Sermons on Bitter Sweet:

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

Revival Culture Part 2 - The Altar Series

Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on Feb 15, 2020

What do we think of when we think of "The Altar?" For some it brings back sweet memories from our childhood. For others just confusion and misunderstandings. We cannot experience a move of God without The Altar! Today, let's take a quick look at the subject of "The Altar."

Isaiah 55:6-7 6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Introduction: ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:6-7, Genesis 12:7-8, Genesis 13:18, Genesis 22:9, Genesis 3:21, Genesis 26:25, Genesis 33:20, Genesis 35:1-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

Go, Sin No More!

Contributed by Mario Incerti on Nov 13, 2004

Nicky Cruz turns with almost spitting anger, twisted and bitter from the abuse of cigarette burns on his body and scarred physical beatings he had from his childhood’ Get out of my face or I will cut you up’ Nicky was never loved by his parents, a voodoo

Go, sin no more! John 8:1-11 As pastor Wilkinson confronted Nicky, (a known criminal, drug lord and gang leader) he tries to reach out to him, Wilkinson, a skinny preacher man who has real guts finds himself in a tense and dangerous situation, but he was determined to reach him with the love that ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Latter Years Of King David: Victories, Lust, Betrayal, & Hope

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 25, 2021

David cried out in tears and bitter pain and sorrow, as he must’ve looked upon the bodies of Saul and his son Jonathan. David composed a great song of regret and sorrow at the loss of these great men, despite the fact that David had been so severely persecuted and hated by Saul.

"How the mighty have fallen!" David cried out in tears and bitter pain and sorrow, as he must’ve looked upon the bodies of Saul and his son Jonathan. David composed a great song of regret and sorrow at the loss of these great men, despite the fact that David had been so severely ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:18-20, 2 Samuel 6:16-23, 2 Samuel 7:8-16, 2 Samuel 11:26-27

Denomination: Salvation Army

Grudges And Guilt

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jun 22, 2022

We have been talking about some of the things in life that set us back. We've talked about betrayal, temptation, the injustices of life, just plain hard times, and bitterness. When we are involved in any of these, we tend to become plagued with guilt and grudges.

For the past couple of months we have been talking about some of the things in life that set us back. We've talked about betrayal, temptation, the injustices of life, just plain hard times, and bitterness. Today I'm going to wrap all of this up as we talk about what these things can ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:15-21, Philippians 3:7-9, Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Baptist

Worship: An Attitude Of The Heart

Contributed by R Davis on Oct 18, 2000

Main Idea: Selfishness, pride and bitterness are all attitudes that will keep us from celebrating God’s presence in worship Interrogative: What are the barriers that will keep us from celebrating God’s presence in worship Intro: This past week on vacation, my wife and I carried my mom to visit

Main Idea: Selfishness, pride and bitterness are all attitudes that will keep us from celebrating God’s presence in worship Interrogative: What are the barriers that will keep us from celebrating God’s presence in worship Intro: This past week on vacation, my wife and I carried my mom to visit ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-8

Kingdom Relationships Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Sep 20, 2019

In dealing with your anger, don’t commit murderous acts, don’t think murderous thoughts, and don’t speak murderous words. But if your anger has hurt someone, seek reconciliation and seek a resolution as soon as you can.

Several years ago, the Arizona Republic carried a story about Steve Tran of Westminster, California. He activated 25 bug bombs in his apartment to get rid of some unwanted guests, the cockroaches that shared the space with him. He closed the door thinking he had seen the last of them. But when the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26, Ephesians 4:26-27, Matthew 10:28, Mark 9:48, James 3:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Heed God's Counsel

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Nov 19, 2025

God counsels us through His Word, His people and through the promptings of the Holy Spirit. There are important lessons we can learn from Lot’s wife, Cain and Jehoshaphat on the consequences of disobedience to God’s counsel. Implicit obedience to the Lord is the secret to a life of peace.

The key verse for today’s meditation is taken from Joshua 3:5, “Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”” (ESV) As Joshua led the people of Israel he admonished them that God was willing to do wonders amongst them, but that in order ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 3:5, Luke 17:32, Genesis 19:15-17, Genesis 19:26, Proverbs 22:24-25, 2 Chronicles 18:1-2, 1 Kings 16:30, 2 Chronicles 18:3, 2 Chronicles 18:29, Genesis 4:6-7, Matthew 5:23-24, 1 Corinthians 6:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

The Blindness In Misinterpreting God’s Way-4

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Aug 20, 2025

4 of 6. YHWH God answered the frustrations experienced by His prophet Habakkūk, when he misinterpreted God’s way. Spiritual blindness results from misinterpreting God’s way. But, ?What characterizes that blindness? Misinterpreting God’s way, blinds you to...

*!!Due to time restraints I had to end this sermon with having preached :6b-c only!!* The BLINDNESS In MISINTERPRETING GOD’s WAY--IV—Habakkuk 1:6b-c(:5-11) Attention: I was watching a 'Hallmark Movie’ the other day. Actress Candice Cameron Bure(a Hallmark staple)—was sitting at a ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 1:6, Habakkuk 1:5-11

Denomination: Baptist

Prayer - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Apr 18, 2024

In this lesson, we examine some of the things that can hinder God's ability, not His willingness, but His ability to answer our prayers.

NOTE: New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus. This is a Bible study lesson, not a sermon. The Bible studies teach ...read more

Scripture: James 1:6-8, Mark 11:21-24, Hebrews 11:6, Isaiah 59:2, Psalm 66:18-20, 1 Peter 1:13-15, Hosea 4:6, John 13:34-35, Luke 18:10-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Sword Of The Spirit

Contributed by Tim Vamosi on Jan 5, 2011

one more piece of spiritual armor that gives you all the authority – all the power – all the protection you will ever need in the battles you are going to encounter in this life.

“The Sword of the Spirit” Eph. 6:17 March 7, 2010 OPEN: Ill – being invited to speak at a church. I had never been to the area before and arrived just a little early so that we might get a feel for the layout of the land and what the area was like. We decided to take a ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Are You Blaming The Messenger?

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jun 20, 2018

Those who are called to teach you do so knowing that we must give an account for what we pass on to you. For this reason I must cover the whole Bible including the parts that are hard to understand and that are ominous and disturbing. I have no choice.

Are you blaming the messenger? Deuteronomy 18:15-20 Luke 4:14-30 People react to God in a variety of ways. Some are enthusiastic and inquisitive while others have no interest what so ever and even deny the existence of God. What happened in the Gospel of Luke Chapter 4:14-30 is an account of ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Luke 4:14-30

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed