with the SWORD. Let’s let God speak to us and get us equipped as a good soldier in the Christian life.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 