"Getting To the Heart of Our Tongue Problems (James 3:13-18)" by Neal Pollard

July 5, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon   In this episode Neal delivers a sermon-style exploration of what the Bible—especially the book of James—teaches about the power and peril of the tongue. The conversation weaves personal anecdotes (including a childhood vacation memory and family snapshots), references to literal tongue conditions, and a broad survey of Scripture to show how our words reflect the heart. Neal cites numerous passages—James 1–5 and especially James 3:1–18, plus references to Matthew, Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, 1 Peter, Titus, Colossians, and Ecclesiastes—to ground practical counsel in the Bible. Key points covered: how the tongue can be like fire or poison; three practical ways James offers to tame speech—(1) cultivate meekness (gentleness and humility) in how you relate to enemies, the lost, and one another; (2) examine motives to root out bitter jealousy and selfish ambition that produce boasting and lies; and (3) pursue heavenly wisdom—qualities that are pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, merciful, impartial, and sincere—so that faith is evident in our words. Vivid analogies (water, floods, and the tongue as both life-giving and destructive) and pastoral applications to family life, church interactions, and evangelism make the teaching actionable. The episode closes with pastoral invitations: the call to mutual confession and prayer (James 5:16), a reminder of the need for restoration and baptism, and an encouragement to apply these biblical remedies in daily speech. Listeners can expect Scripture readings, practical examples, pastoral counsel, and an invitation to respond in faith.   Handout:  GETTING TO THE HEART OF OUR TONGUE PROBLEMS (James 3:13-18) Neal Pollard I. BE ____________________________________________ (13) II. WATCH YOUR _______________________________ (14-16) III. ___________________________ HEAVEN'S __________________________ (17)   Duration 29:24