Title: The Power of Our Words

Description: In James 3, we explore how our tongues can direct our lives, for better or worse. Pastor Matt leads an engaging discussion on how our words can build others up or tear them down. We talk about the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit in what we say, not reacting in the flesh when criticized, and speaking life and truth to counter lies. Tune in as we dig into James 3:1-6 and examine how we as Christians should use our words to reflect Christ, impact the world around us, and align with the messages of repentance preached by John the Baptist and Jesus (Matthew 3:1-2, 4:17). We also discuss lessons from Peter taking his eyes off Jesus and sinking (Matthew 14:22-33), the power of blessing versus cursing (Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:14), and more.

Reflections on Resurrection Day
• Mary Magdalene, a woman with a past, was the first to witness Jesus’ resurrection.
• Despite her societal status, Mary played a significant role in the resurrection story.
• Jesus’ words in John 11:25 and 12:44-49 reinforce the belief in eternal life through him.
• A personal testimony: A compassionate encounter with a young teen and his mother at a grocery store further reaffirmed faith and gratitude to God.

The Power of Anointing and Operating in the Works of Jesus
• Jesus and Paul were criticized for disregarding religious laws, but the anointing of Jesus empowered their followers. (John chapter one)
• The anointing or unction given to believers is exercised through words and enables them to fulfill their calling. (John chapter one)
• The resurrection leads to salvation and empowers believers to do greater works and operate in the same power as Jesus. (John Abraham’s team)
• Believers are not alone in exercising their anointing but operate in the same Holy Spirit, wisdom, and insight as Jesus. (John Abraham’s team)
• The author shares a personal experience of witnessing the power of anointing through worship music and realizing the lack of teaching in their childhood church.

Personal Experience and Biblical Teachings
• The speaker had experienced multiple instances where music awakened him but later realized that his father was not playing music.
• The music he heard turned out to be worship songs, which made him think about the absence of worship music in his house.
• He reflects on how growing up in church did not prepare him to address personal issues like this and how he kept it to himself.
• He believes that the Holy Spirit teaches believers things not necessarily trained in church.
• The speaker then talks about the power of believers and cites Mark 16:15-18 where Jesus instructs his followers to perform miraculous acts in His name, such as driving out demons and healing the sick.
• He emphasizes that Christians must not limit themselves to only attending church and must live and act as Jesus commanded. God’s Purpose for Restoring and Reconciling Humanity
• God’s purpose is to restore and reconcile humanity to Himself.
• This includes restoring us physically and relationally to where we were before.
• The Greek word for “restore” in chapter fifteen of the Bible refers to being healed and made whole instead of just a physical restoration.
• God created us to be His children and wants us to walk with Him.
• Each of us has a calling and a purpose assigned by God.
• When we step into our calling, we will discover that it’s what we were born for and will never want to be anyone else.

The Call to Ministry
• Being in a place where you know you’re doing exactly what God designed can bring great fulfillment.
• All of us are called to the Ministry of Reconciliation, but some are called to the area of the five-fold ministry.
• Too often, people in the church think that only those with titles like pastor and evangelist are called to ministry.
• However, the truth lies in the middle, and the Bifold Ministry's primary calling is to prepare God’sMinistry’s people for works of ministry.
• We need more people to step into their calling and recognize who God has called them to be.
• Through our anointing with power, we can shape the world and be a fragrant offering of the knowledge of Christ.
• Some people will be drawn to us as we serve God, while others may not even understand why they pull toward the light.

Saturday morning message!