I am so thankful for my church and the pastors who serve us by teaching, leading, and ministering in so many ways. It is a very rare thing to be in a church where the teaching is solid, Biblically based week after week, taught with depth and accuracy, and applicable to our lives. I especially appreciate the high view of God that is held and taught. I think so many times well meaning churches become so man focused that God becomes little and man becomes big. The result is a low view of God and His Word...the teaching becomes shallow, the sermons become easy to hear, and the leadership settles for mediocrity, which is easier for them as well. The people then are not truly served in the way the Bible says the church should be...they are left with a vague understanding of scripture, a low view of God and His sovereignty, and confused on many Biblical topics because these topics are never addressed.

I know, as believers, we are responsible to learn, study, and grow...and we can not nor should not depend totally on a local church to do that for us...but, how wonderful it is to have pastors lovingly looking out for our souls as they prepare and study each week...and when we come together, they are making sure that we are being fed the depth of God's Word, so that we can grow, learn, and be equipped to go out and serve and love a lost world. I am challenged by that. Having this in my life causes my heart to overflow in thanksgiving to God for allowing our family to be so blessed, challenged, and encouraged.

This past Sunday I was greatly encouraged by some facts that were taught. Some astounding facts...nothing new in this information, but my heart grasped it in a new more permanent way...does that ever happen to you? Something we might hear often, but then one day it clicks, it is sealed, it is certain without a doubt true, and it sticks...becomes a permanent part of the fabric of who I am in Christ. It was one of those times and I want to share it with you.

Hebrews 1:1-4

8 Facts that show the supremacy and excellency of Christ:

1) God has spoken through His Son whom He appointed heir of the universe. Jesus, the man, fully human and fully God, is the ruler over all things.

2) Christ, fully man and God, is the creator of everything in the universe

3) Christ(as a man and God) is the radiance of God's glory.

4) He is also the EXACT imprint of God the Father's nature(character).

5) Jesus is the sustainer of the universe. He keeps everything going just as it should.

6) He(the man and God) provided Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to make US right before a Holy and just God---through the purification of OUR sins...He has redeemed us.

7) Christ was exalted to the right hand of God.

8) His unique status causes Him to be superior to the angels and His name is the name above all names.

This means a lot to me...why is this so special you ask?....Don't we already know this? Well, there is a difference in having head knowledge and a heart knowledge. My heart has this stamped and sure now. And what comfort and joy it brings.