"Our Words Have Power" - Bishop John E. Putnam
March 29, 2026
Bishop John E. Putnam
In this week’s POSC Podcast, Bishop John E. Putnam delivers a powerful and convicting message titled “Our Words Have Power.” Preaching from Psalm 19 and drawing from the events of Palm Sunday, Bishop Putnam reminds us how quickly words can shift—from praise to condemnation—and challenges us to recognize the weight and impact of what we speak. “Our Words Have Power” is both a warning and a call to transformation—urging us to guard our hearts, discipline our speech, and use our words as instruments of life, healing, and faith. If you’ve ever underestimated the impact of what you say, this message will challenge you to think, speak, and live differently—using your words in a way that honors God and uplifts those around you. To learn more about what God is doing at the Pentecostals of Sheboygan County, visit us at posc.church.
Episode Notes
Main Point: Our words carry the power of life and death—what we speak reflects our heart and shapes the world around us.
- On Palm Sunday, the same crowd that cried “Hosanna” later shouted “Crucify Him”—revealing how quickly words can shift from life to destruction.
- God created the world through His spoken Word, and being made in His image, we also carry the ability to speak life or death.
- The average person speaks thousands of words daily—making word choice one of the most significant spiritual disciplines.
- Words are never neutral—they either build up or tear down, heal or harm, bring peace or stir conflict.
- Jesus taught that every idle (careless, thoughtless) word will be accounted for, because words reveal what is in the heart.
- The tongue is small, yet powerful—like a spark that can start a fire or a rudder that directs a ship.
- Our words can bind people with lies and negativity, or they can set people free through truth, encouragement, and prayer.
- God calls His people to use words that edify, minister grace, and reflect a transformed heart.
Key Scriptures:
- Psalm 19:14 – “Let the words of my mouth… be acceptable in thy sight.”
- Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
- Matthew 12:36–37 – Every idle word will be judged.
- James 3:5–10 – The tongue is a small member with great impact.
- Ephesians 4:29 – Speak words that edify and minister grace.
Major Themes:
- Words Reflect the Heart: What we say reveals what we carry within.
- Life or Death Power: Every word plants a seed—either for destruction or for life.
- The Danger of Careless Speech: Idle, thoughtless words carry spiritual consequences.
- The Tongue Must Be Disciplined: Self-control in speech reflects spiritual maturity.
- Words Can Bind or Free: We can either reinforce lies or speak truth that sets people free.
- Intentional Speech: God calls us to speak with wisdom, grace, and purpose.
Reflection Questions:
- Do my words consistently build others up, or do they sometimes tear down?
- Am I careful with what I say in casual, emotional, or stressful moments?
- What would change if I truly believed every word I speak carries power?
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