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

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

Born To Be A Priest Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 25, 2021

Hebrews spends a lot of time focusing on Jesus as our High Priest. But what does that mean to us, and what difference can it make in our lives?

Philip Yancey , in his book “The Jesus I Never Knew” (Zondervan, 2002, p. 25) told of a Jesuit missionary - Matteo Ricci who went to China in 16th century. The missionary took along samples of religious art to illustrate the Christian story for people who had never heard it. He was pleased that ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:14-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

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

Violating Honest, Kind Communication Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 19, 2018

We have all misused our tongues, and perhaps created much damage. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we don’t want to be like the natural, unregenerate person; we want to live on a higher level, one that honors God. Let’s take a look at 3 very familiar violations of honest, kind communication.

Violating Honest, Kind Communication (Proverbs 26:17, 20-26) 1. Most of us will enjoy a big Thanksgiving feast! BTW, What do you get if you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter? Pumpkin pi. 2. One woman writes, “A few years ago, my husband and I had my parents and sister up for ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 26:20-26, Proverbs 26:17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Now Is Not The End

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Nov 26, 2021

This teaching looks at the life of Joseph and how circumstances did not prevent God from being with him and working through him.

We’re going to look at Joseph, who was Jacob’s second youngest son. Remember how his father had given him the coat of many colors? It was a coat that set him apart from his brothers in terms of authority and rank in the family. Remember how his brothers were none too happy with him having that ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:36, Genesis 39:1-2, Genesis 37:23, Genesis 37:20-27, Hebrews 13:5-6, Genesis 45:1-7, Genesis 41:37-40, Genesis 41:1, Genesis 39:3-5, Genesis 39:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Dead Hypocrites Series

Contributed by Allan Kircher on Apr 5, 2011

How many times do we sing All to Jesus I Surrender…but not come back to church for just the slightest excuse.Or, Sweet Hour of Prayer, knowing we haven’t prayed 10 minutes!? Or, sang a special for our own glory and not the Lord’s? Or, debated about the

“Dead Hypocrites” Acts 4:32-37; 5:1-11 Pastor Allan H. Kircher Sermon Series; Acts Introduction The story of Ananias and Sapphira illustrates a recurring theme in Luke's writings in his gospel as well as the Acts of the Apostles. The recurring theme is hypocrisy and God's outrage in ...read more

Denomination: Baptist