Sermons on Choosing Joy:

You Have To Be Kidding

Contributed by John Raulerson on Oct 6, 2005

James’readers must have been amazed when he told them to count it all joy when they fall into trials. James was not kidding and explained how trials can be a friend and not a foe.

YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING! James 1:2-11 There are times in life when you hear something that sounds so outlandish that your first remark is "You have to be kidding!" You think that what the person is telling you has to be a joke or a lie, but certainly not the truth. This had to be the thoughts of ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A New Year: Will Anything Really Change? Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jan 3, 2004

Some fear change, and others think it never really happens. But either of those approaches writes off what God can do. Embrace change, know who you are, and there will be joy.

Some of you look like you just woke up, so maybe I need to tell you that we have started another new year! We have crossed over into a new year. Maybe you marked it with prayer at the midnight hour, or a quick kiss with someone you love, or – well, we’ll not get into some of the less-than-Baptist ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Importance Of Winning Souls

Contributed by Dean Morgan on Sep 2, 2004

The greatest concern of hell is soul winning; the greatest joy of heaven is soul winning; the greatest responsibility of Christians on earth beyond our personal relationship before God and our families is soul winning.

TEXT: Luke 16:27-31; Luke 15:1-7, 10; Mark 5:18-20 TITLE: SOUL WINNING Luke 16:27-31 – The greatest concern of hell Luke 15:1-7, 10 – The greatest joy of heaven Mark 5:18-20 – The greatest responsibility of earth These three things are really one and the same. The greatest concern of hell is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:27-31

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Art Of Loafing Series

Contributed by Don Hawks on Jul 5, 2007

On Holy Humor Sunday I thought it appropriate to talk about the Art of Loafing. Because how can you enjoy the humor of life without taking time to see the fun and joy of life.

SERMON OUTLINE AND NOTES Bridgewater United Methodist Church—Pastor Don Hawks 04.22.07 The Art of Loafing Thanks to Rev. Richard Maraj for the inspiration For this message 59th ST Bridge Song: “Feeling Groovy” Simon and Garfunkel Slow down, you move too fast. You got to make the morning ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:31-32

Denomination: Methodist

The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation

Contributed by Jose R. Hernandez on Jul 10, 2007

The praise and worship part of our Christian life is of the utmost importance because it helps us develop a deeper relationship with God, and in the words we find the hope, joy, and comfort that we all seek.

Today I want us to analyze a very important aspect of our Christian life that is oftentimes overlooked, or not given too much attention to. I say that it is something that is oftentimes overlooked or not paid attention to because the majority of all believers only take care of this aspect of their ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 27:1-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"The Blessing's Of Following The Lord"

Contributed by Mark Hensley on Oct 31, 2002

No matter the situation in your life be it a move across the country or a change in job or school or relationship, perhaps a change you did not initiate or want you can know the absolute joy of following the Lord!

Southern Hills Baptist Church October 27 2002 The Blessings of following the Lord Mark 10: 28-29 By Pastor Mark Hensley 28Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!" 29"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:28-29

Denomination: Baptist

Remembering, Reconnecting, And Rejoicing: What God Gives To The Grieving Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Apr 25, 2009

Grieving healthily means remembering both positive and negative; it means connecting with others who can love us and whom we can love. In His own time God will give joy.

One of the laws of life is: To get something, you must give up something. To gain, you must also lose. We call that the tradeoff principle. We operate on the tradeoff principle every day. When you go to the grocery store and fill your basket, they have the audacity to expect you to pay for what ...read more

Scripture: John 19:25-27

Denomination: Baptist

Where God Dwells

Contributed by Kevin Burden on Aug 6, 2008

It is almost certain that this psalm was sung by the multitudes when the Ark was moved from the Threshing floor of ……. to the Temple in Jerusalem. It was a season of spiritual joy, the greatest that had ever occurred in Israel’s national history.

The context of this psalm has to do with… • The building the Temple in Jerusalem. • God’s conditional covenant with David. It is almost certain that this psalm was sung by the multitudes when the Ark was moved from the Threshing floor of ……. to the Temple in Jerusalem. It was a season of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 132:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

After The Resurrection Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Apr 12, 2011

Our text reveals how some may respond to the resurrection. 1- Some consider but do not believe 2- Some agonize but find no joy 3- Some see but don’t they see

INTRO.- ILL.- It was following the resurrection and disciples were still somewhat scattered about Jerusalem and the surrounding villages. John finds Peter and runs up to him. Excitedly he says, "Peter, Peter! I’ve got some good news and some bad news." Peter takes ahold of John and calms him ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

10 Secrets To Success Found In The Book Of James

Contributed by John Putty on Apr 5, 2011

The Bible is our rule of faith and conduct for this life. Those who are wise enough to realize this and follow passionately the principles of success outlined within it will find true meaning, purpose, joy and fulfillment in this life.

10 SECRETS TO SUCCESS FOUND IN THE BOOK OF JAMES I. Pray until you know that you have become a “different person.” James 4:7-10(KJV) 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Playing To Win: Get In The Game!

Contributed by C Jordan on May 5, 2008

Christianity is a contact sport. The true joy and satisfaction in the journey of faith comes when we get out of the stands and onto the court. God wants all believers to get in the game and play to win!

PLAYING TO WIN: GET IN THE GAME OPENING TEXT: “11 He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, 13 until we ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Denomination: *other

God Reassures His People Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Jul 30, 2012

The remedy for fear is trust in our Creator. Only when we trust the reality of God's presence, power, protection, and provision for our lives can we share the joy God intends for us.

ISAIAH 41: 10-14 GOD REASSURES HIS PEOPLE In his first INAUGURAL SPEECH in 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt, the newly elected president of the US, addressed a nation that was still reeling from the Great Depression. Hoping to ignite a more optimistic outlook regarding that economic crisis, he ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10-14

Denomination: Baptist

Living With One Foot In Eternity

Contributed by John Gaston on Jun 3, 2020

Philip is an example of a person “Living With One Foot in Eternity.” This kind of person lifts up Jesus, inspires hunger for God, is connected with the supernatural, and brings great joy to people's lives.

LIVING WITH ONE FOOT IN ETERNITY Acts 8:5-17 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. A boy had a heated argument with his sister about who was going to get the last brownie. Their mother overheard the fuss and decided to teach them a deeper truth. She said, "What would Jesus do?" 2. The girl ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:5-17

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Devil’s Nightmare

Contributed by John Gaston on Feb 22, 2015

The devil's worst nightmare is that believers actually start being the church Jesus declared they were capable of being: Overcomers, decisive witnesses, going after the lost, living the victorious life of joy and peace.

THE DEVIL’S NIGHTMARE Matt. 16:17 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: Cajun Magic Trick 1. Thibodeaux and Boudreaux entered a chocolate store. As they were looking at the candy, Thibodeaux stole 3 chocolate bars. When they left the store Thibodeaux said to Boudreaux, "I'm the best thief, I stole 3 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Heart's Treasure

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Aug 13, 2019

Our heart's treasure grounds the purpose of our life. When our heart's treasure is God's kingdom, we have tremendous joy and peace.

August 11, 2019 Pastor Mary Erickson Hope Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, WI Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12:32-40 The Heart’s Treasure Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Antiques Roadshow has been a longstanding popular show on PBS. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:8-16

Denomination: Lutheran