Sermons on Bitter Herbs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Killing The Prophets

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 23, 2021

Elijah’s persecution has been echoed by many ancient prophets and modern preachers. What can we learn from this faithful messenger’s recovery from a bitter experience? Let’s look at his story in 1 Kings 19:1-21.

Prelude Elijah’s persecution has been echoed by many ancient prophets and modern preachers. Purpose: What can we learn from this faithful messenger’s recovery from a bitter experience? Plan: Let’s look at his story in 1 Kings 19:1-21. He Arose and Ran After his powerful confrontation with the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

When No Apology Is Forthcoming: What Do You Do? Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Feb 24, 2020

Today we are going to consider what we should do when an offender won’t own his sin and ask forgiveness.

Note: In my 30-35 minutes allottted to preach, I only covered points I and II; I will take point III and make a separate sermon out of it (should be next in order). Audio available on sermon.net. This sermon is better understood in light of part one in this series, "Forgiveness ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:18-21, James 3:2, 1 Peter 4:8, Leviticus 19:17-18, Revelation 6:9-11, Galatians 6:1, Luke 6:27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Danger Of Holding Grudges

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 19, 2025

This message highlights the severe consequences of holding grudges while encouraging forgiveness and reconciliation.

THE DANGER OF HOLDING GRUDGES By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Ephesians 4:31-32 "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:31-32, Matthew 6:14-15, Hebrews 12:14-15, Colossians 3:13, Proverbs 19:11, Romans 12:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

David's Family Taken Captive By The Amalekites Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on May 8, 2023

When David arrives at Ziklag, they find it destroyed. It’s burning rubble. The city is devastated. It was attacked by the Amalekites. Their families are taken captive. Now David must launch a bold rescue mission to save them.

"Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable." -1st Corinthians 15:57-58 Long ago in David’s life when he was young he faced down Goliath in battle and defeated him. Only by God’s grace. God ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:1-5

Denomination: Salvation Army

Bounce Back

Contributed by Jamie Wright on Jul 3, 2004

All of us at one time or another have fallen, had a setback or an emotional battle. It can either make you bitter or better, the choice is yours. I say it is time to bounce back. The team may have suffered some minor setbacks but we are going to bounce

It’s Time to Back Bounce Pastor Jamie Wright * Maranatha Fellowship Church If you have ever played sports you know what it means to bounce back. You have suffered a defeat and you need to come back with a win. In the business world if you have suffered a set back you need to bounce back with a ...read more

Scripture: John 10:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational