The Power of One Word (From our 2-1-26 Worship)

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/nghLyyTp6q8

Sermon Summary: The Power of a Single Word

In this sermon, Pastor explores the profound impact of words, drawing parallels between historical inventions like the printing press and modern AI revolutions. He highlights how one misplaced or omitted word can alter history, lives, and even eternal destinies, using biblical wisdom to urge listeners to guard their speech.

Key Highlights:

• Historical Anecdote: The Printing Press Revolution The invention of the printing press obsoleted scribes, who painstakingly copied texts by hand. In 1631, a printing error in the King James Bible omitted "not" from Exodus 20:14, resulting in "Thou shalt commit adultery." This tiny mistake—missing one word out of over 783,000—led to fines, recalls, and the company's downfall. Lesson: Words are precious and powerful; one error can change everything.
• Biblical Examples of Dangerous Words:
  
  • The Word That Doesn't Belong (Genesis 3): The serpent twists God's command by adding doubt ("You will not surely die"), leading to humanity's fall. Modern parallels include false doctrines built on subtle additions like "don't" in "You don't have to obey." Challenge: Ask who benefits from such ideas—God, you, or someone else?
• • The Quiet Word (Proverbs 16:28): Whisperers (gossips) spread strife and separate friends. Gossip can be true but shared with wrong intentions. Test: If you'd be mortified if it went public, it's likely harmful. Satan tempts with what we desire, making it "fun" but destructive.
• • The Harsh Word (Proverbs 15:1): A soft answer calms anger, but harsh tones escalate it. You can be right but deliver it wrongly (e.g., responding to an apology with sarcasm). Real-life tip: Harshness often stems from personal stress—don't "kick the dog" when mad at the cat.
• • The Worthless Word (Matthew 12:33-37): Out of the heart's abundance, the mouth speaks. We'll account for every careless (empty or lazy) word on judgment day. Examples: Inappropriate jokes or persistent bad language. Grace covers struggles, but the tongue is like a fire (James 3)—hard to tame but worth the effort.
• • The Unreliable Word (Matthew 5:33-37): Let your "yes" be yes and "no" be no; avoid oaths or evasive promises. It's tempting to lie politely (e.g., faking interest in an event), but honesty builds trust. If prone to forgetting, act immediately (e.g., pray on the spot instead of promising later).
• The Ultimate Word: Jesus (John 1:1-5) Jesus is "the Word" through whom all was made, bringing light that darkness can't overcome. His love shines into our hearts (2 Corinthians 4:7), helping us combat our slips in speech.

Closing Invitation:

The pastor admits no one's perfect with words but encourages growth together. If you need encouragement, prayer, or to respond—whether for baptism, repentance, or support—reach out during the invitation or to elders. Don't leave without the word you need today.

This message reminds us: Words shape realities—use them wisely to build, not break. Perfect for discussions on communication, integrity, and biblical living!