Sermons on Bitter Sweet:

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

Killing The Prophets

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 24, 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

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

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

Living The New Life Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 18, 2024

A new life in Christ must lead to a new lifestyle.

Living the New Life Ephesians 4:25-32 Rev. Brian Bill March 16-17, 2024 A man went to see his doctor in a state of high anxiety. “Doctor,” he said, “you have to help me. I’m dying. Everywhere I touch it hurts. I touch my head and it hurts. I touch my leg and it hurts. I touch my stomach and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of Forgiveness

Contributed by Kenneth Tankersley on Apr 29, 2009

1. WHY IS IT SO HARD TO SAY: “I’M SORRY”? 2. SOMEONE ONCE SAID THE TWO HARDEST WORDS TO SAY ARE: “I’M SORRY”, AND “I LOVE YOU”. 3. I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I DON’T LIKE CARRYING AROUND A BURDEN SO HEAVY AS BITTERNESS AND AN UNFORGIVING SPIRIT. 4. SO

CBC THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS MATHEW 18: 21-35 INTRODUCTION: FORGIVENESS IS APPARENTLY A VERY DIFFICULT THING TO MASTER. IT SEEMS TO BE THE HARDEST THING TO ACCOMPLISH. 1. WHY IS IT SO HARD TO SAY: “I’M SORRY”? 2. SOMEONE ONCE SAID THE TWO HARDEST WORDS TO SAY ARE: “I’M ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Baptist

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

Roll Away The Stone

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on May 30, 2009

We bury a lot of things in our hearts and hide them there behind very heavy stones. These stones often have a name, like shame, hurt, bitterness, loss, and grief. Others are called selfishness, envy, lust, and greed. I want you to know that whatever is en

Roll Away the Stone Today we celebrate with Christians all over the world the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the great event that separates the Christian religion from all others. Our God is not an idol of stone or wood but our God is alive. A great battle took place behind the stone ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Seriousness Of Forgiveness

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Apr 16, 2018

We are told to forgive because God forgave us. We can do that when we take off the old garments of bitterness and anger and replace them with love, compassion and humility. Today we'll see Jesus communicating how serious forgiving others is.

THE SERIOUSNESS OF FORGIVENESS Last week we looked into the subject of forgiveness. I started by saying we first had to answer the question of whether or not we want to forgive. And if we do we need to determine how to go about it. We looked at Paul's words in Eph., and Col. and saw that we are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-24, Luke 17:1-10, Matthew 18:21-35, Matthew 6:14-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Worthless Clouds Without Water Carried By The Changing Winds –jude 1 Verse 12 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 16, 2022

Jude continues his description of the false teachers using metaphors to describe them. This follow on from hidden reefs and we now have empty clouds without water, useless in promise and leaving bitter failure. Many people are left hurt, and without hope, and fleeced and betrayed.

WORTHLESS CLOUDS WITHOUT WATER CARRIED BY THE CHANGING WINDS –Jude 1 verse 12 In our last message we were looking at these false teachers Jude was battling when he urged his readers to contend for the faith. They had to be positive, and a lazy and don’t care less approach would achieve nothing. ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:12, Ezekiel 34:1-8, Zechariah 11:15-17, Acts 20:28-30, Deuteronomy 32:9-10, 1 Peter 5:7, 1 Corinthians 12:25, Ephesians 4:14, John 4:13-15, John 7:37-38, Hebrews 10:22, James 3:11-12, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 22:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

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

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

The Landmine Of Unforgiveness Series

Contributed by Charles Stanley on Sep 20, 2007

What was your response the last time someone hurt you? Perhaps you felt the urge to retaliate. Maybe you took no action, but instead harbored bitterness in your heart. If so, you failed to realize that you do great damage to yourself when you have an un

Landmines in the Path of the Believer Part 3: The Landmine of Unforgiveness Summary: What was your response the last time someone hurt you? Perhaps you felt the urge to retaliate. Maybe you took no action, but instead harbored bitterness in your heart. If so, you failed to realize that you do ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:26-32, Ephesians 4:26

Denomination: Baptist

Slaying The Green-Eyed Monster

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 8, 2025

The green-eyed monster of envy, and its children frustration and bitterness, grow best in an enclosed space. But when we abandon our isolation, entering into our faith community and our common experience of God, the One who is stronger than the world can lift us above it.

Have you ever bought a lottery ticket? ‘Fess up, now... Most of us are human enough to think that life would be a whole lot easier if we just had a little more money. And let’s face it... while money can’t solve all our problems it can certainly take care of the basics, can’t it? Food, clothing, ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed