by Chris Regh

by Pastor Roy Agustin

by Pastor Roy

by Pastor Roy

by Hudson Christmas

Definition of bitterness: A sinful HEART ATTITUDE towards someone because of what that person did or did not do in the PAST that affects the way that you interact with that person.

The Bible shows two different situations where bitterness can take hold in a person's life:

1. A sinful response to GOD ORDAINED trials.

- A bad example: NAOMI (Ruth 1:20-21, 2:19-20; 4:13-17)

- A good example: JOB (Job 2:9-10; 10:1-2; 40:1-5; 42:1-6)

- Our response: TRUST that our God is faithful and sovereign and that our trials are not MEANINGLESS (Rom 8:28; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:3-9)

2. A sinful response to other people's BEHAVIOR or SIN.

- The real issue: A lack of FORGIVENESS (Eph 4:31-32; Col 3:12-14; Her 12:15)

- The solution: FORGIVENESS and COMMUNICATION (Matt 18:15)

Tools for dealing with bitterness:

Examine your heart (Col 3:12-14)

--> Repent of any bitterness and pray for God's help in the fight against bitterness.

--> Pray that you would be able to honor God in the way that you talk to the other person.

Examine the situation (Matt 18:15a)

Did the other person sin or not sin?

- If the other person did not sin, would talking about the issue improve the relationship or cause unnecessary shame or confusion?

- If the other person did sin, is this a sin that should be overlooked?

--> Examine the circumstances (1 Cor 13:7)

Talk to the person (Matt 18:15b)

- The goal: To restore the relationship and help the other person (Matt 18:15c)

--> In private and in person (or over the phone, NOT over text)

--> Be gentle (Gal 6:1)

----> The correction "OREO" (praise, correction, praise)

Serve the other person (Rom 12:17-21)

by Jordan Block

1 Peter 2:11-12

Two ways to maintain a POWERFUL INFLUENCE in an ungodly world:

1. ABSTAIN from inward temptations

a. Affectionately URGENT

b. Intentionally SPECIFIC

c. Extremely SERIOUS

2. Act with OUTWARD excellence

a. Our behavior is PUBLICLY captivating

B. Our behavior can be POWERFULLY influential

by Pastor Roy Agustin

Four Displays of God's Grace in Our Salvation:

1. God resurrected us to SPIRITUAL LIFE. (v4-5)

2. God releases us from FORMER SLAVERY (v6-7)

3. God rescued us by GRACE through FAITH (v8-9)

- God's grace is the BASIS(foundation) of your salvation

- Your faith is the MEANS of your salvation

4. God redeemed us unto GOOD WORKS (v10)

- Your works are the FRUIT(evidence) of your salvation