How To Be Free From Bitterness | Douglas Wilson | Grace Agenda 2020

The last several years Christ Church has tried an experiment in grace and has not charged for the Grace Agenda conference. In keeping with this spirit of grace, we are accepting free will donations at www.graceagend....

[@nicknihilist4478]

Im probably your most loyal nonbelieving listener... theres so much wisdom in these lessons and the way you explain it makes it accessible to me. So thank you, its really appreciated.

[@toddcote4904]

Unforgiving means unforgiven! Powerful Lord help me to forgive others as you've forgiven me, Amen!

[@C4MANlAC]

Much needed sermon for my attitude toward my family. Trying to find avenues for grace and forgiveness in chaos and dishonesty.

[@Eric_Lichtenberg]

All glory be to God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ! I am amazed how a proper understanding of the Gospel, namely the sovereign work of God to save His elect, changes everything in how we live. Without saving grace, a person is hopelessly lost, and without an understanding of saving grace, a person cannot understand how the peace of God is actually able to guard and keep us. May Jesus Christ, our God and Savior, be magnified now and forever, Amen!

[@the_sojournersbus]

This was one of the most convicting messages I’ve heard in a long time. Thank you, Pastor Doug for your words. SO many hard truths.

[@Bigfoottehchipmunk]

Such an excellent talk! Having dealt with bitterness of poisonous nature, this is perfect. It shone new light on some satisfying scriptural meat that will help the Holy Spirit alert me to bitterness before it ever chokes me again.

[@Repentee]

Appreciate this confession. I too have dealt with and am currently dealing with potential bitterness due to a damaged relationship with family. Praying that God will give me contentment to rightly deal with this wicked heart.

[@jonsdp316]

Greetings from Australia Thank you for sharing this msg!

[@hopeseeker97]

When I heard "blessings" I was tempted to run, but what a relief that this man did not focus on the blessings like Word of faith nonsense. So refreshing to hear about sin and that it isn't all happy joy joy. This was so confusing for me as a child. Thankfully, I came to the true faith.

[@Busytech109]

Thank you for this sermon, I failed to realize my own bitterness and how I was polluting my prayer life and relationship with our Father in Heaven.

[@cassiesheart3012]

As a mom in the trenches with very young children this was a message I needed to hear. Very convicting. Thank you.

[@ynobemai9637]

Sorry. I just can't. I'm tired of being used, Im tired of being hurt, but most importantly I'm tired of being unloved. I dont want to go to hell but the pain is just too much to forgive and let it happen again. I pray God will allow me to grow more enough to do so but I have a feeling I wont be able to.

[@NeanderthalWoman-ou8ev]

I was going to ask the same question: "What if they keep stabbing you?" I don't think Pastor Doug would say that forgiveness means we need to hang around and put up with that. Two separate issues. But it does mean this talk is not super helpful for those of us who are in a situation like that. Praying for you my friend 🙏

[@johornbuckle5272]

@@NeanderthalWoman-ou8ev Doug is not saying you need to hang around for more punishment. If you are in a situation where the people who sin against you are unrelenting in their behaviour, remove yourself if things are bad.

[@patlangness7942]

Jesus died and you died to your bitterness with him. Believe your bitterness has been buried in his tomb and you were raised from the tomb a completely new creation. Then Jesus ascended to heaven and took us with him to the heavenlies. We are above this world, the flesh and the devil. Doug Wilson doesn't teach these gospel facts. Therefore he preached as if our flesh can change, but Jesus took us down into death and made us new and filled us with himself, because he knew our flesh could never change. Doug Wilson preached the law, and the strength of the law is sin, but our sin is not on us anymore.

[@PlagueNurseOpal]

Forgiveness doesn’t mean tolerating abuse or mistreatment. At the end of the day, bitterness does not keep you safe. It takes away your health and your life. It makes you more susceptible to illnesses like cancer or heart problems. I understand how hard it can be to constantly forgive someone who is harming you on the daily. But pray for them to change and love your enemies. Remove yourself from the situation if you can. Even if it’s only temporarily.

[@pneumatrading]

“I just can’t” is a choice.

[@patlangness7942]

He has already blessed us with all of the obedience of Christ. Rest in his work on the cross, in the grave, in the resurrection and ascension of Christ. Don't believe people who heap loads on your shoulders. They talk alot about themselves and other people, but very little about Christ and our completed salvation, which we are not nable to be added to. we have all we need because of our position in Christ. We rest and abide in the heavenlies and he works his perfect obedience in and through us. You do not need to carry the burden of obedience, because Christ is your Savior from any burden.

[@freshbeanne]

This was so needed and so good Doug. Thank you very much for this message.

[@masterdaveedwards]

Thanks God for Doug...the bitterness is easing...need to get on my knees...bitterness can really stunt growth and mess with any sense of joy on the interior.

[@taracrist4126]

Beautifully said. ❤️ When I’m brought to stark awareness of what Christ did for me and how He pursued me to bring me to Him, there’s only room for awe, remarkable peace, and/or Godly contentment. ✝️

[@MrBowser2012]

Thank you Lord for this message, and bless Pastor Wilson!

[@ps0195]

Who are the folk who thought this needed a thumbs down? Lol. Great message!

[@EmilyGrobler]

the incurably bitter ones XD

[@kyriosity]

@@EmilyGrobler Ain't that the truth! 😆

[@mOYNTdnbzso]

Ah, I get it now!...all this time I was confessing my WIFE's sins, when I was supposed to be confessing my own! Doug, thanks!...gotta read 1 John 1:9 a little closerly next time.

[@kevintswi]

I hear you man! I am also so gob-smacked that I was never ever ever called to change my spouse nor would I ever be even remotely successful in changing another person; and if I was able to do so I would make that change worse not better.

[@mOYNTdnbzso]

@@kevintswi my comment was so long ago, that I don't even remember what the video was on. However, I pretty much completely agree with everything you just said.

[@carlosreira413]

"Grace Agenda" is not a title I thought I would ever have to deal with. Thanks, Calvin.

[@scooterman103]

Thank you Pastors Wilson for the amazing talk. May God bless you in Jesus' name amen.

[@taracrist4126]

Coming back to this... “sin is more powerful than good sense.” Oh yes! That’s why we loop in the law, as Paul so well articulates in Romans, and Christ breaks chains. ⛓ ✝️🙌

[@cuduco19]

Praise the Lord. Thank you for thus sermon/talk.

[@farmerpete0768]

Pastor Doug nailed it again. Such a great style of preaching to listen to, and the practical insights that he brings out are a God send. Never heard anyone apply the Lords Prayer in such a logical way 👏🏽

[@yekaterinburgchelyabinsk1080]

I finished the Thomas Watson book based on your recommendation a few weeks ago. Thank you!

[@Winnie8143]

What is the name of Thomas Watson's book?

[@kevintswi]

@@Winnie8143 Most likely is would be “The Doctrine of Repentance”. One of the most profound Puritan theologians whose writing is completely accessible to the simplest of readers.

[@jennal8684]

So so good! Thank you Pastor Wilson. On the funny note, there were lots of adverts by Democrat party peppered throughout the video, and I made sure it played to the end, I want them to pay Canon (insert evil laugh).

[@larrylanham2779]

Bitterness is an iniquity. Iniquity is first found in Lucifer's heart. Its any untruthful narrative that we give head-space to. Iniquity was the untruth that David kept in his hidden and secret parts, in Psalms 51. Iniquity was the bonds that held Simon in his prison of bitterness, Acts 8. Iniquity was the illness for which our Lord and savior was bruised and it's what lead the sheep astray, Isaiah 53. Your video blended nicely with the things that I have been studying on and I just wanted to share that.

[@aaronsonewaytrip]

This was awesome. Def a topic no one is ready to talk about but soooo necessary. Thank you Pastor Wilson!

[@firmatojunior52]

This was a great sermon! Will recommend it to my college ministry. A needed topic that requires attention.

[@TonyTooTuff]

This is solid gold!

[@sweetsue6177]

Excellent, as allways.

[@Imputationist]

Excellent!

[@alsteiner7602]

A word fitly spoken

[@KentuckyMills]

Thank you for this Doug

[@rosefortheKing]

"All God's people said, 'Uh, oh...'" 🤣

[@andreyemelyanenko5230]

Hallelujah

[@chenworth1]

Thank you for this much needed teaching. I have been struggling with forgiveness and bitterness towards a few family members who deeply hurt me. Now I have the tools I need to forgive and live in contentment. Where can I get a copy of the book that was talked about at the beginning of the sermon?

[@Kikuye]

Can you guys do something about the ads? I am not even 9 minutes in and already at least three ads, which is really distracting in a sermon.

[@brentwilliams3764]

agree, the ads are way over the top. i could not finish listening

[@geoffrobinson]

Agreed

[@baus7]

Agreed

[@alsteiner7602]

The poster controls neither the frequency of the ads nor the types of ads

[@alsteiner7602]

Come to think of it this is a form of soft censorship. Put more ads on what KZbin doesn't really like anyway

[@marytitus2874]

I can forgive people, but I just stay bitter about bad situation after bad situation.

[@brianschmidt9505]

Thank you for this. Is there any way I can order the supplemental book you gave out?

[@tyrelbarby5320]

This was a great talk. All the advice was great EXCEPT he left out the biblical conditions for forgiving. It applies God to man or man to man. Luke 17:3 “…if he repents forgive him.” And Ephesians 4:32 “…forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” How did God forgive us? Like 13:3 & 5 “…unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” Then what if they don’t repent? Well why does it say in Romans 12:19 “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God…” this is an odd instruction if they are forgiven because it is being forgiven that frees us from God’s wrath. Finally forgiving in every instance requires facing the guilty party and their awareness of the “debt.” Otherwise we are doing what the God, whom we are to imitate, says plainly He does not do. Exodus 34:7 “… by no means clearing the guilty…” No crime is dropped or forgiven outside of repentance which means it being explicitly addressed between the one harmed and the one who harmed. If I forgive Bob apart from his repentance then I have no reason to obey Matthew 18 or Luke 17. Debts dealt with to bring it back up would be sin. As for bitterness and not forgiving. Do we really trust God is just? Do we believe he will avenge us? The Saints in Revelation 6:10 Expected God to take revenge. In Romans 12 we are told to “leave room for God’s wrath.” As opposed to taking vengeance for ourselves. Final point: the idea that we pray for God to look at us the same way the Saints in Revelation 6 did those they asked God to take vengeance on is bad doctrine. If they repent and we don’t forgive this is accurate. If they don’t repent they are not part of the equation. Forgiveness is conditional throughout the entire Bible. Cover to cover repentance is REQUIRED.

[@ChurchPreaches]

You're talking about the situation where a boss fires a lazy bum. A situation where you having a set negative view isn't bitterness because the person in question is currently being sinful in their actions, words, etc and you are simply describing said person as they are. In order for the lazy bum to keep his job, he must stop being lazy. People have to repent. If someone said "I am sorry" but never actually repents that is one thing. This was not the topic covered. Doug is talking about bitterness towards another brother or sister. Where there is ill will in the heart towards that person. Where you do not want to forgive even if the person repents. Where as he stated, "His repentance is worth 2 cents." This kind of attitude is what Doug declared is OUR OWN sin. This attitude is not Christ like and each one of us must confess our own bitterness and repent of our own bitterness. Hope this helps.

[@johornbuckle5272]

' if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us AND cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness'. Says there that God cleanses us from all unrighteousness, that would include sins you have forgotten about

[@tyrelbarby5320]

Did Jesus tell men, who happened to sin against Him also, that they would die in their sin? If yes that would mean Jesus, who had the authority to forgive sin, didn't forgive them. Did Jesus say "of they repent forgive them"? Yes (Luke 17). What if they don't? He told us to treat them differently (Matthew 18). That is not forgiving. When we desire vengeance, does God get upset with us? No (Revelation 6) He tells us to leave room for Him to take care of it (Romans 12:19 example see Numbers 16). That would all be obedience. It is dangerous to add to the Word of God. And God defines when we should forgive. To disobey that will lead to more sin. Example Bob sins against Jim. Jim 'forgives' Bob and then never actually confronts Bob (which Jesus commanded) for what Bob did. Bob then continues in that sin and suffers lose in every relationship because of an unknown sin. Had Jim confronted Bob, Bob could have repented and been set free. But Jim obeyed men and not God. Jim "forgave" (actually acquitted which God explicitly says He doesn't do Exodus) Bob. This is how that plays out. This ends marriages breaks up families and divides churches. BUT forgive for yourself sounds nicer. Forgive everyone NO MATTER WHAT sounds nicer. The problem is its error. Because the Bible says so should be sufficient. If not my explanation and example won't help. If I'm in error then you should be able to show that with the text. You answer should account for Psalm 139:19-24, Romans 12:19, Revelation 6:9-11, Matthew 18:15-17 (15-20 actually), Luke 17:3-4 (what if he doesn't repent?). If you're case can account for all of that then I stand corrected. But every case I heard to date completely disregards most of them.

[@dbenjenks]

Yes, amen, by far i am most blessed when i balance bitterness by 2Cor12:10(this sermon) and James4 (the desire that divides sermon) by pastor Wilson, this book which your father wrote on which doug spoke of regarding contentment, i would like to recieve a copy please, didn't catch the title

[@hopeseeker97]

Thank God for it (the trial or trauma) or thank God in it?

[@leodwinak]

So how can I get a copy of your father's book?

[@ibperson7765]

Insane frequency of ads man. Last thing i listen to here then blocking channel to avoid future offerings coming up

[@kyriosity]

KZbin puts ads on these, not the channel.

[@dsen2283]

Salvation is a journey that start with repentance. Anybody can say the sinner prayer with their lips but it’s the one who says it with their hearts and repent of their ways that get to be saved. Plus, a sinner prayer with no mention of sin or repentance is not biblical. The first word Jesus ever said was “repent”

[@geoffn1530]

I’m very bitter. I’m not a Christian. But I am a believer. Remember even the demons believe and become angst

[@PMA65537]

The gym at my work wouldn't allow me to join because my blood pressure was repeatedly too high. I quit and my BP became normal. Coincidence?

[@lucaswilliams1598]

💥

[@M3MAX]

We cant afford bitterness or Jon Ossoff

[@gnieu1278]

Triple A

[@SMJ0hnson]

These ads are absurd for a Christian message.

[@baus7]

To my knowledge KZbin puts whatever ads they want. The poster has no control.

[@alsteiner7602]

@@baus7 truth

[@duncescotus2342]

Be as charming and successful as Doug. Hide your boomer-boasting behind a fatherly exterior. Mix your own weird theological blend that makes you happy (Chestertonian Calvinism?) and you have a bitter-free recipe!

[@mikezeke7041]

I cannot sit through the Biden ads to watch this 😢👎

[@freshbeanne]

Hit "skip ad", it's worth it

[@toddcote4904]

Oh, the persecution......

[@trudemountain]

I understand. Can’t stand to see Biden’s face. However annoying the ads are, consider how all Christian messages will be banned from the internet if the Democrats gain power! Helps me deal with and appreciate this man and other real Christians on KZbin even though KZbin screws with us.

[@LFJ10.]

Bitterness? Be grateful for the ads imagine the interruptions of the pharrasee and saducee when Christ was preaching truth. How frustrating for the disciples.