God's promise is an eternal covenant

Hebrews 4:2 For we had good news proclaimed to us just as they did. But the message they heard did them no good, since they did not join in.

One of the pitfalls is being too consumed in the church, is the potential for losing sight of the fact that none of us are any better than even the most despicable outside the body of Christ, but for the fact that we are believers, and thus no longer a part of the world. Sure everyone, at least in our lives, has heard about the gospel, and is aware in some sense of what Christianity is. But hearing and listening are two entirely different concepts, for how many of us hear what our organic chemistry teacher is saying (for example), but how many of us listen with all our focus? Uh, I hope you weren't expecting me to say 'yes!' 'cause far from it!

4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart

This is a gritty verse, but it serves its purpose well. When I come to the word of God with faith, believing that it is Truth from my Father in heaven, I get so much more out of it. When I start to look at it as something 'obligational', or more of a history lesson, my reward is that much more limited.