Sermons on Designed For Joy:

Uncommon Freedom

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Aug 9, 2022

“Freedom is understood as either having the ability to act or change without constraint or to possess the power and resources to fulfill one's purposes unhindered.” Jesus assures believers that God alone can give real freedom.

Sermon: Uncommon Freedom Sacred scripture: John 8:21-37 “Later Jesus said to them again, “I am going away. You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going.”22 The people[a] asked, “Is he planning to commit suicide? What does he mean, ‘You cannot come where I am ...read more

Scripture: John 8:21-37, Galatians 5:1, John 14:6

Denomination: Methodist

Making The Jail House Rock

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on May 25, 2022

God needs to shake things up in the church and free us from our self-imprisonment.

Making the Jail House Rock Acts 16:16-34 The text we read this morning has been a popular one for Vacation Bible Schools for many years. The cardboard props of the wall of the jail house and the barred windows has “imprisoned” many a child or saint in the skit. someone pulls the string, and the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-34

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Prisa Por Dar Nuestra Presencia

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Dec 13, 2021

Reflexión navideña

Prisa por dar nuestra presencia Reflexión navideña Sagrada Escritura: Miqueas 5: 2-5, Hebreos 10: 5-10, Lucas 1: 39-45. Queridos hermanos y hermanas, Dar siempre está relacionado con la celebración de la Navidad en todo el mundo. En otras palabras, la Navidad es la ...read more

Scripture: Micah 5:2-5, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45

Denomination: Other

Jesus Vs Eeyore Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 31, 2021

The same divine being who planned out and created the galaxies by an effortless command comes to those who are oppressed with healing, and to the oppressors with rebuke.

Fifth Sunday in Coarse 2021 There is nothing subtle about the first chapter of St. Mark’s Gospel. He introduces us to John the Baptist, then Jesus comes from Nazareth and is baptized. Immediately He is driven by the Spirit into the wilderness and is tempted. He goes to Galilee to begin preaching, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 147:1-6, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Job 7:1-7, Mark 1:29-39

Denomination: Catholic

The Word Of Life Celebrated Series

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Feb 1, 2021

John says, “We write this to make our joy complete. He presents Jesus as the source of the completed life. John says, “and the life was manifested.” Jesus is not a mysterious entity that is evasive, he is real, and Christians find their joy through him.

Reality shows continue to draw people’s attention. . . In an article, 10 Reality Shows That Aren't Real At All (And 10 That Totally Are), Chris Littlechild, talks about how they claim to be real; however, “the producers are just looking to stir up drama with fake moments. These shows are ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Last Creation Story--Also The Greatest Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Feb 6, 2021

Watch for signs that our friends and relatives are bored or in crisis or somehow dissatisfied with trying the world’s failed ways to joy through pleasure and honor and vanity.

Monday of the 5th Week in Course 2021 There are several creation stories in the collection of sacred books we call the Bible. Today we heard the first from Genesis. But shortly after this story, the moral depravity of the culture got so bad that God decided to start over with Noah and his ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:53-56, Genesis 1:1-19

Denomination: Catholic

The Easter Garden Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 5, 2021

God started human history in a garden, and Jesus began a new history of salvation in the Easter garden which gave to man new life, new joy, and new hope.

A son kept asking his father questions until he was bugged. He decided and try to quench the lad's curiosity with the old cliche, "Remember, curiosity killed the cat." The son replied, "What was the cat curious about dad?" The plan backfired, for the boy was even ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

I Am Good Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on May 2, 2021

We cannot help but shout of joy, amen? We cannot help but worship Him with gladness, amen? We cannot help but come before Him with joyful songs because we are His! Because Jesus … our dear, precious Savior … bought us with His blood.

One of my favorite novels is Daniel Defoe’s “Robinson Crusoe.” Well … we call Defoe’s book “Robinson Crusoe,” but the actual title of the books is … “The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner: Who Lived Eight and Twenty Years, All Alone in an Un-inhabited ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5, Psalm 145:15-16, Matthew 7:13-14, Psalm 143:10

Denomination: United Methodist

Gideon Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 14, 2022

Gideon was the son of Joash, from the Abiezrite clan in the tribe of Manasseh and lived in Ephra (Ophrah). As a leader of the Israelites, he won a decisive victory over a Midianite army despite a vast numerical disadvantage, leading a troop of 300 "valiant" men.

Gideon Facts – Things You Should know Successor • Abimelech Parent(s) • Joash (father) Italics indicate individuals not explicitly described as judges Book of Joshua • Joshua Book of Judges ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:11-22

Denomination: Baptist

Rejoice And Be Glad: Seeking God In All Things Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on May 20, 2024

Psalm 70:4 is a verse that calls us to rejoice and be glad as we seek God and celebrate His salvation.

Rejoice and Be Glad: Seeking God in All Things Psalm 70:4 (NLT) - "But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, 'God is great!'" Introduction Today, we delve into Psalm 70:4, a verse that calls us to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 70:4, Psalm 16:11, 1 Peter 2:9, Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Pentecostal

The God Who Is Worth Suffering For - Matthew 5:10-12 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 7, 2024

Usually when someone mistreats us because of our righteousness, we think we’re doing well if we simply endure it without getting angry or depressed. But Jesus calls us to far more than that. We are to rejoice greatly! This message will help you do that.

Matthew 5:1-12 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

And The Lord Made Me Dance Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jan 21, 2025

Dancing in the Lord symbolizes joy, celebration, and the recognition of His goodness in our lives. When God intervenes in our situations, He fills our hearts with joy that often overflows into dance.

Title: AND THE LORD MADE ME DANCE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Samuel 6:14 Supporting Texts: Psalm 30:11, Ecclesiastes 3:4, Psalm 149:3, Jeremiah 31:13 INTRODUCTION: Dancing in the Lord symbolizes joy, celebration, and the recognition of His goodness in our lives. When God intervenes in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:14, Psalm 30:11, Ecclesiastes 3:4, Psalm 149:3, Jeremiah 31:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Prayer Power Series

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Feb 13, 2025

James is going to end his book with a call to pray in all circumstances and encourage us to confess our sins to each other

James: Practical Faith (Part 2)  James 5:13-20 Pastor Jefferson M. Williams Chenoa Baptist Church  02-09–2025 Gumball Theology I love gum balls. If we are somewhere that has gumboil machines, Maxine will make sure to have quarters for me. But what if I just stood there, staring at ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

Satisfaction Sold Separately - Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:9 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 20, 2025

“Don’t get all worked up when people in charge abuse their power.” Good advice, but easier said than done. This passage teaches us how to do it—joyfully!

Ecclesiastes 5:8 If you see oppression of the poor and perversion of justice and righteousness in the province, don’t be astonished at the situation, because one official protects another official, and higher officials protect them. 9 The profit from the land is taken by all; the king is served by ...read more

Religion And Politics - Ecclesiastes 8:1-9:1 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 23, 2025

One of the most aggravating parts of living in a fallen world is dealing with corruption in government and other authorities who misuse their power—especially when that abuse of power hurts you personally. This passage teaches us how to keep enjoying life even in the face of abuse of authority.

8:1 Who is like the wise person, and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man's wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. 2 Keep the king's command because of your oath made before God. 3 Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence, and don't persist in a ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:1