Sermons on Bitter Cup:

A Woman Of Worth Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Feb 21, 2010

God in His providence is working in our lives today, whether we realize it or not. When life hurts, we can choose to be bitter, like Naomi, or we can be like Ruth--trusting the Hand of Providence, in spite of unanswered questions and an uncertain future.

Ruth. A love story. A book of history. A lesson about faith and loyalty. But most of all, a book about God, the One behind-the-scenes. As we encounter Ruth we learn how God takes an active role in our lives. We learn through this short story that the human events we regard as circumstance are ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-22

Denomination: Congregational

Let The Peace Of Christ Rule

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Nov 23, 2010

What actually rules in our hearts? If you let worry, anger, bitterness, hatred or fear rule – there will be no peace! Let Jesus rule your life & His peace will rule your heart, your words, your relationships, & your attitudes.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2017) Text: Colossians 3:15-17; John 14:27; Romans 12:18 It is interesting to visit other congregations & observe how they do some things differently than we do. For example, the way in which congregations close their worship ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:15-17, John 14:27, Romans 12:18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Life Over Death Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Aug 4, 2016

The power of God, when displayed, can cause the deepest doubt to erase. It can bring to life even the most bitter of hearts; cause faith to be birthed. When Lazarus was raised, how do you think it grew the Disciples faith? How about yours?

Life over Death John 11:1-44 Several promises in today’s passage … excellent faith builder Read John 11:1-44 / Pray Point 1 - Jesus is our Friend (1-16) Jesus receives word that Lazarus is sick; intimacy of relationship in v3 But, Jesus gives a promise (v4); shows His thinking is far ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-44

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be A Miracle For The Hurting--Hands Full On Purpose

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Mar 15, 2015

Naomi and her family left home because of a drought. They were hurting. In Moab things got worse. Her support structure was gone. She came to Moab, beautiful, lovely and blessed. She left bitter and heart broken. One person stood in thE GAP.

BE A MIRACLE FOR HURTING PERSON ... HANDS FULL ON PURPOSE TURNS INTO A MIRACLE --- By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com There was a circle of young boys gathered around a cute little puppy dog. One by one they were talking. The deal was whoever could tell the biggest lie won the ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-16

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Anointed With Fresh Oil

Contributed by John Gaston on Nov 3, 2016

I don't like things that are stale. They taste sour, limp, bitter, etc. Many Christians are stale! They got the Spirit years ago, but none lately. God wants us to have a FRESH experience of the Spirit. He promises us FRESH OIL!

ANOINTED WITH FRESH OIL Ps. 92:10 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: JUST TO BE SURE 1. Ever since Emma joined her church's choir, she'd been singing in her kitchen while preparing dinner. But strangely, whenever she started singing, her husband Joshua opens the front door and stood on the doorstep. 2. Emma ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 92:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Why Should He Love Us So?

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Apr 22, 2013

Mankind has made a real mess of the world in which we live. All around us we see the bitter fruits of hatred, selfishness, & greed. No, I don’t know why God should love us. But He does!

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK A. There is a beautiful old hymn that begins with these words: “Love sent my Savior to die in my stead. Why should He love me so?” And the chorus of that hymn asks again, “Why should He ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When Life Is Treated As "cheap!" Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 7, 2021

Can God accept a murderer? He accepted Saul; and He has accepted many of us who were once filled with bitterness toward others. Those who turn from their evil to receive Christ as Master over life will be accepted by the Living God.

“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Control Vs. Kaos Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 6, 2008

This sermon uses several sections of Ephesians to describe why we need to take our Spiritual warfare seriously.

OPEN: (We opened with the promo for the new movie "Get Smart" starring Steve Carell. It starts with the phrase: "There has always been a delicate balance between Kaos and Control. Now, with that balance threatened, it’s time to turn to one man...") He was known as the Butcher. A follower of ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Should You Fear God? Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 4, 2021

We think that grace means there’s nothing to fear in our behavior. And so the sanction of judgment has no place in our lives. But God is gracious and calls us back today to fear the behavior that leads to destruction.

I heard about a young boy that went off to one of these extremely expensive universities, and the bills were coming in monthly to these parents and they were struggling to keep their head above water. One day his mother received a letter from him and he said: “Dear Mom, I’m writing to inform you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:17-21

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon # 14 - Stay United, Prayerful And Obedient Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Oct 3, 2024

Jonah’s disobedience brought untold troubles on all the crew aboard that ship. The church too must be wary of those who are divisive and must strive hard to maintain unity, integrity continuing in prayer and being obedient to God.

We read in Jonah 1:11, Then they said to him, "What shall we do to you, that the sea may be calm to us?" For the sea was raging and growing more tempestuous. (AFV) The events that preceded this verse were that the ship on which Jonah voyaged was faced with a severe tempest. The mariners ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:13, Proverbs 16:28, Romans 16:17, 2 Samuel 11:1-2, Matthew 26:40-41, Joshua 7:8, Joshua 7:11, Jonah 1:11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Purpose Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Nov 22, 2020

You can either accept your trials and they will become heavenly blessings or you can fight your trials and they will become heavy burdens.

Over the past three weeks, we’ve been taking a Biblical look at hardship … what the Bible says it is … why we experience hardship … and how we should respond to the trials and challenges of life from a Biblical perspective. God uses the trials and hardships of life to teach us … to help us grow ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Denomination: United Methodist

The Art Of Encouragement

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Aug 31, 2015

Life has a way of wearing us down, doesn't it? And when we're discouraged, what usually happens? We start complaining & feeling sorry for ourselves. We may even turn bitter & isolate ourselves.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK A. In today's world, it appears that almost everyone is getting connected to everyone else. We have cell phones, e-mail, Face Book, Twitter, & much, much more. But no matter how connected we are technically, it seems we're getting ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25, Hebrews 3:13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Pt. 3 Healing In The Old Testament Series

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on Apr 17, 2013

Egypt enslaved the people of God for 400 years when God stretched out His hand to rescue His people, deliver them to a better life. Ex. 15 records their journey into the Arabian Peninsula where they were tested at the spring of Marah. (Marah means bitter)

Healing in the Old Testament October 28, 2012 Chester FBC, Chester, IL Dr. Mike Fogerson, Speaker A Egypt enslaved the people of God for 400 years when God stretched out His hand to rescue His people, deliver them to a better life. 1 The Israelites stood on the eastern side of the Red Sea ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 15:25-26

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon: When Life Seems Unfair

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on May 29, 2025

Christian may find themselves battling with feelings of bitterness, resentment, or anger towards what God has chosen to allow, and how unfair it feels, I encourage you to lift your eyes to our loving Savior who knows your pain, struggles, and heartache.

Sermon: When Life Seems Unfair Scripture Lesson: Jeremiah 12:1-17, “Lord, you always give me justice when I bring a case before you. So let me bring you this complaint: Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy? You have planted them, and they have taken root and prospered. ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 12:1-17, Psalm 94:15-18, Hebrews 12:6

Denomination: Methodist

33. Joab Kills Abner: When Vengeance Hijacks Justice Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Dec 2, 2025

There are moments in Scripture when the storyline slows down, the camera zooms in, and God exposes the raw human heart—its wounds, its fears, its bitterness, its impulses, and its desperate attempts to seize control when God has called us to surrender.

Joab Kills Abner: When Vengeance Hijacks Justice November 5, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 2 Samuel 3:22-39 INTRODUCTION: WHEN ANGER TAKES OVER There are moments in Scripture when the storyline slows down, the camera zooms in, and God exposes the raw human heart—its ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 3:22-39

Denomination: Brethren