Sermons on Bitter:

Choosing Hope Over Happiness Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Jan 18, 2011

God offers a future and a hope to all who trust in him more than we treasure earth’s rewards.

Scripture Introduction In his old radio show, Thru the Bible, J. Vernon McGee said, “The Book of Ruth is a pearl in the swine pen of the judges.” I’m not sure I would say just that, but these people did live in the time of the judges (about 1100 B. C.), which were not the best years for Israel. ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:6-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Caution: We Are In The People Zone Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on May 23, 2011

In order to grow in social and relational wisdom, we must understand what is likely; fortunately, Proverbs gives us a divine perspective.

Caution: We Are In the People Zone (Proverbs 18:1-4) 1. Wisdom not valued much in modern society, so wisdom literature not popular in our culture; In the past, Aesop’s fables–which are amazing– used to be a common resource for popular wisdom. But in the ancient near east, wisdom literature ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 18:1-4

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What's Weighing You Down?

Contributed by Kelly Benton on Jan 29, 2013

To share that we need to unload un-needed weight from our lives and hand it over to Jesus.

I Believe in life we have many things that weigh us down and more times than not, they are things that we can easily let go of but we tend to hold on to them with dear life, weighing ourselves down so much that moving forward is non-existent and almost unachievable in our minds. Today I want to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Other

Running On Empty Series

Contributed by Tim Diack on Feb 4, 2013

Naomi returns to Bethlehem despondent and embittered by sorrow and loss. What she fails to see, is what we often miss as well – that God is already at work behind the scenes!

Running On Empty - Ruth 1:19-22 - February 3, 2013 Series: From Heartache to Hope – The Redemption of Ruth - #3 As some of you will know, I have a sister. She lives in Calgary, and has a growing family of her own, so we don’t see each other very often – certainly not as ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:19-22

Denomination: *other

The Dagger Of The Kiss

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Apr 3, 2015

THE DAGGER OF THE KISS IS ONE OF THE GREAT DANGERS ONE FACES IN LONG TERM MINISTRY. It is possible to be stabbed by a kiss. Is that a WOLF'S KISS? Never allow hurt to define you!

THE DAGGER OF THE KISS... WE WILL ALL FACE THE DAGGER OF REAL LIFE --- By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com I have a large knife that I use as I walk through this lesson. Several times in the Bible a person uses a hidden dagger to kill. INTRODUCTION: APRIL, 2015 NEWS ---- MY MOTHER IN ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:47-48

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Growing Up When You're Torn Down Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Sep 29, 2014

Trials are meant to fortify our faith.

Growing Up When You’re Torn Down 1 Peter 1:6-9 Rev. Brian Bill September 27-28, 2014 Offertory: “He’s Been Faithful” On Monday of this week, the pastoral staff and spouses went bowling. It was meant to be a great bonding time and we purposely wanted to keep it light. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-9

Denomination: Baptist

Time Heals All Wounds And Other Lies We Beleive About Conflict Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Sep 2, 2012

This sermon focuses on the broken relationship of Jacob and Esau. We will learn that broken relationships must be healed through confession and forgiveness in a way that honors both TRUTH in judgement and GRACE in forgiveness.

We’ve been told that Time heals all wounds. Our unwillingness to confront sin, or talk about broken relationships confirms that at least some of the time, we follow this advice. But as we know, time does not heal all wounds. Come with me to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. Roman ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 27:1-46, James 4:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Who Is Wise And Understanding Among You? (James 3:13-18) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jun 24, 2022

The answer, in truth, is my mother-in-law. James redefines for us what true wisdom looks like.

Who is wise and understanding among you? (James 3:13-18) In our passage today, James opens up a new section by asking a question. So let's start, the same way. James 3:13: (13) Who [is] wise and understanding/knowledgeable among you? When you look around this room, at the people who are a ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18

The Antics Of Anger - A Multi-Part Message

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Apr 13, 2021

Of all the emotions a human being can experience, the emotion of anger is probably the most challenging and complex of all.

"If you cannot control your anger, you are as helpless as a city without walls, open to attack." (Prov 25:28 GNB) Of all the emotions a human being can experience, the emotion of anger is probably the most challenging and complex of all. It can be physically, emotionally, ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 25:28, John 2:14-16, Luke 15:28-30, Proverbs 18:19, Proverbs 29:22, James 1:19, Mark 3:1-6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Dealing With Spear Throwers

Contributed by Maurice Mccarthy on Jul 9, 2016

Recently had to deal with a bitter root that showed up in church. I had been reading Tale of 3 Kings just prior. Decided to speak about the Saul in me, rather than the Saul in others.

Dealing With Spear Throwers PPT 1 Message Title In John 14:2 Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you." That verse primarily concerns heaven, but I want to take the thought of a prepared place and alter it slightly to say that not only does God prepare a place for us, but He also prepares us ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:6-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Takes These Chains From My Heart

Contributed by Perry Anderson on Jul 14, 2016

Unforgiveness keeps us in chains and blocks us from peace and joy...It paralyzes and holds us captive. When we choose to forgive, we are set free from bitterness and hate. We are set free!

Please Release Me Colossians 3:12-15 “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-15, Matthew 18:23-35, Ephesians 1:7, Micah 7:18-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Covered In The Dust Of Your Rabbi

Contributed by Maurice Mccarthy on Apr 23, 2018

One of the benfits of dwelling in the secret place of the Most High is that He gives you grace to escape the hidden traps of the enemy. Traps are placed in the path which animals usually take to get food/water. The most bitter people you will ever meet ..

Covered in the Dust of Your Rabbi PPT 1 Series Title PPT 2 Message Title May you be covered the dust of your Rabbi is a Jewish saying that basically means may you walk so close to your teacher that you are covered with his dust. (See note at end of message for more info) As we get in to this ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-3

Denomination: Pentecostal

Elevate To The Next Level - "Living In Forgiveness”

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Oct 19, 2025

Forgiveness is one of the more necessary doctrines/teachings that believers in Christ need to hear and understand. This is especially true if we ever want to go to the next level in our discipleship, that is, in our Christian lives.

Elevate to the Next Level “Living in Forgiveness” Watch on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHQ2Xb0ZLIk&t=10s Forgiveness is one topic I never tire of teaching, because it is one of the more necessary doctrines, or teaching that believers in Jesus Christ need to hear and ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 6:12-15, Job 5:2, 1 Corinthians 13:5, 1 John 1:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Foursquare

When Love Grows Cold

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on May 16, 2024

This message is about the prophecy Jesus gave about the Church in these last days - that our love could grow cold if we are not actively fighting to keep it burning.

When Love Grows Cold Scripture: John 13:34-35; Matthew 24:12; Ephesians 4:31-5:2 Good morning, Strangers Rest! The title of my message this morning is “When Love Grows Cold.” Before I go any further, I want you to know that I will be driving on everybody’s street today so when I get to your ...read more

Scripture: John 13:34-35, Matthew 24:12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Lifestyle Of Forgiveness

Contributed by Greg Cooper on Oct 16, 2001

WE MUST LEARN TO LIVE WITHOUT BITTERNESS AND UNFORGIVENESS. IT DESTORY’S OUR JOY, PEACE, AND OUR REALTIONSHIP WITH GOD.

Title: A Lifestyle of Forgiveness Text: Mathew 18:21-35 Intro: Have you ever known someone that had a problem with forgiving? Someone that held a grudge and would not let go of it. Most likely they walked around bitter and angry most of the time. Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Pentecostal