In Sermon Illustrations: "Joy"

Michaelangelo Buonoarti Was One Of The World's ...

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Dec 8, 2006

Michaelangelo Buonoarti was one of the world’s most talented sculptor. Many have enjoyed his work in pictures or photos. Others of us have seen the real thing. There is a set of 4 sculptures Michaelangelo done around 1453 that some claim were never finished. The were commissioned for the tomb ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

There's A Secular Group In Britain Called "Join ...

Contributed by Austin Mansfield on Feb 18, 2007

There’s a secular group in Britain called “Join Me” that came up with a novel approach toward helping people, called “Good Fridays.” Each Friday they to take to the streets and carry out Random Acts of Kindness for the benefit of strangers. As the founder writes, “They took to their task with ...read more

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Sin Has Become Commonplace Among God's People. We ...

Contributed by Richard Goble on Nov 18, 2007

Sin has become commonplace among God’s people. We have become somewhat hardened to it, given the constant exposure we have to it through modern media. Sin is a problem in the life of a Christian, and unconfessed sin will hinder the prayer life of anyone. Consider the following example of a young ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Lyrics Of Renowned Worship Leader Scott ...

Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Jan 1, 2008

The lyrics of renowned worship leader Scott Wesley Brown in his contemporary praise song, “He Will Carry You” affirm that we can depend on the Jesus through the ministry of the Holy Spirit to always renew our faith, our hope, our courage, and our joy even in the presence of grief, loss, and ...read more

Tags: Disciplines Silence

Denomination: Methodist

While Recovering In The Hospital From A Serious ...

Contributed by George Mansfield on Feb 1, 2008

While recovering in the hospital from a serious auto accident, I received a letter from a total stranger who seemed to know just what to say to make my day brighter. In fact, I received several letters from him, and each one was better than the one before. When I was able to get around, I met him ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Recently Heard The Story Of A Boy Named Eduardo ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 2, 2008

I recently heard the story of a boy named Eduardo who was completely blind. He had spent all of his life trying to understand the mysteries of looking around a corner or why people could not see through a wall. The article said he often pondered the “wonders of a blue sky or green field.” But ...read more

Sacrificial Love

Contributed by Clarence Clough on Oct 2, 2008

Sacrificial Love Years ago, a young mother was making her way across the hills of South Wales, carrying her tiny baby in her arms, when she was overtaken by a blinding blizzard. She never reached her destination, and when the blizzard had subsided her body was found by searchers beneath a mound of ...read more

Tags: Cross

Denomination: Church Of God

Without Exception, Everyone Of Them Is A ...

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Mar 9, 2009

Without exception, everyone of them is a perversion of something which is in itself good. Immorality, impurity, licentiousness are perversions of the sexual instinct which is in itself a lovely thing and a part of love. Idolatry is a perversion of worship, and was begun as an aid to worship. ...read more

Tags: Sin General

Denomination: Other

I Am One Of Them

Contributed by Sermon Central on Mar 13, 2009

I AM ONE OF THEM As a third-century man was anticipating death, he penned these last words to a friend: "It’s a bad world, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and holy people who have learned a great secret. They have found a joy, which is a thousand times ...read more

Tags: Christian Witness

In His Book I Surrender, Patrick Morley Writes ...

Contributed by Bobby Scobey on Oct 22, 2009

In his book I Surrender, Patrick Morley writes that the church’s integrity problem is in the misconception "that we can add Christ to our lives, but not subtract sin. It is a change in belief without a change in behavior." He goes on to say, "It is revival without reformation, without repentance." ...read more

Tags: Repentance, Christian Values

Denomination: Pentecostal

Gene Perrett Gave This List Of Eight Things To Be ...

Contributed by Bobby Scobey on Oct 27, 2009

Gene Perrett gave this list of eight things to be thankful for: 1 - for automatic dishwashers. They make it possible to get out of the kitchen before the family come in for their after-dinner snacks. 2 - for husbands who attack small repair jobs around the house. They usually make them big ...read more

Tags: Thanksgiving Holiday

Denomination: Pentecostal

It

Contributed by Brad Henry on Dec 9, 2011

IT Each of us has an "IT" that is keeping us from joy and being free from worry. It isn't until we let go of that "IT" that we will be free. We can talk about all the steps to get out of addictions, the steps to curtail anger, animosity, jealousy, fear of death and a host of other worries and ...read more

Tags: Fear And Worry

Overcomers

Contributed by Ronald Franklin on Jul 10, 2012

ILLUS: I watched Serena Williams win the Wimbledon tennis championship yesterday. She cruised through the first set. But in the second set, her opponent rallied and got hot, and won the set. Then, in the 3rd set, Serena got her game back on track and she just overwhelmed her opponent to win going ...read more

Tags: Trials And Difficulties

Denomination: Baptist

Only By Sacrifice

Contributed by Perry Greene on Aug 29, 2012

ONLY BY SACRIFICE During World War II, a young paratrooper, David Webster of E Company, 101st Airborne wrote his mother, "Stop worrying about me. I joined the parachutists to fight. I intend to fight. If necessary, I shall die fighting, but don’t worry about this because no war can be won without ...read more

Tags: Sacrifices

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why God?

Contributed by Larry Turner on Feb 8, 2016

Why God? God, why did this happen, Questions my soul needs to know. If you really love me Why am I hurting so? Why did you let it happen? The power is in your hand. Why did you not stop it? Please help me understand. I know it’s for a purpose. I have to figure out What is your reason. Please help ...read more

Scripture: Job 10:1-3

Tags: Struggles, Life Struggles, Questioning God, Reason For Suffering, Understanding God  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Foursquare

Quotes On Suffering For Christ

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jan 4, 2021

There is a certain kind of maturity that can be attained only through the discipline of suffering. - D. A. Carson Do not kick against suffering, for in so doing you may be fighting against God. - Spurgeon Life without struggle and difficulty is thin and tasteless. How can a noble life be ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:10-12

Tags: Pain, Spiritual Warfare, Discipleship, Suffering, Take Up Your Cross  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Don't Go Back

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Feb 20, 2021

Several years ago, Karen and I was up in the Ruidoso area; and I decided to try a short cut that I thought I knew about. The problem was, the road turned into a very rough dirt road; and the further we went, the worse the road became. We came upon a farmer’s house and land; and there was a ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:8-9

Tags: Freedom, Forward

Denomination: Baptist

Bearish Schedule--Bullish Timing!" Galatians 5: ...  PRO

Contributed by Mark Brunner on Oct 4, 2004

“Bearish Schedule--Bullish Timing!” Galatians 5: 22-24 Key verse(s): 22: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Part of the fun of living are those times and events in our lives that happen spontaneously; that ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-24

Tags: Dealing With Conflicts

Denomination: Lutheran

Passing Through The Shadows!" 1 Corinthians ...  PRO

Contributed by Mark Brunner on Mar 21, 2005

“Passing Through The Shadows!” 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 Key verse(s): 26:“‘For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes’.” “Smile and the world smiles with you! Cry and you cry alone.” Walking through life with a smile on our faces is something to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-34

Tags: Easter Maundy Thursday

Denomination: Lutheran

John Pierpont Died A Failure. In 1866, Ar The ...  PRO

Contributed by Bruce Howell on Jul 27, 2006

John Pierpont died a failure. In 1866, ar the age of 81, he came to the end of his days as a government clerk in Washington, D.C., with a long string of personal defeats. Things began well enough. He graduated from Yale, which his grandfather had helped found and chose education as his ...read more

Denomination: Wesleyan