Sermons on Bitter To Better:

This Is Us Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 2, 2018

We have 2 advantages over non-Christians. Because of God's blessings in our lives, we are better off than many in this world, but we must be careful not to see ourselves as being "better" than others.

For the next few weeks we’re going to be focusing on what can we learn from Scripture as it applies to a popular new TV series (now entering its 3rd season) called “This Is Us”. It’s been nominated for 8 Emmys because of the power of its writing and its acting, and it has literally brought many of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:19-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

You Are The Man Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 30, 2023

After David's sin with Bathsheba his family fell apart. What can we learn from his experience that can make us better parents as well as better servants of a mighty God?

In 2013, a 19 year old Austrian skier named Teresa Stadlober became the 1st Austrian skier to take the gold and silver medals in the Junior Skiathlon (in the Czech Republic).Ever since that time she’d been training for the Olympics, and in 2018 (at the age of 25) she was at the Olympic Winter ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Please Don't Give Up"

Contributed by Brad Henry on Sep 1, 2011

If you have ever felt at your wits end with no where to go this message is for you. No matter how lost or how tired you feel God Knows and thats all that matters.

“In 1965 a divorced mother of two, found a classified ad offering a restaurant for sale. She mortgaged her house to purchase the restaurant, the original Chris's steakhouse. In 1976 a fire forced her to relocate. Under the original purchase agreement, the name "Chris Steak House" could not be ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:3-5

We Are Never Stuck In Failure Series

Contributed by The Rev Deniray Mueller on Apr 27, 2017

never give up, no matter the obstacles

My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) Today or any other day of the year may have been the final day of your divorce, the day you were rejected, the day you lost your job, or the day you lost a loved one; but remember, as ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9

Denomination: Episcopal

Sucking Blessings Through A Straw

Contributed by James May on Nov 27, 2007

Trying to receive the blessings of God while we harbor a Root of Bitterness is like trying to drink after eating lemons. The flow is restricted because we are all drawn up inside.

Sucking Blessings Through a Straw #13 in the Book of James Series By Pastor Jim May James has just completed dealing with the power of the tongue to destroy and to bless. Now we will see why the tongue is often put to such terrible use when it is used to destroy a life or a reputation. Most of ...read more

Scripture: James 3:14-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Eclipse Of The Heart (March 27, 2022)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Mar 23, 2022

This morning let us strive to look at this story from a different angle as we give weight to the bitterness and indifference of the elder brother. Today we will focus on the hungry heart and the alienated heart.

ECLIPSE OF THE HEART Text: Luke 15:1 - 3, 11-32 Luke 15: 1 -3, 11- 32  Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.  (2)  And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: United Methodist

The Valley Of Troubled Hearts Series

Contributed by Dr. Dave Hartson on Jan 28, 2021

We all are familiar with the Valley of Troubled Hearts. It may be a dad that was not there for you when you were growing up. It may be a marriage relationship which started out so wonderfully but ended in a bitter divorce.

Introduction If my calculations are correct Moses went to the mountaintop to be with God a total of eight times that we know of. He may have been to the mountain top more times then was recorded in the Scriptures; but at least 8 times. We know that on one of those occasions in Exodus 34:28, Moses ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 2:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Secret To Encouragement

Contributed by Carl Allen on Dec 26, 2007

Everyone needs encouragement from time to time; even the people found in Hebrews 11 did. The epistle to the Hebrews was written to persons struggling in their faith. They needed encouragement to face bitter trials and persecution. These believers neede

The Secret to Encouragement Hebrews 11:1-6 Intro Everyone needs encouragement from time to time; even the people found in Hebrews 11 did. The epistle to the Hebrews was written to persons struggling in their faith. They needed encouragement to face bitter trials and persecution. These ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

How To Respond To Tragedy

Contributed by John Knight on Feb 9, 2003

Coming to terms with September 11, 2001.

How To Respond To Tragedy Matthew 5:38-48 Tuesday, September 11, 2001 We witnessed the darkest hour and the brightest day. I. The Darkest Hour A. An Attack 1. It was an attack upon our INNOCENCE -a break of trust 2. It was an attack upon our DIGNITY 3. It was an attack upon ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

Denomination: Holiness

The Characteristics Of Our God

Contributed by Jim Parisi on Jun 23, 2002

Who is this God we serve? How do I get to know him better?

The Characteristics of our God HHM May 19, 2002 A. The Essence and Substance of God: Who is this God we serve? How do I get to know him better? Thru – Personal Relationship When we want to learn about someone what do we do??? We ask about them, we do some research; we can even have them ...read more

Scripture: John 4:24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Recipe For Renewal Right Here In River City

Contributed by Brent Zastrow on Jul 5, 2001

What better way to celebrate our nation’s birthday than by preparing for a renewal

RECIPIE FOR RENEWAL IN SAYBROOK I. REUNION II. REVIVAL III. REBIRTH I’m sure many of you have seen the musical either at the schools or on TV, the Music Man. So you remember that scene where the “professor”, pointing to the Pool Hall tells the citizens, you’ve got trouble right here in river ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

5 Keys To Success In 2002

Contributed by David Gale on Dec 30, 2001

Five Key Biblical concepts to having a better, deeper, more fruitful year in Christ

5 Keys to Success in 2002 It is not what happens to you this year that will make or break you, it is how you react to what happens you that will make or break you. The 5 keys found in the bible for our success can be spelled out in one word...R. E. A. C. T. React is an acronym for Remember, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14, Psalm 103:2-4

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Worry, Be Happy Series

Contributed by Nate Barbour on Jan 28, 2003

In a world where worry is a daily task, learn why life is better without it.

“No Fear” Series Don’t Worry, Be Happy! Life is Better Without Worry 10/16/02 I. Fear is… a. Anxiety caused by real or possible danger, pain, etc.; fright b. Awe; reverence c. Apprehension; concern d. Synonyms: (noun) fright, terror, horror, panic, dread, dismay, awe, scare, revulsion, aversion, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Get Back To The Word Pt.2 Series

Contributed by Vernon Waters on Feb 20, 2003

Our calling as Christians is to live by the Word, we had better get back to it.

Get Back to the Word Part 2 2 Timothy 3:15 Last week we visited 2 Timothy 3:15 “and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ”. There we learned, what I call the “Trinity of Design”. That is the triple ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:14-15

Denomination: Adventist

Sweep Around Your Own Front Door

Contributed by Robert Mckenzie on Jul 12, 2003

Before you judge someone else you had better judge yourself first.

Sweep Around Your Own Front Door… Matthew 7:1-5 1 Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2 For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5, Proverbs 28:3-28

Denomination: Baptist