On Sunday, June 7, 2026, Teaching Pastor Bruce Hess’s message is “Marks of Maturity: Controlling Our Tongue, part 1”. Below are some questions for your personal or group reflection.
- Share any memorable experiences you may have experienced facing a serious fire, or in controlling a horse.
- What would you imagine were common things that James stated openly about his older brother Jesus prior to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection?
- In James 1:26-27, James mentions both “religion that is worthless,” and “religion that is Pure and undefiled.” What does James mean by the term “religion?
- Believers often don’t associate their speech as indication of their spiritual maturity. Why is that?
- What is the connection biblically between our heart and our speech?
- Proverbs 18:21 states that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Make a short list of words that might be understood as “death words,” and do the same with what might be understood as “life words.
- Who is someone whose words consistently encourage and build you up? What makes their words so impactful?
- What specific type of affirming “life” words most encourage and refresh you?
- Read Colossians 3:12-14 out loud. What stands out to you from those verses as potential areas where you might need to grow?
- Pray for God to lead you when it comes to honoring God with your words.