TODAY’S “GOOD NEWS” - October 19, 2003  

MESSAGE:  “LIVING WITH PURPOSE IN A DANGEROUS WORLD:
                                …Training The Tongue For Service!”

SCRIPTURE:  James 3:1-12

KEY VERSE:  v. 5  “The tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.  Behold how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire.”

FOCUS:  A good tongue requires a good heart.

INTRODUCTION:  “A man may piously claim that he has never murdered a man, nor stolen from someone, nor committed an act of adultery—but he may have killed a man with his false witness.  You can steal someone’s reputation with your tongue, and can destroy his home and marriage by slander and whisperings.  Religion must reach one’s tongue.  This can be done only by transforming the soul first.”         ~ Randal Denny

This “little member” which “boasts great things” can be our friend if we understand:

I.      THE TONGUE PRESENTS A PROBLEM

II.    THE TONGUE EXPOSES THE HEART

III.   THE TONGUE PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY

CONCLUSION: “The mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.”

                                                ~ Jesus Christ in Matthew 12:34