Sermons on Bitter Times:

The Altitude Of Our Attitude Series

Contributed by Jon Miller on Mar 1, 2011

This message looks at Naomi's attitude after returning from Moab. There is application from God's word to help believer in Christ not come bitter when life is rough.

The Altitude of our Attitude Ruth 1:19 -Book of Ruth written during the time of Judges in Israel before there were kings. The message of the book focuses on Gods redemption through Christ even though it was written 1000 years before the birth of Christ -The main character is Ruth who is a ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:19-22

Celebrating In Sorrow Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Mar 6, 2014

As we get ready for the Lord's Table, we must prepare ourselves, because hard times are ahead. Even so, we can be grateful.

Several years ago, in a small-town church in upstate New York, a well-loved pastor who had been there for 35 years retired. He was replaced by a young pastor just starting out in ministry. The young man had a great desire to do well, but after just a few weeks he began to perceive that the people ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:12-26

Denomination: Evangelical Free

God Works In Your Adversity PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 27, 2023

This sermon explores how Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem demonstrates building strength through adversity, bearing burdens gracefully, and becoming better rather than bitter.

Welcome, dear friends. Gather round, close and comfortable, for we are about to open the sacred pages of God's Word together. It's not an exploration, but a homecoming. Not a dive into the unknown, but a warm, familiar embrace. We are not journeying into uncharted territory, but returning to the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:4-7

Topics: Adversity, Building

Drive Away The Vultures (Part Three)

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 15, 2025

In this third part of the series, we will examine additional "vultures" that seek to corrupt our spiritual journey, such as bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, slander, and negative speech.

DRIVE AWAY THE VULTURES (PART THREE) By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Genesis 15:9-11  Supporting Texts: Ephesians 4:29, James 3:6, Proverbs 6:16-19 INTRODUCTION  In Parts One and Two, we explored the significance of identifying and driving away spiritual vultures—sins and negative ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 15:9-11, Ephesians 4:29, James 3:6, Proverbs 6:16-19

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Sweeter Gets The Journey: Contrary Winds.

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Jan 23, 2019

Life is about the journey as well as the destination. Contrary winds may blow to teach us how to be better captains. Will this contrary storm make me bitter or better?

SWEETER GETS THE JOURNEY, CONTRARY WINDS By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com TEXT: Matthew 14:24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. ANY SHIP AND CAPTAIN CAN SAIL THE CALM, PEACEFUL WATERS OF LIFE. LIFE IS MORE THAN SAILING ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:24, Judges 14:5-18, Psalm 19:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Shake Off The Dust Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 25, 2018

Too many people are slaves to their past mistakes.

INTRODUCTION In my opinion, one of the greatest televisions shows ever produced was the Andy Griffith show. I’m talking about the old black-and-white episodes when Ron Howard played a young Opie. One of my favorite episodes was “The Sermon for Today.” Here’s a question for you TV trivia buffs. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

Old Self To New Self: Five Key Areas

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Aug 23, 2025

God wants to transform us into his image. It's his work but it's our work too. Paul gives five areas we need to address in putting off the old and putting on the new.

INTRODUCTION In several of Paul's letters to the churches, Paul starts with theological teaching and then moves on to practical instruction. He lays the theological foundations and sets out key theological truths. After that, he talks about how believers should live in the light of these ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32

Denomination: Baptist

There's A Worshipper In You Series - The Passover

Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on Aug 14, 2020

The word “Passover” comes from the word “pasha,” which comes from the noun “pesah” and resembles the Egyptian word “pesh,” which means “to spread wings over” in order to protect.”

INTRODUCTION • In Exodus 11 we find YHWH speaking to Moses concerning the last plague: “all the firstborn in the land of Egypt must die.” (Exodus 11:5). • God must do the right thing because He is God, but He balances His righteousness with His loving mercy. o He decrees judgment for all sin ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:6-12, Hebrews 4:15, John 3:16, Isaiah 53:5, Ephesians 1:7, Galatians 3:13, Hebrews 13:12, Romans 5:9, 1 John 1:7, 1 Peter 1:19-21, Psalm 107:2, Revelation 9:4, Revelation 7:2-3, Exodus 12:22, 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, Zechariah 12:10, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Ezekiel 9:4-6, Isaiah 53:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

#myblackhistory Begins In Seeing Our Real Glory Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Feb 11, 2022

So, At the Heart of The Transfiguration is three things One Companionship, two Revelation/our Moring-time, three Glorification. I would also like to suggest at the heart of Black History Month are the same three things.

#MyBlackHistory Begins in Seeing Our Real Glory We step away from the Old Testament text this week as we return to the gospel story of Jesus’ Transfiguration. Last week, we talked about our ongoing transformation. But here, it isn’t about us, but it is about Jesus. Some might ask what is our role ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:28-36, Luke 9:37-43

Denomination: United Methodist

Clinging To The Lord In Hope Series

Contributed by Isaac Butterworth on May 12, 2022

Life becomes 'bitter' and we lose hope with we turn away from the Lord, but the Lord restores hope by drawing us back to Him.

CLINGING TO THE LORD IN HOPE Ruth 1:1-22 What is wrong?—Life becomes ‘bitter,’ and we lose hope when we turn away from the Lord. What is true?—The Lord restores hope by drawing us back to Him. What to do—We must cling to the Lord in hope. Why? Because… I Hope in the Lord Leads to Obedience ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When Life Falls Apart Series

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 10, 2025

When life falls apart, God’s unseen hand still weaves redemption—turning famine into harvest, bitterness into blessing, and emptiness into grace-filled return.

Introduction — When the soul runs out of fuel It happens slowly. You don’t crash in a single day. First, it’s the mornings that come too soon. You lie there, staring at the ceiling, trying to remember what it used to feel like to wake up with joy. Then the evenings grow heavy. You sit in silence ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 61:3, Matthew 11:28, Romans 8:28

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Second Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A: John 1:29 Moments

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Dec 19, 2019

2nd Sunday, Cycle A

Two cockroaches were munching on garbage in an alley when one engages a discussion about a new restaurant. "I was in that new restaurant across the street," said one. "It's so clean! The kitchen is spotless, and the floors are gleaming white. There is no dirt anywhere--it's ...read more

Scripture: John 1:29-34

Denomination: Catholic

The Dark Night Of The Soul

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Oct 15, 2024

Hard times, crisis, time loss times, are all dark times in one's life.

The Dark Night of the Soul Job 23:1-9, 16-17 Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591): A Spanish mystic and of the Carmelite Order of friar, Saint John of the Cross wrote extensively about his own spiritual journey, which involved intense periods of doubt, despair and purification. He ...read more

Scripture: Job 23:1-9

Denomination: Methodist

Character Study Of Naomi Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 24, 2025

Naomi’s life journey was filled with loss, bitterness, wisdom, and restoration. Her story teaches us that God can turn our mourning into joy, and our faithfulness to Him will always be rewarded.

CHARACTER STUDY OF NAOMI – RUTH’S MOTHER-IN-LAW By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Ruth 1:8 "And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me." Supporting Texts: Ruth ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-22, Ruth 2:20, Psalm 30:5, Romans 8:28, Isaiah 61:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How To Find Strength In A Time Of Crisis (Acts - Part 8) Series

Contributed by Jeff Christopherson on Jan 15, 2005

overcoming the destructive myths and finding strength in life’s toughest seasons...

how to find strength in a time of crisis Acts Series: “Completely Irreligious, Yet Radically Christian” Part 8 Pastor Jeff Christopherson March 2, 2003 Acts 4:23-31 I. Three Devastating Myths about Troubles: Myth #1: God’s children are immune to crises. Truth: The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31

Denomination: Baptist