Bitterness on SermonAudio

The sermon emphasizes that believers enter the holiest of holies through the torn flesh and blood of Jesus Christ, rather than through earthly rituals or mere intellectual assent. It argues against a superficial Christianity that keeps God at an arm's length, urging instead for a deep, sanctified relationship characterized by continual grace and obedience. Using personal anecdotes about forgiveness and baptism, the message illustrates how the physical sacrifice of Christ provides access to God's presence and empowers believers to overcome sin and bitterness. The central theme is that true salvation involves both heart and mind, requiring a persistent walk in the Spirit to maintain holiness and love for others.

The sermon examines Jonah's bitter anger toward God's mercy in Jonah chapter four, highlighting the hypocrisy of a prophet who resents grace for others while having received it himself. It contrasts forced external conformity with genuine heart transformation, warning that resentment and pouting are destructive responses to divine kindness. The preacher urges believers to align their hearts with God's gracious nature rather than demanding judgment or control over others. By comparing Jonah to the older brother in the prodigal son parable, the message emphasizes the danger of staying outside the circle of forgiveness. Ultimately, the transcript calls for repentance from bitterness and a return to trusting God's sovereign will.

Theme: Compare the battery way of envy to the better way of Christ. 1). Envy and Rotten Bones 2). Envying Sin 3). The Bottomless Pit of Envy

9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. 13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

If you have God's Word… turn with me to Genesis 2. And this morning… I wanna talk about this subject: "What a Marriage Is Supposed to Be." Folks… we live in a world… that has all kinds of opinions about marriage. • Hollywood has an opinion about marriage. • The government has an opinion about marriage. • Your friends have opinions about marriage. • Your parents may have opinions about marriage. • And you certainly have an opinion about marriage. But there is one question… that towers above all the others: What does God say about marriage? Because I wanna tell you something… marriage wasn't man's idea. Marriage was God's idea.

Even those close to Father can be as distant as the prodigal son in their hearts. Take heed that you are not lost even though you be in the house of God!

Christian families have learned to say "sorry" and "that's okay" without ever touching the heart. Kevin is joined by Rob Rienow, homeschool dad of seven and author of Healing Family Relationships, to talk about what forgiveness actually requires…why time alone doesn't heal wounds…and how to keep bitterness from taking root at home. You can start reading Dr. Rienow's book, Healing Family Relationships, for free today at www.VisionaryFam.com/Healing

This interview explores the profound connection between childhood trauma and long-term addiction through the testimony of Joshua Bear. Bear details a history of severe abuse, homelessness, and a thirty-year struggle with drugs that served as an escape from his pain. He describes how his journey toward recovery was catalyzed by a moment of surrender to God while incarcerated, leading to complete freedom from substance use. The narrative emphasizes the critical role of forgiveness in healing emotional wounds and breaking the cycle of bitterness. Ultimately, the message offers hope to listeners struggling with similar past hurts, encouraging them to find peace through faith rather than temporary numbing agents.

A verse-by-verse study through the book of James. What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? There is a worldly wisdom and a Godly wisdom. What is the difference and how do we know which is which? Listen as Pastor Brian answers these questions and more using God's Word.